This duffel bag is symbolic of the duffel bag I received when I first entered foster care. At the time, it wasn’t just a bag—it was a symbol of uncertainty, a reminder that my life was no longer in my control. Everything familiar to me had been taken away, and I was left with nothing but this bag and the few belongings inside it. It was the only thing that was truly mine, and in many ways, it carried the weight of my fears, confusion, and the overwhelming sense of loss I felt.
For a long time, looking at this bag brought back painful memories of feeling alone and uprooted. But as the years passed, my perspective shifted. Now, when I see it, I no longer just see a reminder of what I lost—I see how far I’ve come. This bag represents resilience, growth, and the strength I found within myself to keep going even when everything felt uncertain. It reminds me of the people who supported me, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the future I am building for myself.
What once symbolized loss now represents perseverance. It’s a part of my story, but it no longer defines me. Instead, it serves as a powerful reminder that I am more than the circumstances I was given—I am the person I’ve fought to become.
– May Souvandara-Phan