I am from a blue house at the edge of Eureka Valley.

I am from cozy afternoons listening to the rain on the roof,

and from books lining the shelves, with each one telling a different story.

I am from playing merrily with my little brother.

This is where I am from.

I am from trying to help Earth,

and reversing the damage we have done.

I am from hoping people can be conscious of their biases,

and from trying to be aware of mine.

I am from getting accepted to Live Oak,  

the fortunate feeling because I would be going to the school I desired.

This is where I am from.

I am from the delicious, rich papaya from Kahuku Farms where I volunteer when in Hawaii,

and from the juicy oranges in California.

I am from poke bowls, the fish sliding easily down my throat,

and from the chocolatey taste of my mom’s cookies, which finished baking only minutes before.

I am from the smell of curry and Japanese food filling the kitchen,

but also from salads bought from Costco.

This is where I am from.

I am from grandparents coming to our house frequently for occasions like Christmas 

and going to theirs for New Year’s Day.

I am from doing my homework as soon as I get home instead of waiting,

and from the spectacular feeling of accomplishment when my computer closes, when the homework is done.

I am from naming the skyscrapers I can see out my window, 

with each name fitting the building.

I am from the sporadic family game nights, with chess one time and telestrations the next.

I am from sitting at home in the midst of quarantine,

and from 2 hour calls with my friends.

I am from watching TV with my mom late at night,

and from calling my grandparents more frequently.

I am from spending the day looking at a screen for my schoolwork,

and from trying to balance my effort.

The cozy blue house on Grand View has always been my home,

but now it is even more so.

This is where I am from.