I am from moving around the bay area, from suburban Burlingame to the misty hills of Glen Park, then to the fog-smothered Forest Hill, and to the close-knit neighborhood of Potrero Hill.

I am from swinging on a tree swing, smelling the rushing air, looking at the places below me from the amazing view.

I am from swimming with my friends during sleepovers and playdates, the smell of plants and chlorine around us as we have flipping competitions and water gun wars.

I am from night-swimming with my cousins on the Fourth of July, playing Marco-Polo and throwing each other into the pool.

I am from playing in a tree house, the smell and feel of wood surrounding me.

I am from an amazing two-day Christmas celebration, with the smell of tape, wrapping paper, presents, sodas, and amazing food wafting around the house as I hang out with my cousins.

I am from Thanksgiving celebrations with large turkeys and massive servings of pie and ice cream, savoring every bite and trying to get back to playing video games with my friends before the Thanksgiving TV specials.

I am from summer barbeques while swimming, and playing in our tree house, while the parents talk.

I am from Easter celebrations, trying to find the golden egg that contains the five-dollar bill, with dirt, food, and sweat wafting around me as my cousins and I yell at each other about who got one of the lesser eggs.

I am from skiing at Squaw-Alpine in the winter, the wet snow blasting up from my poles and skis as the air rushes past me while I barrel down the steep slopes.

I am from surfing in Atlantic City, New Jersey with my cousins as we all try to make each other laugh, the salt water rushing up as we do tricks, making our fins throw salt water into our eyes.

I am from spending the night with my cousins after surfing, playing video games, trying to make a plan while our other cousin tries to make his own plan.

I am from tubing with my family in Maryland, trying to hold on with our dear lives as the boat takes us out of the wake, looking for a beach to go to and play at for a bit.

I am from trying to set up an old Xbox so I can play with my younger cousins.

I am from birthdays with presents and amazing cakes.

I am from Taco Tuesdays with an assortment of meats, vegetables, and cheeses, while I’m the only one having tacos.

I am from ramen with chicken, onions, and cilantro with hot sauce that sinks into the broth, not the noodles, making the broth too spicy.

I am from eating delicious cheese and sauce leaking ravioli, while my cousin doesn’t want it.

I am from eating burgers on the deck, the smell of food and wet grass floating around the neighborhood as fireflies come out and the mosquitos don’t ever stop bothering us.

I am from getting sushi on the way home at Safeway.

I am from burgers and hot dogs with friends at summer barbeques.

I am from making steak with my dad with a special sauce.

I am from pancakes for breakfast after a sleepover.

I am from my parents calling me ‘Deano-Bambino’.

I am from my uncle calling me ‘Jackamadean.’

I am from friends and family and I using slang to call each other.

I am from people saying how they like my name.

I am from my online friends calling me by my username.

This is where I am from.