by Sarina Patel

I am from a hustling, booming, foggy, golden state in the USA.

I am from a pequeno, forgiving, unified street, Noe Valley.

I am from a towering, loud, family unit, my home. 

I am from 29th street, Noe Valley, San Francisco, California, the USA, the world. 

I am from a desire to help people understand this world, a scientist.

I am from the amazingly incredible win from our quaint soccer team. 

I am from dreaming about paparazzi pouring over me as I happily reply.

I am from hoping until I cry to be a kindly respected and fair leader.

I am from crunchy, soggy, sweet, mellow feeling, delicious cereal.

I am from waiting happily and impatiently in the car for a juicy, soft bun burger.

I am from coming home from school and being surprised with warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies.

I am from helping my dad at night shred the cheese and eating it sneakily while his back is turned.

I am from fancy, delicate and exciting macaroons. 

I am from racing out of bed happily to get my presents on Christmas Day. 

I am from lighting candles and making rangolis on Diwali with an excited look on my face.

I am from feeling ecstatic about the big yearly trip we go on with my friends.

I am from watching a thrilling movie on the weekend with my family.

I am from people praising me on how smart I am while I feel embarrassed.

I am from feeling livid because people say I’m weird.

I am from feeling tired of people saying I am like my dad. 

I am from mom yelling, “Get out of bed!”whilst I get out feeling annoyed and groggy.

I am from living in the irritable Covid pandemic.

I am from being an excited witness of the swearing in of the first black woman as Vice President. 

I am from being sad when there is a death in my family because of COVID-19.

I am from being nervous about 6th grade.

I am from wearing an annoying mask at school. 

This is where I’m from.