I am from the vast lush hills and valleys of California that are covered in plant life and human habitation. Water that runs incessantly through the long, peaceful flow of creeks and streams, that are filled with clean and a smooth feel as you run your fingers along the indents and curves of the pebbles. The pebbles synchronize with the elegant shifts in the water. The waters flow into our estuary, San Francisco.

I am from San Francisco, where all walks of life are diverse. Plants and trees that spread their roots through the ground laboriously, attracting abundant amounts of water. Flowers of intricate design and exquisiteness, do the same, while they blossom and in fusion the colors of the blossoms merge. People from different nationalities and backgrounds participate in change, acceptance, and kindness. I am from my astonishing house, which appears gray and white from the outside. But on the inside there is so much green in plant life and growth. The growth in achievements from my amazing parents, and I. I am from the peppermint prickling smells of Saje air spray and potent steam from the swirling and burning of hot steak. The smells swirl around the kitchen, then travel all around the house. Cars pass silently, yet a vibration knocks me off my feet.

I am from earning my diligently worked for red belt in Taekwondo

I am from setting goals for myself

I am from high expectations

I am from diligence and kindness

I am from setting daily habits, working out, getting my schoolwork done, and playing volleyball

I am from knowing I can become an actor

I am from playing volleyball for a few months, trying to hit the ball high into the air, spiking the other team. Trying is different from succeeding. But I have succeeded

I am from knowing I will win an Oscar and EGOT award when I become an actor

I am from satisfactory Ghirardelli chocolate that crumples from the grasp of your teeth. That sinks into your taste buds and the gooey delicious caramel sticks in your mouth and melts gradually, as you lick incessantly so it will let go.

I am from amazing burgers, fries, pizza, and so much more in San Francisco. 

I am from delectable empanadas, with soft pillow-like dough, filled with hot, spicy,  mouthwatering meat. Green, crushed peas and peppers crammed in. My mom and I take a fork and come down with strength, indenting the crisp outer layers of the dough.

I am from chewing up and spitting out watery eggplant, Mayo, bright mustard, hard cinnamon sprinkled oatmeal, and waffles so soggy that pieces chip away.

I am from the love of smelling wisps of fresh air with my family, running in lengths ranging from low to high cut grass at USF, Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, etc. 

Screaming calmly through the trimmed trees, leaves falling as my voice knocks them down. Sunlight streams into my eyes, blinding me from reality. Making me sneeze… slowly fog swishes in simple ways. Subsequently, the cotton candy clouds form in the sky. They change colors when I turn my head briefly to the side, viewing the clouds in my imagination. 

I am from putting up Halloween decorations scarier than my mother and Chip, with her growling teeth. But that might be scarier. Every single year, I have an amazing costume. When I was younger, I was embarrassed at the idea of wearing it. But now I strut confidently on the sidewalk, in the street. People gaze wonderfully. Compliments fill my mind. My friends and I party till midnight. Music playing loudly, disturbing neighbors. But we do not care. We dance, sing, hug, play. I run from the demons that haunt my nightmares, but in real life. I tumble and crash into decorations, scrambling to get away. Not to be captured from the monsters.

Then I am from the excitement of Christmas. I shred the gift wrapping. My eyes bulging out of their sockets. I run and jump onto the somewhat crumb filled couch and hug my parents. 

I am from cookie dough rising in the oven, hot. I take them out, only smelling! They cool off on the extremely sizzling pan. Finally ready to eat. I indulge myself with so many. At least 5. My parents enjoy them as well. 

I am from eating chocolate on Easter. My fluffy bunny, Cinnamon Bun, is so soft as the palm of my hand interacts with the furry fibers of the material. I eat my peeps. Sugar bits drop on the floor. Chip inspects them, then walks away like a boss. 

I am from cuddling with my Chip every day. I feed her freeze dried food. I give her fresh ice cold water and treatipoos. As I throw the treats, she scurries quickly to find it. She runs after baths. She shakes. Then sits proudly to the side of me when I blow dry her. I brush her hair slowly, being careful not to knick her. 

I am from driving to LA with my parents, Chip in the back with me. We visit my grandma who awaits our arrival, nervous/excited.

I am from loving my grandma.

COVID spreads constantly. Making me start school virtually. It starts to die down as vaccines and boosters become present. It gets quieter, not talked about as much and hopefully it will be silenced completely.

I am Camila Varela Joaquim

But my friends/family call me Camila, Cami, and CVJ

My beloved parents call me Maidee, Toodles, etc.

I love the world and the people that surround me, I know myself as Camila