I am from a city covered with fog

I am from hearing sirens whooshing by my bedroom window 

I am from an old Victorian house

And hearing my noisy neighbors run up and down the stairs every night 

I am from walking home and hearing music playing down the street 

I am from wanting to help people

And make everyone feel equal 

I am from wanting to be better at math

And pushing myself to work towards that goal 

I am from bowls of piping hot fried rice that burns my tongue 

And drinking mugs of steamy mint tea before bed that warms my chest 

I am from trying new foods from different places 

And not always liking them

I am from baking things and then asking for people’s opinions 

I am from taking my shoes off before entering the house 

And watching horror movies with my mom

I am from eating noodles on Chinese New Year 

I am from going on family trips every year

And learning new things about my ancestors 

I am from being called mature and responsible 

I am from hating to present things during class

And getting an enormous tight knot in my stomach when I do

I am from being told to follow my dreams

And always try my best 

I am from tall skyscrapers 

And going to Union Square to see the big Christmas tree

I am from looking at all the dogs at the dog park getting covered with wet grass

And going to the library to check out new books 

I am from having a great family who is always there for me 

This is where I’m from