by Aywin Wu

I am from a quiet neighborhood, at night you can even hear a pin drop on the floor while being on the street. There are rarely cars on the road so you can walk on the streets. Long walks are very peaceful and calming. I am from racing down the hill on my bike.

I am from dreaming about what I will be when I grow up and thinking about what things I want to do. 

I am from hoping that I can do the things I want for Christmas, and waking up early to look at the Christmas tree. I am from celebrating my birthdays with friends and family.

I am from the cheesy aroma of In n Out, and the ice-cold creamy milkshake the wash it down. The excitement when you get to eat foods that I crave such as sushi, pizza, and much more. 

I am from eating home-cooked meals, freshly made by my mom and dad, then sitting down together and having a conversation while enjoying our meal.

I am from going to many relatives’ houses to collect red envelopes and also to have a conversation with them. 

I am from playing video games with my cousins for hours on end on Thanksgiving, and also eating vast sums of bread. 

I am from lighting dozens of fireworks on the fourth of July and having a feast.

I am from rushing down the stairs after hearing that dinner is ready, or when I hear something at the door. 

I am from reluctantly walking down the stairs to do chores. 

 I am from answering questions my parents ask me at the dinner table, and joking around about the latest news and other random topics that come up.

I am from staying inside for many months on end and learning new phrases such as social distancing, asymptomatic, flattening the curve. 

I am from watching the latest news about the Black Lives Matter movement and talking to classmates about it. Also, I am from watching many news stations to see who will win the 2020 election. This is where I’m from.