I am from the kind, warm, diverse San Francisco that has some of the smartest people and highest technology in the world 

I am from the salt flavor of poke bowls right after my difficult and lasting ballet class and the first bite of the salmon and edamame that burst my taste buds with flavor 

I am from fun Friday night movie nights where I watch intensely with my family huddled on the black leather couch 

I am from sprightly Sunday morning pancakes where I come downstairs to the smell of raw batter and eat as the morning rises

I am from cracking up with people when I tell amusing jokes 

I am from the masks that cover the smiles of strangers as I walk down the street thinking, “When this will end?”

I am from trying to help eliminate overfishing and ocean pollution but facing challenges because I am still a kid

I am from a self-started business, which sells hand sanitizer that a lot of people need in this pandemic 

I am from a deep love for the ocean and devotion to marine life

I am from a caring and thoughtful family that will annoy me to death but will always have my back

I am from a glimmer of hope that Covid will end 

I am from a passion for ballet and desire to dance

I am from a dream to be a marine biologist and keep the ocean healthy 

I am from a 6th grade class that will laugh and learn with me

I am from a group of caring and amusing friends that will always cheer me up

I am from loving and hilarious cousins that may not be the best influence 

I am from the thrilling Marvel movies that I watch with my hand in buttery popcorn 

I am from sweet strawberry ice cream which I walk to our local ice cream shop and eat on hot summer days

I am from the tang of pineapple that stings my tongue but I cannot stop eating 

I am from watching my hamster’s whiskers twitch as he runs through the maze, trying to figure a way out

This is where I am from