Where I’m From
FocusingonNostalgiaReclamationwhileutilizingthetheme: MYAURORA,FredRodgersMagnetAcademy8thgradestudents reflectedontheirpastand‘wheretheyarefrom’, literallyandfiguratively.
Studentsconsideredtheirchildhoodhomes,family,neighborhoods, schoolsandcommunity,andwritersunderstoodthatthereispower intheirstory.Poemsincludedreferencestofoods;locations,streets, andbuildingsinAurora,memories,andtraditionssuchas eating12grapeseachnewyear.
ThisnarrativepoetryformatwasinspiredbyGeorgeEllaLyon’spoem WhereI’mFromforthepurposeofhealingafterthepandemic. Somepersonallyidentifiableinformationhasbeenremovedfromtheoriginalpoems
The8thgradeteamofteacherswholedthisprojectinclude: LauraKrueger(LanguageArts),CynthiaMartinez(SocialStudies), BethanyMorton(Pre-APAlgebra),LisaPeña(FormerScienceTeacher)
WhereI’mFrom
ByBenjamin
Iamfromabambooplantinthekitchen
FromFabulosowithhotwaterandSalsa
ValentinaonMaruchan
Iamfromaone-storyhome,originally fromtwo,nowonLibertyStreet (Stableandfirm,freezingandgloomy
Thesmellsoflavenderinthebathroomto thesmellofchorizointhekitchen)
Iamfromcrabappletrees
Cranberryredandfragileleaves ImfromgoingtoOklahomaCitytosee mytíosytíasandhavingdimplesfrom mymom
BornfromPetra********andJesus ******* , andmybrotherJesus********** whotaughtmewhoIamnow Imfromalovablefamilywhocanbestrict aboutschool
FromPendejotoGoodjobor You’resmart,mijo
I’mfromaCatholicfamilyandred rosariesthatareasbrightasblood
I’mfromAurora,IllinoisandDurangoto Aguascalientes Mexico
Frompozoleverdeonceinadecadeand tamalesonceinacentury
Frommygreat-grandfatherleavingmy grandpa’ssideasakid Iwillnotdothesame
Comical,short,anddifferentcolorsofskin frommyfamily
Historyoffamily hiddeninadrawerand showntotheworldonthecounter, picturesastheytellmillionsofwordsof whathappenedinthepastfrommyblood
WhereI’mFrom
ByAngela
Iamfromthepicturesalloverourhouseand doingmyprayersbeforebed FromElMilagro tortillasineverymealandVaporubwhenI’m sick Iamfromasmall,butspacious apartment (Thebigoaktreeinthefront,the oldrustedmetalfence,andthesmellof lavenderFabulosowhenyoufirstwalkin) Iamfromthetulipsinourfrontgardenthatonly laststhreedaysandthehierbabuenathatfills theentranceofourhousewitharecognizable aroma I’mfromjetbrowneyesandhazelnut hair FromRocio********** I’mfromgoing tochurcheverySundayat12:00pm without excusesandfamilymovienightson SaturdaysorSundays FromPonlascosasenmanosdeDios wheneverwefeelthatourworldisgoingto collapse andNosecierrenelmundowhenwedont ‘thinkoutsidethebox’ I’mfromavery religiousCatholicfamily I’mfromMichoacan, Mexico Fromconchitaswithchocolate abuelitatogansitoswithabanana-chocolate Nesquikmilkshakeforbreakfast Froma perseveringsinglemotherwhowantsher daughterstobejustlikeher,ifadoorcloses, openawindow Knowingthatinevery obstaclethereisalwaysgoingtobeawayto pushforward Tospeakwhenwedontlike something,andtoalwaysbelieveinourselves nomattertheopinionsofthepeoplearound us Fromthepicturesunseenunderthe mattresstorememberuswhenwestrongly believedthatourliveswerecomplete
Iamfromsketchbooksthatarefilledinwithscrapedout ideas, FromVaporubandSuavitel Iamfromthedozensofanimalsandplantsthatlivein mybackyardthinkingthatit’ssomesortofhotel (Lively,yetvast, Onecandriftintotheirdreams withjustthecalmingpurrsfrommycatveryfast) Iamfromstrong firmpinetrees
Thatarepricklyandsharp,yetalwaystakescareand looksoutfortheanimalsthatinhabitit
I’mfromwakingupearlyonbirthdaymorningswitha warmhugandasmallchocolatecakeburstingwith flavorandgrowingupwithapositiveoutlookon everything,evenifthey’renotsogreat, Frommymomandmydad
Imfromthefamilycookoutseveryfewweeks alwaysswingingontheold,creakingswingset thatmygrandfatherbuiltwithhisownhands andwatchingdramatictelenovelaswhileeatingtacos dearracheraswithmymom
From¡Pontelaspilas!wheneverIneedtopickupmy pace andQueDioslabendigaMijawheneverI’mgoingout ofthehouse
ImfromapassionateCatholicfamily,whomemorized severalprayersandsaidthemthroughouttheday I’mfromAurora,IllinoisandDurango,Mexico Paletapayasos,andmazapanes
Fromthetimemydadstartedlosinghispassionfor playingthedrums, leavinghisdrumstickstocollectdust forwhoeverknowshowlong andthewaymymomissooptimistic, alwayssomehowseeingaflickeroflightincomplete darkness
Theoldtoybox,crampedwitholdtoys Iusedtoplaywitheverysingleday, suddenlyleftaloneinthecold,darkbox, waitingforthedayI’llshowerthemwithlove likeIdidduringthosetimes Igetcomfortedandgetbroughtbacktothememories, thewarmthofitgetswrappedaroundmeasifits huggingme, yetitsqueezesmyheart, causingittoache, yearningandlongingforthosetimes
WhereI’mFrom BySophia
Iamfromthebricksinthelivingroom FromCoreWaterandCocaCola Iamfromthesmallblueroofedhouse (Loudandcomfortable, withthecoldairconditioningblowing) Iamfromnotperfectlysquaredbushes withgreen,bulkythornsinthefrontofthe house Imfromthesecretgiftsmyfamilygives onChristmas FrommydadCarlos******** withchocolatebrown andwavybrownhair FromTreatpeoplewithrespectuntilthey giveyouareasonnotto andBeyourselfbecausethereisnoone likeyouinthisworld Imfromnoreligion, believingcontinuedlifeafterdeath I’mfromAurora,IllinoisandArecibo, PuertoRico Themouthwatering carneguisada,rice FromtheDadwhoalwaystellsmetobe myself andwhoinspiresmetobelikehim Thesoundoflaughinginthenight, housewithpictureseverywhere, picturesalloverthewall, havingthingstorememberwherewe camefromandhowwelivedlife
ByAshley
IamfromChanelperfumesmyfathersprayedinsubdued morningstoheadtowork
FromSanrioplushiessittingonmybedandshelves andtheFebrezeIsprayallovermyroomeveryfewhours Iamfrommypinkover-decoratedroomthatislikea warehouse (Theclutteredpastelpinkroom’sfragranceofFebreze thatbringsmegreatcomfortatnight)
Fromthereverberatingyappingofmyparentstalkingevery morningwhenIwakeupinmyroom
Iamfromthedulldogwoodtreeinfrontofmyhousethat bloomspinkflowersduringspringthatisfavoredbybirds
Theimmensebanaltreeinfrontofmyhouse thattranscendsintoagloriouspinktreeduringspring, theoneIpluckitsflowerstohandtomyyoungerbrother I’mfromtheambrosialcarneasadasthatsizzleonthegrill, fillingNorthAvenuewithitssavorysmellduringsummer wheremyparentsinvitemyunclestofeast
FromtheshorttempertraitIinheritedfrommyparents thatIsuppress, totheperseveringtraitIobtainedwhichIexpress FromJuventinoandMaria
I’mfromthefamilywhohastwohalfsiblingsthatonlycometo visitduringtheweekends andthefamilywhoallhavedinneratseparatetimes myparentsatnoon,mysiblingsatnight, andIatmidnightonmyway
FromSabesquepuedescontarmetodo,¿verdad? andAsegúratedehacerunbuentrabajoenlaescuela I’mfromparentswhoclaimthattheybelieveinGod, butwhoneverprayorengageinanyformofreligion, yetahouseholdwheretherearepicturesandstatuesofthe VirginMarythroughoutthehouse
ImfromtheUnitedStatesbutmybloodisfromJalisco, Mexico
ThesalivatingchorizowithhuevoIoccasionallywhifffrom upstairs, andthenourishingenchiladasmymotherpreparesthroughout thewintertokeepwarmth
Frommyfathertellingmestoriesabouthimlivingonaranch, makingshoesoutofcowskin tomakemefeelappreciativeofmylife, tomymomsstoriesabouthersibling whowasaddictedtodrugs topreventmefrompursuingdrugs
Frommyparents walletwiththoseold,dustyphotographs thatreekofafunkysmellofmyselfandmysiblings thathavebeenslowlydisintegratingthroughouttheyears Alongwiththosepicturessittinginthelivingroomdrawer thatarefilledwithpreciousmemoriesofmyfamilyandme thatillustrateourlifestoryasafamily
Iamfromspicy brightcoloredchiles
FromElMilagroTortillasandTajin Iamfromamedium-sizedhome, comfortableandwarm (Thedelicioussavorysmelloffood whenmymomcooks) IamfromthecolossalplantIdon’tknow thenameof,darkgreen Imfromcallingfamilyontheirbirthdays andthehard-working Frommydad,Jaime,andmymom, Lucia
I’mfromtheeatingtortaslateatnighton theweekendandplayingsoccerwithmy dadatanysoccerfieldwecouldfind FromEchaleganasandHacetuscosas ImfromaCatholichousehold prayingeverydayandpraisingGod FromZacatecas,Toluca,andElEstado deMéxico, savorypambazosandhotpozole Fromthetimewhenmybrothertoldme abouthowhighschoolwashard andhowIshouldworkhard100%ofthe way
Fromtheloving,LaMagdalenaLaPaz, ElEstadodeMéxico, andwhyitisbettertousefamilytraditions tofeelathome
WhereI’mFrom ByYanexi
Iamfrommostofmycousinsuncles havingbabyblankets, FromFabulosoandFlamin’HotCheetos inthecabinets
Iamfromaloudstreet, (Noisyhouse,cleanhouse, kidscryinginthehousedayandnight) Iamfrombeehivesgettinginthecar Dogwoodbushesoutgrown ImfromopeningChristmaspresentsat 12andangerissuesofpeople
FromJessica********,hard-working women,andEduardo****,mylookalike I’mfromgoingouttoeateverySaturday toBuffaloWildWings andcarmeetswithcousinsevery Fridaynight
FromPorpendejaand Lookwhenyoucrossthestreet I’mfromreligiouscrossbraceletsand goingtoChristianchurchforonehour I’mfromAurora,IllinoistoRockford, Illinois
ChilaquileseverySaturdaymorning greenenchiladasonmybirthday Fromthestoriesofmymomcrashinginto agaragewhenshewaseightinMexico, thestoriesmydadtoldaboutgoingto school
PlayingDvDs,watchingpicturesofwhenI waslittle toMexicanmusicplayinginthecarand whilecleaningthehouse Improudtostillhavethesememories
ByMario
IamfromXbox360controllers, FromanIkeasharkcalledBLÅHAJandthe Xbox360thatsatinmyunclesroom Iamfromatwostory,beigeexterior, bumpybackyardhomethatseemedreally cozyandcomfytome (Smallhairsoffurfrommydogsonallmy clotheswhenIgethomefromschool) Iamfrompeachtreesinthebackyard Tall old andovergrown Imfrom12grapesonNewYearsEveand tamalesonChristmas
Frombeinggoodatcommunicationwhen talkingtocertainfamilymembersandfriends I’mfrommyUncleCristianwhoshowedme gameslikeClashofClans andmyAuntAlewhobecameasortof inspirationtome
Imfromgettingbulliedinafamily/kindway bymyuncles andplayingvideogameslikeHalo:Reach alongsidethem
Frommymothertellingmetogodomy homework andtheGoodjob!Iwouldgetaftergettinga goodtestscore
Imfromnotgoingtochurchafter2015 I’mfromAurora,IllinoisandMexico Tamalesandcrunchybreadedchickenmade bymyabuela
FromgoingtotheLaChicanitaBakerywith mymomtogetsomecupcakesandcake MyMomsblacklonghairflowingoutsidein thewindandthephotosoffamilyexperiences heldonaphonethathascracksalloverthe screen,butworksperfectly
WhereI’mFrom
ByMaya
Iamfromincensesticksaroma andtwinklinglights
FromZiyadandPoms Iamfromabeigehouse withnosidewalkandatalltree astallasmytwostoryhouse, alushgreeninthesummer andbrightredinthefall, andfromalilacbush thatbloomseveryspring
I’mfromhavingabigeiddinner afterRamadan andbigcurlyhairthatsfrizzy FromHananeandEric Imfromthehavingfamilydinner everynightandgoingonvacation everysummer
FromSweetdreamseverynight andMimi,comehere
I’mfromaMuslimfamily fromfastingalldaytillthesungoesdown I’mfromAurora,Illinois andalsofromMoroccoandFrance Fromcouscousandminttea Fromthegrandmawhoalways triedtogetridofanypets thatenteredherhouse
ThelongWhatsappcalls thatlastfivehours withauntsanduncles
Fromfamilypictureshangingonthewall tothepicturesinphotoalbums toremembertheones whooncesacrificed everythingfortheirfamily andthelovetheykeptthroughoutit duringallofthehardtimes
Iamfromthediningroomtablewherewe doart FromtheBathandBodyWorks candles Iamfromtheflippingofpages inaHarryPotterbookwhenIwassix Fromthecomfy,cozyhomeonthe corner Iamfromthesometimeschaotic house (Thesoftblanketsthatlinethejet blackcouch)Iamfromthelargewalnut treethathangsrightoverthefenceand dropssmallwalnutsinthefall Imfrom thetableclothatThanksgivingwhereyou wroteyourname,whichinayearwillbe sewnonbymymom Iamfromthe familythatsaystonevergiveupwhen thingsarehard Frommymom,Nichole andmyDad,Robert I’mfromafamily thathasbigparties Iamfromgoingto DeriDelitealittlebittoomuch,butthere isnosuchthingastoomuchicecream thatIliketotellmysister Fromnevertoo-muchicecream I’mfromIfsomeonetellsyouthatyou can’tdosomething,getupandprove themwrong
ImfromRockRiverChristianCamp everysummer,volunteeringsometimes, andIdon'tgotochurcheverySunday, butIprayandIsing I’mfromtheNICU atthehospitalandmyGermanroots Iamfromtheburgersonthegrill,andI listenastheysizeupastheyarebeing cookedtothesmoresbythecampfire Fromthetableclothwithnamesofpast family,Thesisterwithlong,thinbrown hairthatIbraidsometimes
Iamfrompotsandpansstoredintheovenand savingplasticbags FromZotesoapandGreat Valuecereal Iamfromwoodensteps(Beautiful quietgraywallsallaroundthehouse)Iamfrom freshredrosespickedoutofthegardenthatwould beinredorclearoldvases I’mfromprayingevery yearonChristmasEveandblackstraighthair FromPapaMarioandMamaMaria Imfromthe familycookoutseveryweekendwheremeandmy cousinswouldplayoutsideandsteallittlebitsof foodandgoingonwalkstoSolfisburgParkor aroundtheblockatRuralStreet I’mfromtheMom andDadthatwouldworknightshiftsjustsothey canmakeenoughtoeat
FromYalohiciste Emmanuel?!andManny gogetme thisor that! Imfromprayingeverytimebeforeenteringthe highwayandgoingtoSt NicholasorSt Rita Churcheveryfewweeks I’mfromAurora,Illinois, butreallyfromTlacotepec,Guerrero Grandmas freshbreadthatshewouldonlymakewhenshe cametovisitandtamalesthatwouldlastweeksat home FromthetimeGiotookmetoCrestHill IllinoistobuymyfirstskateboardatJericsSkate Shop ThesupportivebrotherGioalwaystellingme todowhatIlikeandfollowmygoals Frommy momanddad’spueblowheretheygrewupin TlacotepectonowhereinAurora,Illinois,tothe traditionwhereeverymaleinmyfamilygetsa sombrerofrommygrandpa Iamthenextonein linetogetone
WhereI’mFrom
ByBella
Iamfromthetowerofplantsinthehallway leadingto thevibrantflowersallover,insideandout Fromthe tasteofLaPreferidaFrijolesNegrostothesmellof SazonGoyaflavoring Iamfromthesmallbluetwostory houseonthebusystreetrightnexttomyelementary school,OakPark Fromtheloveandsupportfrommy family,andthefeelingofbeingpresentinthemoment, alltogether Thesmellandscentofflowersandvanilla lavendercandleslurkingaroundeverycorner Iamfrom thevarietyofwreathsonthefrontdoor,eachone entirelydifferentforeveryseasonandyear From wakinguptothesmellofhomemadetamalesandeating themonChristmas I’mfromthedarkbrowneyes,just finishingthemoviethatneverended Frommy hardworkingmother,BrendaLona*********,tomy father,Bernardo***************,whoalwaysmakes melaugh Imfromthepeoplewhohavebeenspeaking Spanishforgenerationstosingingwithmymominthe cartoherfavoritesongs,whichareasoldasthecar FromPortatebienandLealaBiblia I’mfromcommunion/SantaCenaandfromprayers comingoutofmylips I’mfromAurora,Illinois; Monterrey,Mexico;andItaly WarmCaldoDeRes,on coldwinterdays,totherefreshingtasteofstrawberry AguaFresca coolingmedownwithahintofsweetness Fromthestoryofmymomanddadgivingmethe opportunitytohaveagood,happylifeinspiringmeto livelifetoitsfullest Tothemissingpinkywhich belongedtomygrandfatherthatwascutoff,nevertobe seenagain Fromtheoldphotographsnowlostinmy grandmother’shouse,totheoldcamerawhichbelonged tomygreatgrandfatherwhowouldtakepicturesof artistswithit helpingmerememberthestoriespassed downfrommyfamilywhichtothisdayinspiremetobea betterpersonandtofollowmyheart
WhereI’mFrom
ByJonatan
IamfromCocaCola,fromNike shoesandSamsungphones Iam fromatwostoryhouse(Smalland blue)Fromcatscratchingandash trees,greenandtall I’mfromgoing toWisconsineveryweekendand fromashortfamily FromYesica******andAzucena********* Imfromfishinginthemornings andgoingtoWisconsinDells FromDon’tdodrugsandStopmisbehaving I’mfromgoingtochurchonSundays andprayingtogetherwith myfamily I’mfromAurora,Illinois andMexico Fromarracheraand caldodepollo Fromwhatmy grandpadoesinMexicoandmy hardworkingmom Allofthese storiesIcarrythroughoutme
WhereI’mFrom ByGinger
Iamfromexpensivejewelry,myskinassensitive asabook FrommyfavoritestoreRossandmy favoritespeakerbrandJBL Iamfromaniceand cozyhomethatmakesyoufeellikeyouarehome (Itmaybesmall,butitishomey,softfloorsthatyou canrunandslidethrough)Fromapreciousflower, alightbluelily,thepetalsassoftasababyandthe stemhardasarock,butitcanbeveryfragile Iam fromgoingtoChicagoeveryonceinawhileand enjoyingourselves Fromeveryonebeingasloyal asdogs FromGisselleandAnabel Iamfromthe familythatbuysalotofunnecessarythingsfor theircattogetagoodlaughandfromafamilythat tendstocollectthingssuchascandlesandblankets FromNeverletothersbringyoudown Itjustbrings themupandEchaleganas,tupuedes Iamfromhavingminifigurestorepresentmy religioninmyhomeandprayingwhenyouare feelingstressedorsad IamfromAurora,Illinois, butmydadisfromZacatecas,Mexico,mymom beingfromDurango,Mexico,andmysisterfrom Aurora,Illinois IcomefromMenudo,thechewy textureandsmellmakesmehungry,whenmy momisdonecookingit,Iservemyselfabigplate andohhowdelightedIamtoeat Ialsocomefrom pozole,whichisagreatdishtomakewhenitis chillyout,thehotsoupwillmakeyoufeellikeyou areonanotherplanet FromNeverletpeopledefineyou, theauntwhoalwayschecksuponmefromtimeto timetomakesureIamokayandtoseehow schoolisgoing,fromaspecialawardgiventome forbeingthebeststudentintheclass Gettingmy firstpet,IfelthappyFromthesoundsofbirds chirpingwouldwakemeupanditwouldntbeany kindofbirds,theywouldbemybirds Comingfrom afamilylikethisisnice,itmakesyoufeelwanted
WhereI’mFrom ByArmando
Iamfromthefrijolesinasourcreamcan that'sintheoldfridge, FromPine-SolandSuavitel Iamfromtheredbrickhousewithneatly cutgrass (Run-downdoorandwitheredporch, dogsbarkingandcatsmeowing) Iamfromroses thatareaspinkasbubblegum I’mfromeating12grapesduringtheNew Yearcountdowntogetgoodluck Frombrownishstraighthair FromMariaandArmando I’mfromtheserious andnon-expressive FromStopmisbehavingorthatstranger willtakeyouandDontturnthelightof thebackofthecaron It’sillegal! I’mfromgoingtochurchintheafternoon onSundaysandgoingtochurchschool onSaturdays
I’mfromAurora,Illinois;Guanajuato, Mexico;andDurango Mexico Tacosdeasada,arrozyfrijoles Fromthenevergivingup andsucceedingstories Thecaringenvelopesandshoeboxes wherethousandsofbabyphotos arestored
ByAldo
IamfromthesoccerballIwasbornto playwith, FromJarritosandSabritaswithalltheir differentflavors
Iamfromtwostoriesworthofbuilding, (Beautiful,big, andspaciousasawarehouse)
Iamfromsunflowers
Tallasaskyscraper andyellowlikethesun
ImfromvisitingMexicoeveryyear andspeakingSpanishlikehowwe normallydo
FrommydeterminedmotherLauraand myhardworkingsisterIsabella\ I’mfromgoingtoeatout andcookoutswithsmokefillingthesky
Frombeingtoldtoberespectful andtokeepmywordstomyself I’mfrompraying andsayingAmeneverynowandthen I’mfromAurora,Illinois;CiudadTeran, Mexico;France;andItaly withtacos,andtamalesasflavorfullike gourmet
FrommymominfluencingonhowItreat otherswithhowshespeakslikeanangel andthecookingofmymother fromMexicotopreservetradition
Iamfromhotsaucethatweputonallfoods, FromElMilagrotortillas andValentinahotsauce
Iamfromasinglestoryhouseinanice neighborhoodwithaverylovelylivingroom wherewehangoutandatremendousyard (Fullyfurnishedbasementwithtworooms andalivingroom)
Iamfrompeachtrees withlotsofpeacheswithbrokenbranches I’mfromChristmasEvewithallthefamily everyyearwhereweeattamalesorpozole I’mfromaplacewhere manyhavebrowneyes
Frommylovelymom Uvaldina********* andmyamazingdad,Abraham***** Imfromthegettingtogetheronweekends whetherit'sourhouse,restaurant,aparty,or sometimesjustbecause, Whereweincludeandinviteeverybodyfrom allsidesofthefamily
FromYoulooklikeyourdadandListento yourmother
ImfromLaVirgendeGuadalupestatuein theoffice,tremendousandcolorful I’mfromAurora,IllinoisandMéxico,Durango Tepehuanes
Thesizzlingmeatontacosorthefreshly madesopes
Fromtheworkaccidentmydadhadwherehe hadtostayinthehospitalforamonth
Theshortnessofmymother,sister,andme
Thepicturesofmysisterandmeintheliving roomorinthealbumsintheclosetand thegreatpiecesoflandoverinMexicothat helpusfeedthecattleeveryyear
IamfromLevisjeans,FromaMitchell guitarwhenImboredandPlaystation lateatnight Iamfromabluehouse withabigyardandgreengrass (Big, comfy,loudinside,yetsilentonthe outside)Iamfromrosesandtalltrees allaroundmyhouseandinmyyard I’mfrommyBaptismin2010andcurly hair FromTeresa*****,mymother, andMarcos***** Imfromthelistening ofmusicandfishing
FromHowwasschool?andDoyou havehomework?
I’mfrommakingmyFirstCommunion andgoingtochurchforspecialevents
I’mfromRushCopleyandHispanic descent Ramen tacos Fromthehorse moviesIwatchedwhenIwaslittle TobeingabletotalktomysisterElise Photoalbumsinabininthebasement, Tomyparentstellingmeaboutmygrandparents
IamfromsparklyandroughCocaCola, FromcrunchyandcheesyDoritosanda blackpristineMongoosebike Iamfromadiscoloredyellowhouse, (Clearfrontyardandacozyfeeling whenentering)Iamfromthesmellofthepastelillosbeing friedinthekitchenfrommyroom Iamfromthepinetreeinfrontofmyhouse, standingtalllikenooneelse I’mfromeverybigandeverysmallholiday withmyfamilyandthickroughhair FromMarisol******* andAngelDiaz******* Imfromalltheyellinginanysituation andmakingjokesnomatterwhat FromConganas!(Witheffort!)andEsoo (Likethat)
I’mfromchurcheverySundayat St Nicholasandbeingbored whilelisteningtothepriest ImborninAurora Illinoisbutmyblood isfromJalisco,México andComerio,PuertoRico Fromcarneasadaonceeverymonthwith mycousinsandtostadasconcrema withmymom
Frommydadbeingabletofixanything includingthefloorofmywholehouse, Totheintelligence whichhelpedherbethe onlyoneinmyfamilytograduatecollege, andaccomplishmentsofmymom Imfromanaltarwithmygrandmother’s picturesandheroldurn, andtheslightlightthatcomeswithhope fromhercandles
ByMiguel
IamfromCatholiccandlesthatareonmydeskthatsmellslike anoldfashionedchurch, FromdishDawnsoapandFabuloso inmykitchendrawer
Iamfromfamilypicturesonthewallonallthehallways throughoutmyhouse
Fromthejokestersinthefamily tothenoisysongsinthemorning
Fromtheairfreshenersthatsendadistinctaromaofpeaches andflowers
IamfromanAfricandaisyinthebackyardandthetallOak treesthatareashardasarock, butbumpyasaroadinthefront
Fromtheblossombloomingwithpurpleandblue asbrightasarainbow
I’mfromthecookoutsfromthecarneasadabarbacoawitha mouthwateringsmell andthecampingtripstoWisconsin, Tothebrowneyesthatrundownmyfamily'sgeneration Frommymymother,Esmeralda*********,and storiesofhowhard-workingshewaswhenshecametothe US andfrommyfather,Fernando*********,being thoughtfulshowingme thewaysofbeingamechanic
Imfromtheloudscreamsofmymomsaying Yalevantateninoflojo! andfrommyDadsearpiercingmusic intheearlyafternoons
FromtheElchamucotevaagarrarsinoteestásenpazand fromthetalesoflallorona
I’mfromthewaxofalltheCatholiccandles drippingdownonthefloor, Imfromthesagemymother wouldcleansethehousewith ImfromAurora,Illinois andfromtheforestofSouthDakota
Fromthejuiceofthepozoletothemazaofthetamales
Fromthestoriesofmyfather ofhowhesufferedtogiveusahome fromthehandthatmyunclelost tosaveourcountryinAfghanistan
IamfromtheOzarkmountaininArkansas IamfromcolorfulLEDlightsalloverNewYorkCity tothesoothingsoundoftheChicagoriverfromthelittle neighborhoodofLibertyStreet
Fromthebraceletthatwaspasseddowntomyfathertome frommygreatgrandfather
FromthenameEmeraldthatwasgiventomymotherfrommy grandmafromalittleemeraldbraceletofgenerations
WhereI’mFrom
ByEmerson
Iamfromatortilladora
Fromusingfabulosotowashthedishes totakingBenadrylwhenI’msick Iamfromaclean,comfortable, andhomelyhome tohearingBandaMSinthebackground everyday
Iamfromarosewithabeautifulsmell
ImfromcelebratingLosReyesMagos onJanuary6th andtoalwayshelpingmaketamales onFebruary2nd
FromhavingafunnyUncleNicolasand havinganamazinglittlebrotherCesar I’mfromeatingspicyfoodwhenwecan andgoingoutsideeveryweekend
FromSicomesazúcartevasalir lombricesenlapanza andPortatebien,sinoteagarrael cucuy
I’maChristian,FollowerofJesusChrist I’mfromAurora,IllinoisandDurango, Mexico
Eatingspicy cheesyenchiladasand soft,flavorfulchilaquilesnowandthen FrommyfunnyandhardworkingDad whowasfromthepoorpartofMexico andhadtotravelallthewayfromMexico toAuroraforabetterlife
Acrossinthelivingroomwhichsays Protegemifamilia,miseñor
BySophie
Iamfrommylittlebluebunnycoveredinbows FromSimplyOrganiclemonpepperandCloroxbleach Iamfrommultiplehomes,buthavestayedthelongest inabluehousesplitintwo (Slantedroofs,creakingstairs, smellingthegasfromthestove) Iamfromthebushessurroundingmyhome, overgrownanddead I’mfromcelebratingChristmas atmyGodmothershouse andfromourhazelandgreeneyes Frommysiblings,TonatiuandTonari****-******** I’mfromwakinguponmybirthday, andhearingVicenteFernándesay theinfamouslinesfromhissong anddrivinganywherejusttoseethehouses wecouldneverafford wonderinghowitlookedinside hopingonedaywecouldexplore FromDon'tgivepeoplethepowertoaffectyour emotionsandyouractions andRespectisearned,nevergiveawayyourtimeand trust,tosomeonewhodoesn’tdeserveit I’mfromtheconstantchangeofchurches,eventually givingupasmymothertrieddraggingmealong duringhersearch
IamfromNezahualcóyotl,México,enelestadode México,andZacatecas
Enchiladasverdesconpollo,andtortaswithsalchichas I’mfrommyadventurousmother,wholivedalifemost peoplewouldnotdareattempt, beingdiscriminatedagainstandpushedaway, seeinghistoryunfold
IamfromthefeelingmysiblingsandIfacewhenwe are notMexicanenough , wheninfactourcurlyhairandpaleskincomefromthe veryrootsofourculture, aswehavenativeinourblood
Imfromsavinganythingwithimportancethatcouldfit intomystripedbox, memoriesrepresentedwithpictures andpinsandmedals
Imfrombeingsurprised whatmyfamilyhasdoneintheirlife
Thepathourfamilieshadtotake inordertogetwheretheyaretodaycanbeforgotten, andweshouldhonorthembysimplyasking
WhereI’mFrom
ByAJ
Iamfrommybrother’scolorlessblackbackpack alwaysinanewlocation
FromfragrantFabulosoandjarsandlittlepaper bagsofGoyasofritoandseasoning
Iamfromold,ricketyfloorsandcrampedrooms
(Creakingfromeverystep, farundersizedforitsseveninhabitants)
Iamfromthewarm,welcomingscentsofthe newestseasonalcandle
Iamfrombouquetsofflowers,filledwithtulips andorchids,divineandtamed,asbeautifulasthe sunsetandasorganizedasalibrary
I’mfromopeningChristmasgiftsatthecrackof dawn,drearyeyed,butexcited, andsilkybrowncurlyhair
FromYahaira**********,mymother,and Delvin********* myfather
ImfromeatingsmalldinnersonThanksgiving, spendingmoretimeongamesofUnoand Monopoly,bonding,andtheconstantarguments ofwhosedishesareinthesink
FromYouareenough,butyouneedtoacceptit andWhensomeoneisselflesslikeyou,theyneed tolearnthatbeingselfishalittlebit isntallthatbad
ImfrommysistersstackofbooksandBibles, almostkneehighinheight
I’mfromWestHaverstraw,NewYork andtheIslandofPuertoRico
Iamfrommymother’sflavorpackedrice andbeans,andthesteamingcheesepizza fromPizzaNow
Fromtheyearoflivinginmyunclesbasement becausemymotherwasoutallday tryingtomakeabetterlifeforus
Thetight,shortcurlsofmybrother andmydarkbrownhair
Iamfromthepicturesfreelyscatteredaroundour home,inlineofsightofanyguestsinourhome Proudlyshowingoffourpaststrugglesand successes areminderthatourlivescanonlyget betterfromhere
WhereI’mFrom
ByAndy
Iamfromdirtydishes pileduponthesink
FromCocaColaleftinthefreezer andnauseatingChanelperfume thatlingersupyournostrils
Iamfromaninsignificanttanhouse, samelikealltheothers (Silentlikeavoid,coldasaJanuary night,intuitivelighting, andevocativefragrances)
Iamfromthewhiteoakwithalarge,long, straighttrunkandabroadroundedcrown ImfrommovienightseveryFridayanda clusterofshortpeoplepackedlike sardinesinacan
FromAndress*****andMaria*******
I’mfromjokingaroundeveryfiveminutes, andsarcasticcomments
FromOye!Mapeador andPontelaspilas
ImfromgoingtoSt NicholasChurch everySunday,prayingwhenIwakeup, andprayingbeforeIgotobed
I’mfromAurora,Illinois,Durangoand Guanajuato,Mexico
Pozoleonlyontheholidays, Tamaleseverytimeformybirthday
Fromthetimemygrandpataughtme howtogrowpotatoes
Theendlessnightsbeing babysatbymysister
Familypicturesallsetinside adusty,oldshoeboxundermybed Allofmyfamilyitems connectmewiththem, evenwhentheyregone
WhereI’mFrom
ByIan
Iamfromacozyblanket
Fromatwinbedandcomfypillow Iamfromacleanhomethatsmells likeflowers (Warmandhomey) Fromthelouddogs andthequietcat Iamfromsunflowers, Happy,longhair, andalwaysup ImfromDiadelosMuertos andsarcasm FromAaidenandAamori, mycousins I’mfromtheshortandsarcastic
FromTurnoffthecarlight,wearegonnagetintrouble! andCanyoupleasebringmetheremote? ImfromChristianitytotheBible ImfromChicago,Illinois,and ancestryfromMexico Conchas,tortas
FrommyMomwhoworkedhard Tomydadwhowenttowar
Familyphotos frompictureframestodrawers Theymeanalottomyfamily
ByBrandon
Iamfromgetting salsavalentinaforeverything FromVaporuandthetigerblanket forwhenitgetschilly Iamfromshort,neatlycutgrass (NormalsizedhouseonHinmanStreet withgraysiding)
Fromsmellingfoodacrossthehouse Iamfromthetwojaggedgreenbushesin frontofmyhouse Imfromasarcastichousehold andcurlyhairgenes
FromXochtil****,mymother, andMartin********,myfather I’mfromgoingtowatchsoccergames, evengoingtowatchManchesterCity playagainstBayern andeatingcarneasada madebymydad
FrombeingcalledEnanoandChapparo I’mfrombeingCatholicandgoingto churcheverySundayatSt Nicholas ImfromAurora,Illinois andMichoacan,Morelia Flavorfultacos andtheLattoMealfromWingstop Fromthesonwhosefather taughthowtobox Andthesonwhosemom tellstokeeptrying
Fromlookingatabinder thatsinthebackofthecloset hiddenbeneathmanyold anddustyshoeboxes fullofoldpicturesandmemories
ByKaitlyn
Iamfromthesmellofstrawberrypound cakecandles
FromSweetwater andBathandBodyWorks
Iamfromahousewithtwofloors (Hersandhisbathrooms, outsidedeckforactivities, Warmvanillascentgoing throughoutthehouse)
Iamfromroses, redrosesthatIwillalwaysopen IamfrompozoleandatoleonChristmas andbrownhairaswellasbrowneyes
FromMartha********* andAlejandro********
I’mfromthejokesatthedinnertableand allthetimeIveplayed withmydog,Charlie
FromTevanarobarmijaandAmen I’mfromtwopastors, Baptizedat13not16
I’mfromMichoacanandGuanajuato Chorizoandallthespicyfoods andwarmatoleforcoldChristmases
FromallthetimesAngelhadtriedto teachmethedrums
Thetimesmybrotherhadtochauffeur AllthephotosIhavesavedonmyphone andaroundthehouse
Theitemswehavekeptasafamily, theitemswehavekeptsafe
WhereI’mFrom
ByKayla
Iamfrommybed,withamattresslikecloudsand acomforterascolorfulasarainbowinthesky, FromWindexandbleach
Iamfromapowderblue,two-storyhomewitha yardidenticaltoafootballfield (Modestlysized,decentlyspaced, cozy,warmresidence)
Iamfromperidotgemstones,vividgreenjewels madeupofolivine,magnesium,andiron
I’mfromfamilycelebrationsandsuccessful milestoneslikebirthdaysandgraduationsand blackhairdyedandweaved indazzlingcolorsovertheyears
Frommymother,DanielleDenise******,my father,MarquesSherard******, andmyolderbrother,KhalilMarquis****** I’mfromaperseveringmother andanoptimisticfather
Fromthehushedwhispersofdismalinformation frommydoctorsayingYouhaveasthmaandthe boisterouscheersofsupportwhilebeingtold Youhaveallpassedyourblackbelttest! I’mfromlimitedaccesstochurch, butconsideringpossibilitiesofahigherbeing controllingmychancestoachievegreatthings I’mfromPortland,Maine;Chicago,Illinois;and Charleston,SouthCarolina
Mymomsbuttercookieswecalldinosaursoup andherdelectablecheesecake
Fromthecomicallyquick-witmybrotherexudes, evenintimesofhisownhardships, thestrugglesmymomhasworkedhardtopush through,pushingherselftobehonest withherconceptions
AnAmericanflag,grandfatherclock, andmygrandmothersfluorescentpaintingsthat showmygrandfathersdedicationtothiscountry Thedecadesofhomes,placesandstrugglesmy familyhasbeentoandthrough,andthepassion thatmygrandmotherhadfelt eversincedecadesago
WhereI’mFrom
ByAlexandra
Iamfromtheclockonthecoffeetable FromthefruitysmellingBathandBodyWorks handsoaptotheDawnDishSoap tocleanthedishes IamfromthebeigehouseonGatesStreet whichI’mgladthatIcancallithome whereyoucanfeelwelcomedandgetareally cozyfeelingwhenwalkinginsidethehouse (Thesmelloffreshlaundryorthepumpkincandle thatmymomlightsupduringfallwhichmakesme havenostalgia)
Iamfromtheovergrownbusheswithalittlenest thathasbabybirdslivinginsidewhicharesocute I’mfromtheenchiladasthatwehaveon ChristmasEveandthefunnymomentswehave togetherbecauseweareallinthekitchen Frommyamazingmother Maria tomycaringfatherMiguel Imfromthefamilythatlikes toplayinstrumentsandsing andthefamilythatgoestoMass everysingleSunday FromTeportasbienandTupuedeslogrartodolo quetuquieras/oquetepropongas ImfromaCatholicfamily whoalwaysprays beforedoingsomethingsuchasgoingtoschool ImfromAurora,Illinois,andIamfromthe Granadosfamily
I’mfromthedelicioustacosdearrachera thatmydadpreparesinthesummer tothedelicioustamales mytiamakesonThanksgiving Fromthereallyfunnystories mymomtellsusaboutherchildhood Tothefunnydancesthatmybrotherdoes whenhefeelsgoofywhichmakesus laughandlaughnon-stop Tothefamilyphotosinourlivingroom
I’mfromtheFrozenthemedpiggybankthatmy greatgrandmagavetome beforeshepassedawaythatremindsmeofher
WhereI’mFrom ByNoe
Iamfromthecomputerinthe cornerofmyroom, FromLaysandValentina Iamfromabrickroofand frombeige bumpywallsy andabigbackyard Iamfromthebigtreesoutside I’mfrombigNewYearparties andbrownhair Frommytwosisters, NoellyandYarelly
I’mfromthekindandgiving FromDonttalkback andDoyourhomework Imfromchurch everyotherSunday I’mfromAurora,IllinoisandMexico Burgersandtacos Fromthetimemyparentsmet tothetimemysisterswereapart andtothememoriesinFlorida TheBibleisimportantinourfamily becauseithelpsustobecloserto Godandtolearnmoreabouthim
WhereI’mFrom
ByAldahir
Iamfromfakeflowersontheshelf
Fromlastortillasdemaízdelmilagroand Coca-colaatalmosteverymeal Iamfromthemushroom-lookinghouse, (Likableandwelcoming, alwayssmellslikefreshanddeliciousfood It makesmystomachrumble)
IamfromthehugeAmericanelmtreeinthe backyardthatcovers mybackyardwithshade
Imfromgoingtoourauntshouseevery Christmas,gatheringwithourfamily, andstraightblackorbrownhairon everyoneshead
FromNorberto******* andKarina******
Imfromthefamilythatvisitsotherfamily membersatleastonceaweek andgoestothecinemaandwatchesamovie everytimeagoodonecomesout From PortatebienwhengoingoutandTencuidado wheneverIdosomething I’mfromacatholicfamily, wegotochurcheveryonceandawhile I’mfromAurora,IllinoisandfromGuanacevi, DurangoandSantiagoPapasquiaro Durango,Mexico
Tacosdeasadaconcilantroycebolla,Very hotbuttastyquesabirrias
Fromthefatherwhotaughtmetoalwaysdo mybestandthebrotherwhokeepsme pushingsinceIalwayswanttobebetterthanhim Thecardboardboxfullofpicturesshovedintoanotherbox Heritagewillhelpunderstandthepast andcouldhelpbuildstrongerbondswithyour eldersorparents
WhereI’mFrom
ByAlexavier
Iamfromsweatyglovestoplaycatch, FromRawlingsglovesandNikeclothes Iamfromthescratchesonthedining roomfloor
(Loud,hugesoundsofcarspassingby) Iamfromilluminatedoaktrees andfadedleavesfallingdown Imfromtheappetizingsmell ofcookoutseveryweekend andtheclamourofbaseballtalk
FromhardworkingMelissa,mymom andbraveAlberto,mydad I’mfromcallingsodaPop andalllikingtheCubs
FromGoodluckatyourgame andEveryonemakesmistakes, eventhepros
I’mfromalwaysgoingtoMassonSunday andtastingthebitterbreadandbland wineonmyFirstCommunion I’mfromAurora,Illinois andLaredo,Texas
Flavorfulchickenandzestytacos
Fromthetimemygrandpajumped onthefieldinthe80s whenhisfavoriteteam wonthechampionship andthefadedbag withhomerunballsmydadhit
Imfromolddustybabypictures onthesideofmybed andoldpicturesoffamilythat Inevergottosee andwhattheywerelike
WhereI’mFrom
ByMaria
Iamfromrosescentedbabypink Downyfabricsoftener FrommessyRomasoapthatwasusedformany purposesandWhitebarncandlesfromBathandBody Worksthatmymomlitaccordingtoeveryseason Iamfromavibrant,longbluehouse withtwostoriesthatsitsatthecornerofthestreet, (Naturallylitbythesuneverysunriseandsunset) Iamfromthecolorful,vibrant,andlivelyflowersmy momplantsandwaterseveryweek ImfromthetastytamalesIhelpmygrandmamake everyChristmasandtheoneofakindposoleshe makesperfectlyonChristmas Iamfromtheloudlaughterthatfills andechoesthroughouteveryroommyfamilyenters Frommydad,Edwin******,and mymom Maria********** Imfromthecrazyandoverlydramaticfamily Fromthemanytimesmybrothertellsme tolookatthebrightside andallthetimesmygrandpatellsme Echaleganas,michiquititanomatterwhatIdo I’mfromaCatholicfamilythatreliesontheirfaithfor strengththathasaVirgencita, NinoDios orJesusineveryroom IwasbornintheUS,butmyrootsarefrom Guanajuato,Zacatecas Iamfromthefrijolesandarroz thatarealwayssittingonthekitchenstove whetherI’mathomeoratmysecondhome whichismygrandma’s whereIspentmostofmychildhood Fromthebrownliplinermymomworewhilereggaeton andbachatawereblastingthroughthecarwindows andallthetimesmydadwouldtakemetogetamini icecreamconefromLaMichoacana afterpreschoolaswearrivedtomygrandma’s Theregularsoccergamesatla25orinfieldsallover AurorawhereIwouldgosupportmybrotherandsister Iamfromthefamilypicturebook thatsitsinthelivingroom Thatremindsmeofthesacrificemygrandparents andparentsmadewhentheycrossedtheborder andallthehardworkmyfamilydid soIcouldhavethelife andopportunitiesIhavetoday
WhereI’mFrom
ByEmmanuel
Iamfrombrightorangefencesaroundthebrightbluehouse FromElMilagroTortillasthatweatleasthave threepacketsofinthefridge, totheCocaColamydadkeepsinthefridgeandfreezer thathegrabswhenhegoestowork
Iamfrombrightdecorations,picturesofthepastthattellstories aboutourfamilyjustbygazingatthem tobrightredflowersonthetable (Thebigandnoisysongsthatmymomplayswhilesheiscleaning happilysingingtothem,andtheniceandbrightlywhitedecorative tilesontheroofandalwayshearingnoiseandlaughterinthe kitchen,whilemymomcooksaflavorfulmeal)
Iamfrombigtallbrownoaktreesandthemoldthatmurks aroundthetreesbottom,thedimlight thatgoesthroughouttheopeningsofthetreebranches Fromputtingmyshoesoutofmyroomandwakinguptoseethat LosTresReyesMagosleftcandyandtinytoysforme ImthejingleofsarcasmIheareachday, makingmyfamilysmile
Frommydad,theheroofthefamily,JoseAlfredo******, whoistheonewhocrossedtheriver andriskedhislifeforustohaveagoodlife, andthebestmotherIcouldeveraskfor,Maria***********, whoistheonewhotakescareofusintheafternoon, aftermydadleavesinthemorningtowork totheonewhocooksforusandtakes mylittlesisterandmeplaces
I’mfromgoingoutsideoncloudydays,evenatnights, justtovisitfamily,andthechatsoutsideonSunday whileItakeawhiffofthesmellofmeat comingfromthegrillthatmydadispreparing FrombeingtoldStrangerdangerorNohablesconextrañoshijo andmymomraisinghervoiceabitatmeforleavingherside atthebigfluorescentmall
Imfromthepriestholdingmeasababy forhimtodunkmeinthewater,callingthisBaptizing Tomepracticingandreadingabooktorememberwhattosayin myFirstCommunionformebeforetoconfirmmysins I’mfromAurora,Illinois,theCityofLights Frombeingsuperhotlikeajaggeddesert,butIonlyknowone desertmyparentscamefrom PatambaroMichoacan wheretothisdaywevisitandmakenewmemories whilemymomanddadrevisitoldones
EatingtamaleseachChristmasEveandhavingabigparty toeatingposolethenextmorningafterabiglongnight Fromtheadventuresmydadhasbeenthrough, crossingtherivertogetherewhilemymomrodethecar holdingmybigsistergoingthroughtheborder (Shehadpapers mydadspaperswereinvalid) andthethingsthathappenedtomymom whileshehadusasababy, whenshegotsick,orwhenshealmostdied, butthroughoutitallshestillmanaged tosaveussowehadamothertolove
WhenIenterthedoor,Igetflashedwithmemoriesofmanyyears Weinaconcealedframe stoppedintimetomakeussmileallday andrememberthatday
IamfromLaVirgencitastatueinthecorner,watchingus, guardingus,andwatchingthefamilytreebloom
WhereI’mFrom ByCamila
Iamfrompotskeptinsidetheoven andwarm cozyanimalblankets forthewinter, FromSalsaValentinapouredoneverything andCocaColasthatarealwayscoveredby thebeerinthecoolers Iamfromahousethatisthesmallestin comparisontotheonesnextdoormakingit distinct,yetitstaysasthemostplain (Thehousethatsalwayscoldnomatterthe seasonorweather,evenwithaheater) Iamfrompeppermintplantsallyear usedforteatocurethesick orjusttochewontheleaves I’mfromcarneasadaeveryfewweekends withallfamilymembersnearby andgreenorhazeleyeseverywhereIlook FrommyfavoriteoldercousinAlexa tomyfavoriteyoungestcousinDinna I’mfromthenosyanddramatic Frombeingtoldarandommaninthestore wouldkidnapmeifIwasmisbehaving andtonevereverpointatarainbow I’mfromFirstCommunioncelebrationsand candlesdesignedwithpeople fromourreligiousbeliefs ImfromAurora,IllinoisandDurango,Mexico TheuncookedfrijolesusedtoplayLoteria andburninghottortillas usedtoeatalmostanythingelse Fromtheoldestcousinsatcollegetotherich auntsanduncleswhoIwishtobelike Themilliondogsfrommygrandmashouse thatmostlikelyranaway Fromthehumongousalbumhalfwayfilled withphotosofmyentirefamily totheframedphotosofusasbabies Iamfromthecrossineverysingleroomand areligiousphotoaboveourdiningroomtable
WhereI’mFrom
ByMilagros
Iamfromabigbrownbearwithabrightredbow
Fromwhite4x4Fordtrucksandcarsweusedtohave anddecoratedtolooklikefastandfuriouscars TothegreencamouflagePolaris fourwheelerwekeepinourbackyard
Iamfromagardenwithsweetandsavoryvegetables
Fromsunlightasradiantasanx-raybeingtakenevery morningfromourskylightinourkitchen
Toanalllightbluegrayhousetothepretty radiantpinkroomattheendofthehouse
Mymomlisteningtometalkabouteverythingthathappenedat schoolasfastasabasketballgoesintothenet
Iamfromripetomatoesandrefreshingcucumbers andspicychilesinourcherishedgarden, Overflowingofplumpredtomatoesandlonggreencucumbers andsmallfierychiles
ImfromgoingtoHolyHillswithmyfamily onceayearinthefall
Tofamilynightsdoingwhatever comestomindaslongaswe'retogether
Frombrowneyestothickbrownhair
FromLaura*****,agreatcookandsportplayer, andFelipe*****,agreatpersonandhard,honestworker IcametobeMilagros*****
Imfromthesarcasticcomments tobeingoutgoingpeoplepleasers
FromTeparecesatupapayflacacomoestabatumama
ToQuecabellomásbello
I’mfrombecomingaCatholicwhenIwasamontholdin2010 toprayingtherosaryeverynight
I’mfromAurora,IllinoisanddelaCiénegadeZimatlán deOaxaca,México
FrommouthwateringtamalesonChristmasEve tospicyredandgreenposoleoncoldwinterdays
Fromthereganosdemipapaatthedinnertable whichalwaysdidhelpmeattherighttimes tothedelicioussavoryfoodandsweetbreadandcoldnieve mymothermakesforthefamily
FromthepicturesonthewallsandphotoalbumstotheiPhone thathasallthememorieswetookwithourfirstiPhone tothephotosonthewallsshowhowyoungwewere andthedreamswehad tophotoalbumsofthenewlywedcouple15yearsago
TheiPhonefullofpicturesofmeandmysisterandourfamily from2009to2023
Itsimportanttomebecausewecanlookback andremembereverythingthathappened
Myparentstellingstoriesaboutwhatandwhyithappened
WhereI’mFrom
ByIzabella
Iamfrommyblackiphone
FromTylenolandGarnierSkinactive
Iamfromlotsoflights, asactiveasbatsatnight andasquietasamouseatnight, smellslikeaMexicanhouse Iamfromtulips, tulipsareusuallyflashyflowers MexicanfoodeveryChristmas anddimples
Frommomanddad
I’mfromthetendtoforget andtendtobeloud
FromComeinsidethehouse whenthestreetlightsturnon andDontbescaredoftheEasterbunny
Imfromwhatswrongandright whattosayornottosay
ImfromAurora,Chicago,Indiana, andPuertoRico HotCheetosandChickFilA
Fromwhenmygrandmagotsick andisstillhelpingmeandmyfamily
Themomwhohasgonethroughalot andImhappyIcanalwaysgotalktoher totakecareofme,tosupportme, toneverbelonely
WhereI’mFrom ByStephen
Iamfromshinyclearglasscups, FromBimboandFritoLays
Iamfromalightgrayhome ascleanasashinywhiteplate, asspaciousasacropfield
Fromthecharmingscent ofplantsinthebackyard Iamfromthedarkbushytrees, tallandwidelikeamountain ImfromgettingtogetheronChristmas Daywithmyfamilymembers Fromoursimilarcharacteristics FrommydadAdrian*****and mymomDiana******
I’mfromthefamilywhereweallplay soccerandenjoysports andthefamilywhoalwayslikestogoout everyweekendtobewitheachother FromAlwaystryyourbest andAlwaysgetbetter
I’mfromgoingtochurcheverySunday, goingtoheartheMass andbelieveandpray
I’mfromAurora,Illinois andGuadalajara Mexico
Fromtheperfectorangerice andthetastybrownbeans
Fromthestoriesaboutmydad andthetimesmymomhadgrowingup
Fromthegrayspaciouslivingroom whichholdsourpictures
Thelivingroomwhereeverythinginit representsourfamily inonewayoranother
WhereI’mFrom ByHayden
Iamfromshoesthatarealways inthewrongplace, Fromcold,crispClaussenKosherpicklesthat disappearinamatterofminutesand comfortingMaruchanramen IamfromadullChristmas-coloredhouse withacontrastinginsidethatburstswith color,leavinganartmuseumaftertaste Iamfromtheillusionoftheoceanleftbythe carsrushingbytowhoknowswhere Iamfromthebright,beamingsunflower mymotherplantedandnamedMike whois52 andalwayssmilesatyou (evenifyoudontsmileback)
I’mfromChinesefoodfamilymovienights andterrifyingbrightblueeyes FromAngela,Christopher,andMason****** I’mfromafamilywholeavestheirthingseverywhere andalwayshasanevent plannedintotheweek Fromthesoundofmymotherssoftvoice sayingYes,myprincess? andthesamevoice,butangry,repeating Sayyes,mommy!afterIbullymybrother
I’mfromwarmSundaymorningsspent sleepinginandofthescreamsoffrustration emittedfrommyfather ashediesinDestiny2 ImfromAurora,Illinois,Indiana,andMissouri Fromwarm,flavorfulhomemade chickenanddumplings,andfondu Iamfromthedyingbatthatmyuncletriedto takecareofwhenhewasyoung(2ndgrade) whichledtohisjobasanurse Thecleverandfoolishnessmygrandfatherhad ashealwaysMcGrubbersnewinventions Iamfromtheoffice: acanvas,likewallsandshelves, coveredinmemorialsandmemoriesoflovedones, happytimes,andsadtimes Booksandmagnetssummarizingand containingmywholelife
ByNaomi
Iamfromthescatteredtoysaroundtheroom
FromCloroxwipesintheopencabinetand thegreasyPinesolfeelingonthewoodtable Iamfromthehouseonthecorner withthebrownroofandtalltrees (Theroughlycoloredporch andneatlyplantedflowers)
Fromtheloudbarkingeverytimethereisa slightknocktotheclickingofmydogsnails Iamfromthegreenvineshungaroundthe woodarchinmybackyardtothecrabapple treebesidemybedroomwindow, theleavesfallingandcrowdinginonearea I’mfrombarbequesandreunions everyothersummer andsensitiveimpatientfamilymembers
FromMaria*****andAllison***** Imfromtheoverflowedsinkofdishes aftereveryfamilymeal andrushingtotakeshowerslateatnight
FromBequiet andYoutalktoomuch
I’mfromdressingupandshowering forchurcheverytimeIslept atmycousinshouse asIgrewIdidntgoasoftenasbefore ImfromAurora,Illinois andCuernavaca,Mexico
Fromthebeanswithcrumbledcheeseontop tothehotsoupinthesummer
Fromthetimesmygrandparents alwaysshowedtheirsupport atconcertsandschoolassemblies
Thesacrificesmymomtook whenmoneywastight Myfamilypicturebookshiddenaway incabinetsandunknownboxes
Thepicturesshownfromyearsago thattellmorethanonethousandstories
WhereI’mFrom
ByMelanie
Iamfromplasticgrocerybags storedbehindthefridge, FromMexicanpaletasofdifferentflavors andsalsavalentina
Iamfrombigspacedbackyardssurroundedbyfences (Thedishesstackedlikeatowerwaitingtobewashed, thecreakingoftheoldstairs, andeveryonesshoespiledupatthefrontdoor Thesmellofburningcandlesandthe scrumptioussmellofyourfavoritefood whenyoucomehomefromschool)
IamfromthetallbloomingEasternRedbud treesoutsidemyhouse
I’mfromopeningChristmaspresentsat12am andthedarkcurlyhairmyfamilyhas FrommycousinJohanna andmysisterLeslee
IamfromgoingtochurcheverySunday andeatingoutsidetogether
FrommymomsayingPonteaestudiar andmydadsayingHaztumejoresfuerzo I’mfromreligiousBibleswithrosarios andfromPadreNuestros
I’mfromAurora,Illinoisandmyparents fromGunajuatoandDurango Mexico Fromenchiladasandtacosdorados Frommymombreakinghernose andgettingsurgerywhenshewaslittle Thesarcasmthatmymomhas, thememoriesinChicagoofthetimes wespendasafamilytogether TheflagofMexicoisimportant tomeandmyfamily
WhereI’mFrom ByDaniela
IamfromDeriDeliteslushies andlearningthatmymomworkedtherewhenIwasababy FromsmellingFabuloso orCloroxthatwouldstinkupthehouse IamfromasmallapartmentdownFrontStreet whereyoucanhearthetrainsandbirds,but overallitisacozyandwarmhomeforeveryoneto feelwelcomed Iamfromdandelionsthatwouldmakemesneeze tothemushroomsgrowinginplainsightandthe treeleavesleavingmysightinthewinter ImfromeatingMexicanfoodonholidaysandit smellingsogoodIcan’tholdback ImfrombeinggratefulforwhatIhave, itmaynotbemuchbutitisstillsomething FromLilytoDaniel I’mfromthefamilyIcouldtalkto andtheonesIcouldjokearoundwith FromCometetodalacomida andLimpiensuscuartos I’mfromkeepingmyrosarieswithmefor protectiontoCatholicschoolonSundaysat11:15am tohaveallmysacramentsdone,butnot wantingtogo andjuststayinandsleep IwasborninAurora,Illinois,butrunningthrough myblood,ImfromNayarit,Mexicoand HuntingtonPark,California or“HP”likemydadsays I’mproudofbeingaMexicanAmericankid Fromburritosdefrijolestotacosdeasada FrommyGodfatherinspiringmetobekindto everyonearoundmeandcaringforpeoplethat havebeenthereallmylife ImfromgoingtoDurango,Mexico orCaliforniatovisitmyfamily wheneverwehavevacation I’mgratefulforstudyingatEastAuroraDistrict #131sinceIwas3yrsoldandforthat Thankyou,Aurora,ourCityofLights!!
WhereI’mFrom ByYessica
Iamfromwashingdishes, fromFabulosaandWindex Iamfromplantseverycorner ofmyhouse,butalwaysveryloud (It'salwayscrowded,itfeelsasifI wereinthezoowithpeople) Iamfrombambooplantsandchibiplants, theonesthatareflaminghot Iamfromflowersthatareverycolorful justliketherainbow andtheyshineasbrightasthesunshine IamfromgoingtoWisconsin everysummer Iamfromreallyaffectionate familymembers Imfromthefamilyfriend, hangouts,andthefamilydoctors Iamfrombeingtoldasakidto neveropenthedoorforanyone ImfromLookoutforyourself insteadofeveryoneelse Imfromcrossesandrosaries, fromVirginMary ImfromGuerreroinMichoacan Fromposoleintacos everyChristmasEve Fromhavingmymominfluenceme tobeabetterperson andtobebetterthansheeverwas FromhavingmyMomraisehersiblings asifshewereamother takingtheroleofparent Fromhavingagoodtimeinthelake andjustbeingabletoenjoy thetimewehave
Iamfrombroomsandmops
FromVaporRubandherbalcreams
Iamfromacomfortable, creamy,cosmetic, smoothlikebutter,home
Iamfromchileplants,fresh,butsmall I’mfromlarge,exquisiteflan onThanksgivingandneatcurlyhair, butalsotexturedwavyhair
FromBrandon*******and Jose*******
I’mfromtheclumsyandquiet, butalsoloudfamily
From¡Levántatevamosallegartarde! wheneverImtakingtoolong and¡Pontelaspilas!whenever Imbeinglazy
Imfromcrosses,smallandwooden, placedeverywherearoundourhome I’mfromRushCopleyinAurora,Illinois andfromDurango andGuanajuato,Mexico
Steamyarracherasandsavoryelotes
Fromtheolderbrother whotaughtmehowtoplaysoccer andthemanwhosacrifices somuchformetosucceed
Iamfromthelarge,bumpybackyardthat holdsblood,sweat,tears,andjoy
Iamfromrememberingwhocreatedyou andwhereyoucamefrom
WhereI’mFrom
ByErika
Iamfromthecandlethatshinesup onthedrawerinmytable
FromFabulosoandMalvavisco
Iamfromtwobrightlights likethesunintheafternoon cozyandsmall, Fromthetwobrightlights thatarefrommykitchen
Iamfromthecactusplantinmytopshelf thathastwoflowers,blueandpink
I’mfromeating12grapesaftermidnight onNewYear’sEve tohavingbrownhair alongwithbrowneyeslikecinnamon
FromEmmanuel*******
andLaura*******
I’mfromgoingtochurch sometimesonSunday andgettingbubbleteaalmosteachweek FromNoestéscontuactitud andNoapuntesaotros
ImfromgettingBaptized atthreeyearsold andgoingtochurcheverySunday whenIwasnine togetmyFirstCommunion, IamfromMoreleonandFresascon crema yarrozconleche
HowmymomgrewupinChicago andinMexico
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Fromhowmyfamilysuffers fromavarietyofthings
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ByAllison
IamfrommyoldsmalliPad thatIusedtoplayRobloxon
FromFabulosousedtocleanourclothes tokeepthemsmellinggood andCloroxthatmakesourhouseclean
Iamfromasmallbeautifulbrownhome (Loudscreams,squeakyclean, bigroomsinsidemyhouse, butasmallhousefromtheoutside)
Iamfromcolorfulflowersand verycolorfulplants hangingoutsidemyhome
I’mfromQuincenerasand shortgeneticsfrommyfamily
FromAmalia*****andArturo*******
I’mfromtheMexicansfromMexico andAurora Illinois
Fromturningonthelightsinsidethecar cangetusintrouble andDon’tpointatrainbows
I’mfromLosReyesMagos andmyFirstCommunion
I’mfromRushCopleyMemorialHospital andMexico
McDonalds Wingstop Frombitingapersoninthestomach andgettingsenttothehospital
Frommysisterwhoisveryskilledand mymomanddad’sstories onhowtheygothere
WhereI’mFrom
ByCarina
Iamfromfragrantseasonalcandles
FromtransparentDawndishsoap andthestrongaromaofSuavitel
Iamfromaneatbrownsquarehouse thatiscomfortable cozy andharmoniouslyquiet
Iamfromthevividhoneysuckle-flowered bush,scentedlikeheavenlyjasmine withaspeckofvanilla
I’mfromtwinklingChristmaslightsatmy auntshouseandtannedbrownhair
FromClaudiaLopez andGuadalupeOrtiz
ImfromgoingtoaCatholicchurch everySunday andtemptingcoffeeandpastries atmyhouseafterNewYear'sEve FromLoquepaseesloque
Diosquiereparati andEchaleganasparaquetengas unbuenfuturo
ImfromafamilyoffaithfulCatholics, Grandma'sholymoonlitBible onthenightstand
I’mfromAurora,Illinois andfromaMexicanfamily
Mouth-wateringpozoleandflavorfultamales
Fromthefun-lovingmotherwhoisahard workerwhoalwaysfindsasolution toeverything
Mylovablefather,whoisverystrong-minded andcaresaboutotherpeople nomatterwhotheyare Adventurousandwarm-heartedmemoriesin thebackofaclosetinabig,bulkybasket Wecantfigureoutwhowearewithout knowingwherewecomefrom butknowingourfamiliescherisheditems, stories,andlegacies, wecandiscoverapath ofunimaginablethings
IamfromtheCityofLights, Frommakingconchasandempanadas throughmychildhood Iamfromasmallandcozyhome (Myhomeisneatandwelcoming;there'smusic everySaturdayandSundaymorning)
Iamfromgrowingorchids whichisabeautifultropicalplant
I’mfromhavingThanksgivingwithfamilyandextended familyeveryyear playinggamessuchasbaraja bingo,andloteria
FrommyoldestolderbrotherAlexanderCarlosMarines Yanezwhoislikeanelder,scoldingmeforanymistake yetgivesmelifeadvice
FrommyfatherwhoisalwaysthereformewhenIneed him,areallystrongpersonandthestrongestperson thatIknow
Iveonlyseenhimcryfourtimesmywholeentirelife, alwaystryinghisbestforourfamilyandImreallyglad tocallhimmyfather
I’mfromtheextrovertedandsarcastichousehold
FromTratalomejorquepuedas andAlfinaltodosesabe
I’mfromaCatholichouseholdthatgoestoOurLadyof GoodCounselChurchfromtimetotime
ImfromAurora,IllinoisandmyancestryisfromMexico CityandMichoacan
FromlasagnaeverysingleweekendwhenIwas younger,sincemysiblingsandIusedtobeobsessed, tohavingpozoleeverywinterandChristmas
FrommyMom’ssinglemomstorythatreallyimpacted metowhenshehadmyolderbrothersshewasunder 18 mymomwouldliveinhercarandwouldsometimes noteatjusttofeedmybrothersshowingmethateven intoughtimesthingswouldgetbettersoonerorlater Fromareallystrongbrotherwhowentthroughbullying inschoolduetohislazyeye
FromgoingtoWisconsinDellseverysummertaking manymemorablememoriesandpictures Myfamilysstoriesarereallysignificanttomebecause myparentswentthroughalottoget towherewearetoday
WhereI’mFrom
ByJacquelyn
Iamfromthearomaoficedchailatte withabutterypumpkincoldfoam andcarameldrizzle
FromcolorlessSheinclothes andcrustypitchblackCrocs Iamfrommakingshadowyholesonthe walltothrowingthingswhenI’mmad Iamfromyellowandcolorlessgreywalls inmyroom andcreakingfloorsinthehallway
Fromadogthatsniffsandhasascent likelikeavanillabean Starbucksfrappuccino Iamfromgreengrassandbrowntall treesinmybackyard
ImfromCancunandMexicoeveryyear Fromlongbrownhairandhazeleyes FrommydogUzi andmyhalfbrotherMarco
I’mfromtherequintosandbajosextos andfamilycookoutparties everySaturday FromJusttryyourbest andBrushyourpretty,straightteeth everyday
I’mfromapurpleCatholicchurchwhere webelieveinoneGod
I’mfromVeracruzandCuautitlánIzcalli enLaCiudaddeMéxico Fromtacosdelalpastorandhorchata everySaturdayatfamilycookouts Frommycousinshowingmehowtoplay abajosexto andthefavoritecousinJavihavinghis owngrupoattheageof13
ByMariela
Iamfromredandgreensalsa inthefridgeeverytimeyouopenit
FrommyplayingNintendogamesafterdinner withmyfamilyandhavingaShopkinscollection Iamfromasmallorangerectanglehouse (Dogsbarkingeverytimetheyhearasound fromafullhomethatisratherextremelynoisy butalsopeacefullyquietsometimes)
Iamfromflowersandplantsalloverthehouse likeanindoorgarden tothegardeninmybackyard thatmyparentsplanteveryyear
I’mfromwakinguponyourbirthdayto LasMananitasconCepillinson andchocolatecarameleyes
FrommymotherGuadalupe**** andmyfatherFrancisco***** Imfromwakingupearlyeveryweekend togoingtoseeallofmybrotherssoccergames andgoingtomyaunt’shouseeveryNewYear
FromTeponeslaspillasandConcuidadomija anytimeIwentoutordidsomething
I’mfromaCatholicfamily,eatingsoftdelicatepan afteraposadasinthewinter
ImfromAurora Illinoisandmyancestry originatesfromGuerreroandMichoacan,Mexico
Frommygrandmothershomemadedelicacypan, Tamalesandpozoleeveryholiday
Frommyparenttakingariskandcomingtothe US fromMexicotogivemeandmysibling abetterlifeandfuture
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FromWisconsinDellsvacationseverysummer Familyisforyoutoalwayshavesomeonethere foryouandforyoutobethereforthem
WhereI’mFrom
ByErick
IamfrombrokenPlaystation andXboxcontrollers
FromNikeandMcDonald’s Iamfromasmall yellow,boring, loudhouse Iamfromatree, bigandold
ImfromfamilyChristmas andbrownhair
FromNicoandmyotherdog,Alex I’mfromGod andaCatholicfamily Fromshortandskinny Iamfromgoing tochurcheverySunday
ImfromAurora,Illinoisandmostof myfamilyisfromMexico
Carneasadaytacos
Frommyfamilycomingtothe UnitedStatesfromMexico
TomydogNico thatisfatandsmall
GoingtoFloridaforspringbreak andmygrandmatellingthings aboutMexico
WhereI’mFrom ByDenise
Iamfromgrillstomakeasada andtheplaygroundthelittlekidsgotoplayonandlaugh FromCresttoothpastetobrushyourteethatnightandmorning andlavenderFabulosotomakethefloorscleanandbeam Iamfromthetwostorybeigehome withaheftyreddishbrownroof, withaverdantandfluorescentgardenatthefrontofthehouse Smallandquietwhentheresnoone,butloudwhenpeoplecome Youhearthelaughsecho,thelittlekidsrunning,andmusicplaying whiletheadultstalkandbrag (Comfortableandcozyhearingthebirdschirp inthemorningandthecricketschirpatnight Woodfloorsthatyoucanhearsqueakwhileyouwalk) Iamfromvastpinklavernes
I’mfromasadasthathappeninthesummer oronceinwhilewhentheweatherisluminous andanoutgoingfamily wholikestohavefunandexplorenewthings FromLaura,mymomofwhomImgratefulfortakingcareofmy familyandgivingusfoodclothes andaroofoverourfamilysheads andLuis,mydadofwhomImalsogratefulforwhoalsogaveus food,clothesandaroofovermeandmysisters’heads
I’mfromthefamilyreunionsthatcanhappenforbirthdays orholidaysthatarecaptivating andsillywiththesarcasmourfamilycarries
Fromgoingtotheparkformysisterstoplayandrunaround laughingandgigglingtillitstimetogohome FromTeportasbienandEchaleganas
I’mfromaCatholicfamilywhogoestochurcheverySunday, prayingeverynightbeforesleepandforfamilywhomaybegoing throughroughtimesandprayingforoneself
ImfromAurora Illinois theCityofLights multicoloredlightsat nightandcolorfulwiththemuralsaroundthecity, Monterreywherethereisabigmountainrange SierraMadreOrientalwithbrightlightsfrombuildings atnightandbrightblueskies, Jujutlawheretheresmanybodiesofwaterasclearascrystalsand iscaptivatingwiththeamountofwaterparks
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ByDarilynn
Iamfromtheloudoldroaringvacuuminmyhouse
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Iamfromthetall,blistering,brownfencethatsurrounds myentirehome, noticeabletoanycardrivingby
(Thelargefrontyardwheremeandmysiblingsplay gamessuchassoccerorvolleyball
Thebig bumpy crackeddrivewaywithpilesofrocks takinguplotsofspace)
Iamfromthetinygardennexttomyhousewheremy parentsgrowmultiplevegetablesandfruits,which comeindifferentsizesandcolors
IamfromtheNewChinaBuffetinChicago thatIgotowithmyfamilytocelebratebirthdaysanda familyofpeople witheyesbrownascoffeegrounds
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WhereI’mFrom
ByHarvard
Iamfromthedogbedinthecorner
FromDawndishsoapfordishes andCloroxbleachfortoughspots Iamfromacrampedandstuffy, cozyandwarm, witheredandoldhome
Iamtallgrass,vastandlush
I’mfromchurchonChristmasEve andhavingdarkhair
FromMaryandMichael, amazingparents I’mfromtheshoutingandloud andstayinguptoolate FromDoyourhomework andStopjokingaround I’mfromrosarybeads andSt JoseChurch everyweekend
ImfromAurora,Illinois Porkchopsfryinginlard andgroundbeeffortacos sizzlinginthepan
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Iamfromtheliquidmedicine thatIwouldalwaystakewhenIwaslittle FromtheDownydetergentIcouldalwayssmell whenmymomwasdoinglaundry andtheDimetappchildren'scoldmedicinethat wouldgivemeheadaches becauseofthetasteandsmellofgrapes Iamfromtheoneflooredhousewithagateddoor, andthesmall,butloudhome Alwaysbeingabletosmellmydadscheese hebringsfromhishometowninMexico Iamfromthewhitebarkpinetree thatalwaysstoodout andkidswouldalwaysbetryingtoclimbit, buttheycouldn’tbecauseofitstallbranches I’mfromcelebratingafamilymember’sbirthday nomatterwhat evenifit’sjustacake andthemolesallaroundmybody thatgetpasseddownfrommymom FromMaribel*******andAntonio****** I’mfromactingformallywhengoingtoaplace whereweknowpeoplelikeusaren’tthere andfromalwayseatingtogetherasafamily andtalkingaboutwhatevercomestoourminds Frommymomtellingmetonotworry whenshesgonebecause shewouldbebackreallysoon andmymomcallingmeherprincess I’mfromgoingtochurch orchurchschooleverySunday andcelebratingthebirthdayoftheVirginMary I’mfromAurora,Illinois, MichoacanandJaliscoMexico Imfromthecorundasandthesopes Frommydadteachingmeaboutobstaclesinlife andhowitistoworkhard andwhatIshouldbelookingforwardtoinlife Theshortandthinhairfrommymom thatifyouwouldgrabit,itwouldjustslipaway rightthroughyourfingerslikesand ThetripstoWisconsinDellsthat Iwouldgowithmyfamily Thesestoriesareimportant becauseinawayitshowswhoweare
WhereI’mFrom
ByDaniela
Iamfromthebigpot fortamalesinthegarage FromMolcaheteandFabuloso Iamfromaramp-likedriveway (Cooltemperature,spacious Smellofmasawhichlaterismade intohomemadetortillas) Iamfrompinetrees, spiky big andgreen
Cookingarracheraforeveryholiday, butThanksgiving, andbeingsarcastic
FromDianaandKarina
I’mfromgoingonroadtrips andgoingouttoeatonceaweek
FromEchaleganasmija andQuediostebendiga
Imfromnotgoingtochurch everySunday
I’mfromAurora,Illinois, butmybloodisfromJalisco, Mexico,Guanajuato,Mexico Greenandredtamalesandposole
Fromthedadthat’shardworkgives hisfamilyeverything andthemomthatwilldoanything forherchildren Pictureframeshanging onthelivingroomwalls Mydad’scamera haspicturesofmemories
WhereI’mFrom ByValeria
Iamfromhandmadetablecoverswithroses andlittledecorationsthattakehourstomake andmyoldgaslitstove filledwithpansandtupperware
FromsmallcoldYakultsandthePinolsmell whenmymomcleansonFridays
IamfromasmallapartmentonTallOaksDr, butstillbigenoughforallthememories itcreatedovertheyears
Fromalwaysunagreeable busy andloudmusicthats alwaysplaying
Aneatandlavendersmellthatcomesfromcandlesor theburningsmellwhenyoublowoutthecandlesafter sayingaprayer
I'mfrommymom'sgreenlonglusciousplantlike rapunzelhairthatshesbeentakingcareof sinceshecamefromMexico
Everydayduringtheshorthotsummermeandmy brothermeetingupwithfriendstoplaysoccer
Imfromeating12grapesonNewYearscountdown andnicknames andnamecallingtojokearound
FromBelen********andJoseManuel******
I’mfromtheloyalty,respect,andlovetoourCatholic religionandalwaysbeingpositive andhappyabouteverything
FromParaleotevallevaresesenor andmydadalwaystellingmeEchaleganas whenIhaveagameorwhenIgotoschool I’mfromgettingmyBaptism,myCommunion, andsoonmyConfirmation andfromgoingtoSt Teresaat12 orSt NicolasChurchat11oneverySunday ImfromAurora IllinoisandZacatecas Mexico Fromtreslechescake andchocoflanonspecialoccasions toarrachera,tacosdealpastorontheweekends Frommygrandmaalwaystellingmetoneverjudgeand alwaysbehumbleandBuenanimo
FrommycousinErnestitointroducingmetosoccerand influencingmyloveofthesport
Frombigalbumbooksfilledwithmemories andbabypicturesstored inbottomuntouchedcabinets
MyparentstravelingtotheUnitedStates togivemybrotherandmeabetterlifeandfuture
WhereI’mFrom
ByAlexander
IamfromabedthatIsleepon FromspicyValentina torefreshingClamato Iamfromthin,hollowwalls (Small,cozy, withlocksoneverydoor)
Iamfromtreesinmybackyard Onebigtreewithsixverysmallones likeafamily
I'mfromMexicanIndependenceDay andhairisasblackasthe nightsky Mymother,Yesenia******, andmyfather,Felipe******* I’masquietasthewind andloudasaspeaker FromhowIsplitmyheadopen withamirrorabit andhowIgothurtasatoddler I’mfromaCatholicfamily, DiadelaVirgen
FromMercyHospitalsinAurora, IllinoisandMexicanroots Mouth-warmingtamales, delectabletacos
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WhereI’mFrom ByKaylee
Iamfrommirrors tolookatmyselfeveryday FromFocaandTajin Iamfromahomeyhome, comfylongcouch, asbigasMountEverest, thevanillascentedcandlesyousmell whenyouwalkinmyhouse Iamfrombamboo, tallandgreen Imfrommakingtamales everyChristmas andbrowneyes FromKaylee******** andGisela******
I’mfromtheangerissues andfastmoodswitches FromPortatebien andBekindtoothers
I’mfromSt Rita,LaVirgen I’mfromChicago,IllinoisandPuebla Mymom’smolotes,greenpozole Fromthehardworkmymom hasbeenthroughthatinfluencedme toappreciatethingsmore Thecaremyoldersistergavemethat influencedmetobegrateful andnotselfish, thealtarofthefamilyphotos thatholdmemories andgivesuscomfort
WhereI’mFrom
ByEmily
Iamfrommolcajetes,apungentchile, burningfrommynosetomylungs FromXbox360andHaloReach Iamfromthekeylimegreentwostory onFourthStreetthatfeelsbiggeronthe insidethanitlooksontheoutside warmandstuffynomatterwhat IamfromKoreanfirs borderingthebackyard, pricklyandsapstickingtomyfingers I’mfromplasticbabiesinlostresreyes magosbreadanddarkfrizzyhair FromJesusLogan******* andJoaquinJames******* Imfromthestubbornandhardheaded FromJustdontburnthehousedown andWatchyourbrothers, especiallytheolders I’mfromfaithfulCatholicswithlahostia everySundayandtheBible androsaryonmynightstand ImfromMercyHospitalinAuroraand AutlanandGuadalajara,Jalisco Arrozandfrijolesthatarealwayswarm andeatentogetherbutnevermixed FromthestoriesofmyGrandmaRosa, caringbutdisciplinary Shewaskindeventothosewhoweren’t, Allwecandoisprayshewouldsay Helpingraisemydadanduncle, beingsuretheywouldntfight Theboxofpicturesbymybed, forgottenfacesofthepeople I’llnevermeet, butstillchangedmylife
ByBriana
Iamfromtheglisteningblueeyes thatprotectandroamthehouse
FromthesteamingchocolatedeAbuelita whenthekitchenstovestrikesmidnight totheconchasthatwedelightfullydipitin Iamfromtallbushesstandingstrongoutside (Thesoothingchillinessofthehome tothecozywarmfeelingonceyoulaydown) Fromtherelaxingfeelingofgettinghome afteralongexhaustingdayout
Iamfromtheplantthatsvineshanglow, atallandelderlygorgeousattraction
ImfrommysteriousSecretSantaeveryChristmas andthelongintriguingfamilyreunionsatTiaRosaurashouse,with energeticchildrenrunningandblissfullyplaying Icomefromalonglineofindependentwomen anddedicatedmen
FromJose******,thelovingfather, andManuela********* thecaringmother toJoseph******andRichard******, thedependableolderbrothers I’mfromthesociablefamilydinners wherewemakethebestoftheworst, FromDiossabeporque,whetheritbe aminorinconvenienceoracatastrophicevent, andEchaleganaswhenitseems asthoughtheloopmayneverend ImfromchurchschooleveryWednesday duringschoolseason,inthebeautifulsunsettingafternoonwiththe vibrantwarmcolorsstandingoutinthesky
ASantaMariapaintinginmyparents’comfortingbedroom,wherewhen wefeeltheneedtobeaccompaniedbyGod, itsthemostflawlessplacetogo totherosariohangingineverycar, sothatGodprotectsusthroughourpast andnewjourney’sbornandraisedinAurora,Illinois whereIhavethegoaltothriveandgrow Michoacan,Mexico,wheremyrootsoriginate Oh thevastgreenvalleys tothedesertlows Weonceplantedaseedofdreaminhopeitwouldgrow, butlikeabird myparentstookflightinthechaseofanewlife Atthe endofthetunneltherewaslight andIhopesomedaythatthesacrificesmade willbeout-weighedonceIwalkacross themonthegraduationstage, tofinallyseethesmileontheirface, Imfromthesavoringtacotrucks,withthelayeredtortillas, totheboilingpozolethatsasredasacherry Fromthetimeswherewewouldallcarelesslyplayhide andseekwithoutasinglecareorworry
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WhereI’mFrom ByAreli
Iamfromunscentedglasswhitecandles FromSimplyLemonadeandpurecranberryjuice IamfromClorox andblossomscentedFebreze Iamfromlightbrownwoodpanels, andasphaltconcrete birdssingingaround beforeearlymorning Iamfrompeachtrees Prematurepungentpeaches rattlingdownthetree I’mfromQuinceaneras andMexicanIndependenceDay Fromhumorouspeopletomoodyandbossy butcaringpeople FromCeciliaandRaul I’mfromthefamilygettingtogetherand havingdinner,andprayingeveryday FromNeverdodrugstoAlwaysputinyour besteffortsduringschool I’mfromtheVirginMary andvisitinghershrine ImfromAurora,withgleamingflowers, DurgangoandJalisco, wherefamilyrootsbegin Fromheavenlyscrambledeggs andtemptingpancakes Imfromthestoriesfrommyparentswhen theywereinMexico runningaroundandplayingenergeticallyin theshedduringthenight andhearingdreary,vividcoyotes
Thethingsmydadencountered whileinMexico
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WhereI’mFrom
ByMichael
Iamfromarandomtowel mymomboughtatAldi FromCrystalLite,andBritawaterfilters Iamfromatwofloorhouse withmessyrooms,abrokencouch, anoldextensioncord,theoldtvwe haventthrownoutdownstairs Iamfromapresumeddeadplant outbackthatmymom hasntcheckedoutinweeks I’mfromfishorsquidatChristmasand mostbornwithbadeyes FromDanielle**** andAngelMario***** I’mfromthesarcasmatrandomtimes andrandomtimes mygrandmotherwouldoverreact FromIwouldownTieNational whenmyuncleretires andtoBedifferentfromthefamily I’mfromnoreligion,butforcedtotakea classforBoyScouts I’mfromAurora,IllinoisandBrooklyn, NewYork(wheremymomgrewup) Somerandombreadinthefridge, arandomthingofcheese fromwhoknowswhere Fromthevolunteerfirefightergrandfather ThomasEdwardKing Theblindnessandneedingofglasses frommymother’ssideofthefamily Arandomstitchhat fromwhenwewenttoDisneyinFlorida in2019sittingontopofabookshelf Mygrandfathersoldshopriteuniform fromwhenhedied
BySophia
Iamfromtheoventhatcooksmeals likeposoleandenchiladas
FromFabulosoandBounty
Iamfromtheproductivehouse thatalwaysisworkingonsomething, tothewelcominghousethatdecoratesforevery season,tothecozyonethatalways hasablanketlayingaround
Thehomethatconstantlysmells likeaflowerscentedcandle
Iamfromtheorangeandyellowwildflowers growingeverywhereconstantly Imfromthefamilythattravelsalmostevery summerandgivesupafood everyonceayearforLent, Fromthepassionatefamily
Frommyparents NadiaandRoberto Iamfromthefamilythatoverthinks andthatforgets
FromthesayingsEverythinghappensfora reasonandWhatyougiveiswhatyouget I’mfromknowingwrongfromright,thatgivesme abetterunderstandinghowbeingniceispowerful IamfromWinfield,Illinoistonevermeetingmy greatgrandma,butI'vealwaysheardstories onhowshewasastrongperson
Fromeveryonesfavoritefoodsinmyhousehold, tacosandenchiladas
Frommybrotherwhoinfluencedme becausehewasalwayssocaring helpedoutwheneverhecould andalwayspushedhislimitstotrynewthings
Frommymom,whofacesobstacleslikebreaking herfootandhavingeyesurgery, yetshestillworkshardoneverythingshedoes andmakessureeverythingisdoneright
FromArizona FloridaandChicago andtothefamilyitemsthatholdourmemories wevecreatedwithinthatspecialobject
WhereI’mFrom
ByEdward
Iamfromshoesalloverthefloor tofindingoutthatourdoghaseatenthem bythetimewegethome
IamfromFabulososhiningagainstourtilefloor andWindexstoredinthelaundryroom withalltheothercleaningsupplies
Iamfromatalltwostoryhouse thatsitsonFescueStreet
(Comfortableandquiet Sobigyoucanfeel alltheopenspacearoundyou)
IamfromOaktreesandcolorfulflowers Frombeautifulflowers surroundingthenearbypond thatisfilledwithmanydifferenttypesoffish thatarealldifferentsizes
I’mfromhavingcookoutsoreatingout everyweekendasawhole, fromafunnyandsarcasticfamily
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I’mfromthefamilygatheringsalmosteveryweek andhardworkerslikemygrandparents
FromBesafeeverytimeIgoout andGoodluckatschool
FromaCatholicfamily thathascrossesallaroundthehouse
I’mfromAurora,Illinois andfromJalisco,Guadalajara,Mexico
I’mfromtacosdeasadaycaldodepollo everytimeImsick
Fromthehardworkingmotherthatisalways tryingtogiveherkidswhattheyneedandmore
Fromthelovingfamilythatalwaystriestosupport andhelpeachotherinanywaypossible
Picturesofmeandmysistertogether scatteredaroundthehouse:onthewall, oncounters,evenondressers
Ouritemsareimportanttous becausetheyhelpusremember allthegoodmoments thatmakesourfamilyspecial
WhereI’mFrom ByDylan
Iamfromahotcomalonthestove tomaketortillasdemaiz FromElMilagrotortillasinthefridgeand sweetChocolateAbuelita mixedwithamolinillo Iamfromatwostoryloving andcomfortinghouseon4thStreet FromthefreshsmellofFabulosocleaner andfromfragrantredRosales I’mfromamonthlyfamilygathering andacaringfamilywhoisthereforme FromCesar************ andGuadalupe**************** ImfromchurchonSundaymornings andthesmellofarracherainacookout FromDuérmeteoelcucuytevaallevar andSierralapuertaquesesaleelaire! I’mfromaBautizotosymbolizeourfaith inJesusandlaPrimeraComunion tosignifyreceivingChrist inbreadandwineforthefirsttime ImfrombusyAurora,Illinois andGuanajuato,Mexico I'mfromtastyhomemadehuaraches andsweetarrozconlechewithcinnamon FrommydadimmigratingtotheUS alonewithagoaltohaveabetterlife andmyhardworkingmom whowouldgiveherlifeforherkids Frompicturesoffamily andadelicateblack,gold,andbrown crucifixwithathornycrown onasmoothwalltoprotectthehouse andpeopleinitfromevil
WhereI’mFrom ByAbraham
Iamfromtherazor-sharp emptywaterbottlesinmybed FromtherattleoftheTajinbottle andthesweetsmellofFabuloso Iamfromahousewithatonoftoys lyinginthefloorthatiswarmandmessy, tothecarsthatpassby Iamfromavividgarden thathascucumbers,lettuce,andcilantro Imfromafamilythatmakesflavorfultamales andposoleinthewinter andwhohasthesamebrowneyes Frommyfather,AbrahamRios, andmymother,RosaIbarra I’mfromasarcasticandgenerousfamily whohelpeachotheroutfinancially andwithwork
FromTemeportasbien andBekindtoothers I’mfromthefamilythatgoestochurch tocelebratereligiousholidays togoingtochurchfromSundays I’mfromAurora,Illinois andGuanajuato Mexico Frommouthwateringtamales andflavorfultacosdealpastor,asada, lengua,andcabeza Fromthebrotherofakindandsmartsister whohelpsmewhenI’mstrugglingwithmy homeworktoteachingme howtobegenerous Myuncle whoinfluencedme tobekindtoeveryone andtobelieveinmyself ApictureofmyGrandmahanging fromthewallofthediningroom TheonlywaytoseemyGrandmaisfromthat picture,sincesheisnotinthesamecountry, whenIseethatpictureitmakesmefeel comfortable,warm,andhappy
WhereI’mFrom
ByPedro
Iamfromsoftblackleather boxinggloves
FromCenturymartialarts andLevisjeans
Iamfrombigbackyards
(Softwoodfloors softgraycarpets andbigstitchedcomfycouches)
Iamfromroses,softredroses thatIcouldfeelfordays
I’mfromfamilyChristmases anddarkhair
FromJuanandAndres
I’mfromvisitingfamily andgoingtothemall
FromChuckysgonnagetyouwhen Ididn'tlistenandDiostebendiga
I’mfromJesusandwakingupearly forchurchonSundays
I’mfromMercyHospital andZacatecas
Fromriceandchickenonthestove
Fromhearingaboutthetraveling groupsmygrandpaplayedfor Fromthestories ofmygrampa’screativework
Fromallthefamilypictures underthetv andthetimestheyvetoldme “musicisimportant”
WhereI’mFrom
ByEsmeralda
Iamfromsilverrosarios layingonawoodendresser
FromDaisysourcreamandElMilagrotostadas Iamfrombrokenwoodenstepsonmysideporch
Fromthemessylivingroom filledwithmynephew’stoys, theloudTVplayingLightyearformynephew tositanwatchinmymom’scoldroom, thesmellofchilethatscomingfromthekitchen thatfillsupthewholehouseeveryothernight Iamfromdogtoothvioletsinmyfrontyard, (slim,pointy,silky,yellowflowers) I’mfromstayingupuntil2:00am withmyauntsandunclesattheirhouse onChristmasEveandsarcasticjokes andloudlaughterfromthediningroomtable FromAlfredo*****andElizabeth**** Imfromlisteningtomineandmymomsfavorite songsinthecarandsingingalongloudly andgettingicecreamwithmydadafterschool duringthesummertimeinelementaryschool FromYouonlyeverthinkaboutyourself toSueñaconlosangelitoseverynight I’mfromprayingeverynightbeforebed andnoteatingmeatonFridays ImfromAurora,IllinoisandMichoacán,Mexico Fromhot,steamingpozole andsoft,warmtamales Fromthefun,longsleepovers withmyoldercousinwholives justacrossthestreetfrommyhouse Thegenuineconversations myGodsistersandIhavehad andthememorabletimeswevesharedtogether Theoldphotoalbumsofmyfamilyandme inaclosetfullofoldclothes andold,usedschoolbooks
WhereI’mFrom ByNeri
IamfromTV, FromDawndishsoapandwhitevinegar
Iamfromaonefloor,busy,small,andbluehouse withadrivewaythatwouldgointoourbackyard (Irememberthesmellofwetgrass andtreeswhenitwouldrainduringspring) Iamfromtallsunflowersinourfrontyard
ImfromChristmasdinnerwithmyfamilyoffive andbeingreasonablewithcertainthings likemakingimportantdecisions
FrommymomAraceliandmysisterElizabeth, asthekindestinthefamily
I’mfromthetimeswewouldeattogether asafamilyandactingformallyinpublic whengoingoutinpublicplaces
FromAlwaystryyourhardestandDon'thitagirl orawomansincethatiswhatmymomwouldtell meandteachmetodo afterwesatonourhardsquishycouch I’mfromchurchonSundays andprayingtogetherbeforeameal ImfromAurora,IllinoisandMexico iswheremyparentsarefrom Burritosandtacosaregreatandtastyfoods thatIenjoyfromtimetotime
FromthetimeIwasoncetoldbyafamilymember togetstrongsoIcanalwaysbethere formymomandIcanhelpher
Fromthetimemymomtoldmeshewouldalways bewithmenomatterwhatanditinfluencedme bymakingmewanttobelikeher andbethereforotherpeople
Mymomishardworkingbecauseshewouldtake careoffivekidswhilealsoworkingatajob, andsheisalsoshort, beingaround5feetand3inches Californiaheldmanymemoriesforme during2018whenwehadtomovethere afterpersonalproblems
Thefamilystoriesoncetoldtome canbepasseddowntomychildren orotherkidssoitmayinfluencetheminaway
WhereI’mFrom
ByViviana
IamfromthebabyJesus onatableinthelivingroom
FromfragrantSuavitelandFabuloso Iamfromthewoodenflooringinmyhouse (Smallandcozyhouse,thesmellofthe cinnamonapplecandlesfillupthehouse withadelightfulsmell)
Iamfrompinetreesattheentrance ofourhouseandrosebushes atthesideoftheporchstairs, tallbristlypinetreescoverthefrontwindows andthepinkthornyfluorescentroses looksolively
I’mfromquinceañeras everytimeagirlinourfamilyturns15 andthegeneticsofhavingbrowncurlyhair ImfromAraceli*********andHoracio*****
I’mfromfamilymembers whospeakSpanishandareathletic Fromechaleganasalaescuela andpontelaspilas
I’mfromthebabyJesus undertheChristmastreeeveryChristmas andgoingtochurcheveryweekend I’mfromAurora,Illinoisandparentsfrom Culiacan,SinaloaandMorelos Hotcaldodepolloandsavorymolefillingup thekitchenwithagoodsmellingaroma Frombeinginfluencedintobeingarespectful andkindpersonbymyGodparents Woodenpictureframes onthelivingroomwalls Wethinkitsimportanttohavealittlecross inthecarbecauseitcanprotectus
WhereI’mFrom
ByTeresa
Iamfromhandmadetortillas mymommakesforalmosteverymeal FromJarritosofmanydifferentflavors andLaChonaCrema thatweputonallourfavoritefoods Iamfromatwostorybeigesidedhome onPearlStreet withacrackedandbumpy bigblacktopdriveway (Acolorfulhousewithagiantwindowwithin thelivingroomandcoldwoodenfloors) Iamfromthepeartreeinmybackyard thatthesquirrelslovetoclimb andthepinetreeIusedtoclimb, tallandstrongwiththicklongbranches Imfrommakingtamalesdulces,rojos, verderesandderajas withmymomforChristmas Frombrowneyesandbrownhair FromBeatriz*******andJose******* I’mfromaloudfamily andbeingsarcasticallthetime FromhearingSanasanacolitaderanasino sanahoysanaramanana andYavestedije!wheneverIwouldmessup anddosomethingmymothersaidnotto ImfromaCatholicfamily whoonlygoestochurchtwiceayear ImfromAurora Illinoisandbothmyparents camefromMorelos,Mexico Frijolesandarrozcookingonthestove andthearracheramydadcooksonthegrill Fromthestrugglesmyfather hadtoovercometomakehisfamily havetheopportunitieshedidn'tget Thepainthatmymomwentthrough fromthelongdistancebetweenher andmygrandmother
Thephotoalbuminmydresser, thedigitalcamerainmyroom therandompicturesoflovedonesinsidea shoeboxinthecloset
Thephotoalbumthatshowspicturesof peopleinmyfamilywhohavepassedaway, Thedigitalcamerathatshowsallofmy childhoodmemories,thepicturesoffamily membersthatIdontgettoseeoften
WhereI’mFrom
ByJulian
Iamfromplayingfootball
FromeatingTakiseveryday andsqueakycleanFabuloso Iamfromaonestoryhome withabasement includingacozycouch (Classicbasement, vibrantwalls)
Iamfromsunflowers thatareextremelytall Imfromthrowingbigbirthdaypartiesand beingatparties until2am
Iamfrommymotherandmyfather
I’mfromafamily whoisthoughtfulandverykind
IamfromGetoutofmyroom andLetsaskyourmom forMcDonald's
I’mfrombeingCatholic andbeingBaptized
I’mfromRushCopleyHospital inAurora,Illinois wheremysisterwasborn,too IamfromjuicyArrachera andLittleCaesars
Fromtheuncleinfluencingme toplayfootball
Fromtheauntwhogivesmefreefood fromWendys
Imfromgoingtofunwaterslides inWisconsinDellsandsometimes allyouneedinlifeisfamily becauseyouwillbesurroundedbylove
WhereI’mFrom ByDenise
Iamfromshoesinthestaircasewhentheyarewet andalmostfallingdownthestairsbecauseofthem FromAbuelitachocolateeverySundaymadeby grandpawithsomeconchasfromSandy’sBakery andtajinonalmosteveryfruit
IamfromatwostoryhousedownChateauAvenue whoalwayshasloudmusiconduringparties (Ahomeyfeelingwhenwalkingin toloudbabiesyellingconstantlyeveryday Naturallightcominginfromwindowseverymorning fromeverywhereinthehouse)
Iamfromgrowingherbsinthebackyard thatmygrandmaalwaysuses, strongmintsmellsandbeautifulgreenleaves ImfromtravelingtoMexicoatleastonceayear toseerelativesandtoexplorenewpartsofMexico Familymemberswithgorgeousgreenorblueeyes likeleavesoroceanlookspassedbyoldrelatives
FrommymotherSoniaVazquez**** whobroughtmeintotheworld andmygrandpaGabrielVazquez******** whohastakencareofme andwhoIhavealwaysbeenwith I’mfromjokinginthekitchenwithmyparentsand siblingsandeatingoutonweekendsorbringingtake outfoodhome
FromSanasanacolitaderanawhenIwouldgethurt andTecuidasytequieromuchofrommygrandparents overthephone
ImfromaCatholicfamilywhokeepssaintstatues aroundthehouseandmygrandmawitharosary toprayeverynight
I’mfromAurorawhereIwasbornandMichoacan wheremostofmychildhoodmemories havebeenmade
Homemadeenchiladasbymymomonmybirthday, corundasonChristmaswithmyfamilymembers
FromYoteníaquecruzarelarroyocontutíoparaira laescuelabymygrandma totheVasaestudiarparatenerunbuentrabajo yfuturomejorqueyofrommymom
Multiplepictureshunguponthelivingroomwall withonebigportraitofmycousinsquinceanera inthecenter
MyGrandmaOfeliatellingthefunnystories aboutfamilymemberstokeepmemoriesofthem Storiesofthingsthathappenedwhenshewaslittle andaboutherkidsgrowingup
WhereI’mFrom ByYassel
Iamfromfestivecandlesalwaysbeinglit leavingastrongaromaaroundthehouse
FromStarbuckscupsfillingupourshelves inourkitchenandCharminalwaysbeingstocked upinthegloomybasement
Iamfromagrayishbluehouse andalongblacktarnishedconcretedriveway (Loudconversationsmurmuringaroundthe house,alwaysfeelingsafe bythecamerasthatarealwayswatching Acoldhousemakingeveryonechilly assoonastheystepin)
Iamfromagreenlopsidedcactustryingtostay aliveanditscolorstartingtofadeaway Imfrommyunclecomingtostayoverforholidays alwaysmanagingtomakeamess andeveryonealwaysbeingsassytoeachother FromCarlosandYanelly
I’mfromthegreatcooksthatalwayshave peoplesmouthswatering andfromalwaysbeingmoodytoeachother justbecausewerebored
FromTakecareoftheboys Wellbeback and Younevercleanyourroom
I’mfromaMexicanflag, rosemaryalwaysinrandomdrawers
I’mfromAurora,IllinoisandLázaro,Mexico Pumpkinicedchaiwithtwopumpsofvanilla alwayshasmebeggingformore salmonthatssoscrumptious leavingatangyaftertaste
Fromwhenmybrothergotsurgery sohecanfinallyhear andnotmissoutonabigpartoflife tomymomfinishingschoolwhileshehadachild totakecareofwhileshestillwasone Phonesthathavealbumsfullofpictures takingstorageupandpictureframes thatarescatteredaroundthehouse Plantsholdanimportancesinourfamily tobeingabletotakecareofthem andharvestingfoodorfortheirbeauty
WhereI’mFrom
ByNatalie
Iamfromfragrances
FromLysoltoDawndishsoap Iamfromanarchitecture thatiswoodendandbright withthesmelloflavender Iamfromasnakeplant thatgrowseachtimeIgrow withauniquebandedpattern ImfromDiadelosMuertos anddarkcoloredbrowneyes likeaYorkchocolatecat
FromJuan******** andLaura******
I’mfromtheSpanishspeakingcommunity andmanners
FromIloveyou eachtimeIgetonthebus andEchaleganas whenIleaveforanything I’mfromaCatholic well-believedcommunity tonotbeabletobelieve asmuchasIdidbefore I’mfromAurora,Illinois andPuebla Mexico
FromfruitbowlstoMaruchan Frommymom beingabletoinspireme tothelovethatIhaveformycats
FromZacatepecPueblaMéxico tothememorybookbox thatstoreseverymemoryIhold
WhereI’mFrom
ByEric
Iamfromolddustygamingsystems thatbarelybootup,passeddown throughmygrandparentstomyparents FromtheburningsmellfromCloroxandFabuloso slappingmeawakeonSunday Iamfromahouseontheendofastreet (Smallandyellow,calmandcomfortable, warmandfriendly) IamfromOaktrees thatstaggeratcolossalheights I’mfromexpressiveprayersthathavebeensaid beforebedandpasseddownthroughgenerations Fromtheangerthatbuildsupquickly, yetexpressedascalmwords Frommymother,Tiffany******, andmyfather,Eric******
I’mfromtheoldandsweetgrandmotherthat comestoIllinoiseveryyearforabirthdate ofsomeoneinmyfamily
Fromourownroomsthattwopeople can’tevenfitinat13 astheybelievewehavegrownupenough FromGetbetteratthisgame frommyfatherashewon andaYoucheatedasIfought againstmylittlebrotherindifferentgames I’mfromsweettasteofpeppermints aswegotoChurchonSundays Fromthesaltyandsavorybrownrice nicepippin’ hotchilithatwouldburntheroofofyourmouthoff andwarmyourinsides, andsoggywithsalsaenchiladas
Fromthesweetinnocentyoungersiblings Igottoholdinmyhandsatayoungage
ThetallstrongunclesIhadshared frommyfather’sside
Fromthewallabovemycouchaswehungour outdatedanddustyphotosonthewall, asmyfamilylovedandcherishedme throughoutwhatIeverdidtothisday
WhereI’mFrom ByIzaiya
Iamfromcomal FromGansito andJarrito Iamfromafunandquiet greenhouse Alotoffamilypictures aroundthehome Iamfromrosesoutside towhiterosesinside I’mfromMexicanvacations, brownhair
FromAndrea******and Daniel*******
ImfromtheNeverdropoutfamily andAlwaysdocollegefamily
FromNeveropenthedoor forstrangers andNevertalktorandompeople I’mfrombelievingGodandJesus, goingtochurchonSundays ImfromDurangoandJalisco
Mexico
I'mfromtacosandpozole Fromthehardworkingmom, theverysickgrandma whoworkshardforme Fromawatch thatgetspasseddown fromgenerationtogeneration
WhereI’mFrom
ByPeter
IamfromtheWii
thatheldgloriousboutsandclashesbetween twolegendaryfighters
FromSuperSmashBrosBrawl ontheNintendotoRatchetandClank onthePlayStation
Iamfrombumpydriveways andfirepits
(Stressfulday,andrelaxingdays)
Fromfluffycouches, stiffchairs,andstools
Iamfromthebouquetofflowers intheyardandthetreeinthebackyard
Thebeautiful calmingyetannoyingflowersof allcolors
Imfrompotlucksatgrandmas andbonfiresatmycousin’shouse
FromcousinslikeJuanito anduncleslikeRafeal
I’mfromtheeattogether, dostufftogetherfamily
Fromanon-denominationalChristianChurch calledTheWorldMission SocietyChurchofGod
I’mfromAurora,Illinois andMichoacan,Mexico
FromRamenandchicken
Fromthestoriesaboutthefarm wheremyfamilyusedtolive
Fromalltheartists,musicians, andcollectors
Fromthepicturesonthewall, inacenterpieceinthemiddle ofthediningroomtable
Iamfromtherootsthattracedown totheMexicanborderfromthefarmmy familygrewupin
Fromallthestories abouthowtheygotthroughtheday towhattheydidfortheday
WhereI’mFrom
ByDiego
Iamfromthedustyspinningvinylplayer
FromNikeshoesscatteredaroundthehouse andMaruchannoodlesboilingonthestove
Iamfromsmoothwoodfloorsofacleanedhouse, (Heavymovingboxesfromtheoldapartment fadedwallpaintinthejustboughthouse marblecountertopsinthenewkitchen andsmoothcarpetineverybedroom) Iamfromthepeachtreesinourbackyard,fresh peachesfallfromtheshorttreeeveryfourmonths I’mfromhousepartieseveryThanksgiving andmyunclesvivid,bighouse andfromalineofcurlyheadedkids andstrictrulesfrommyexmilitarygrandparents FrommyhardworkingTioCarlos whoisalwaysinagoodmood andmylazysister,Alejandra, whohasn'tworkedadayinherlifeat31 Imfromtheshowingupwithmountainsofgifts everyChristmasundermyaunt’sChristmastree andthelongtalksatThanksgiving dinneratmyaunt'smom’shouse
FromConhuevosgweyeverytimeyouputlittle effortintostuffandPontelaspilasflojo everymorningwhenyoucouldn'tgetup I’mfromalineofChristianswhodontreallyshow thattheyareChristian crucifiedJesusontopof doorsfrommymom’spastwhenshewasakid I’mfromAurora,IllinoisandDurango,Mexico Saucychilaquilesthatmymomwouldmake andsteaminghotpozolemyunclecooked forusallthetime
Fromthefamilyofhardworkersmakingitthrough, besidesmysister thepersistencethroughevery roadblockonthewaytohavingagoodlife Dustycobwebbedatticwitholdtoys fromgenerationspasseddown andatableofphotosfilledwithrelatives Astheyshowthepasthistoryofgenerationsand storiestotellabouteverymemberofthefamily
WhereI’mFrom ByKarizma
Iamfromthelightblueblanket
Frombleachandthebluedetergent
Iamfromthegreenhouse, thelongconcretedriveway tothemedium-sizedhouse
Fromthewarmandcozyhome totherosesandthelilies
Iamfromtheredandwhite
I’mfrommakingtacoseveryTuesday andthedarkchocolatebrowneyes
FromAmberandRafael*******
I’mfromthetendencyofowningdogs throughoutmyfamily andthetendencytoeatspicyfood withmyfamily
FrombeingtoldIambeautiful likeaprincessandtoHaveagoodday atschool,peach
I’mfromtheCatholicfaith, andIbelieveinoneGod
I’mfromRushCopleyinAurora Illinois andmymomanddadare,too Fromtacostorice
Fromplayingvolleyballwithmycousins andgettinghurtfromtheball, myoldercousinLailoniewasalways gettinghurtwithavolleyball
Imfromwatchingbubbleguppies withmysiblingsandtakingpictures withmyfamily
Thelightblueblanket isimportanttomebecause itwasmygrandpa'sfavoritecolor
WhereI’mFrom
ByManuel
Iamfromtortillas withcarneasadayguacamole FromrefreshingPureAqua andbubblingDietCoke Iamfromplainwhitewallpaper onthekitchenwalls, (Scratchedandtatteredbytheburdenoftime withthesmellofhomemadebreakfasttrickling intomynose Patternsofkidsrunningbelow ) Iamfromcolossaloaktreesinthefrontyard onthecornerofUnionStreet, tallpowerfultreescastingitsprotectiveshadow ontomelikeaparenttoitschild I’mfrombustlingcookoutswithcarneasada andpapasfritasonhotsummerdays orcoldfallnightsandcompetitivechallengeswith familyandfriends Frommyfather,Manuel*********, andmymother,Maria********* I’mfromthethievesandbandits thatswipeyourclothes andheatseekingspicelovers FromtheElCucuywhowouldgrabmefrommy toesandthejokes,tricks,laughs, andgagsIwastoldasachild ImfromaclosegraspwithmyHeavenlyFather ofpushingtomakeHimproud I’mfromAurora,Illinois andhailedfromMexico Puertoricanrice,Maruchans Fromtheinspirationofmytioovercomingaddiction andstayingaway fromsmokinganddrinking Thedogsandcatswithfluffytails andsharpclaws Thepicturesofmeandmyfamilyinmymom’s anddad’sroomofusaslittlekids, bigsmileswithnoworry IamfromJesusandGodwhichwillalwaysbemy guidinglightandthegiftstheygivewhichIcharice likeabilliondollardiamondfortheyaremyfamily andfriends
WhereI’mFrom
ByAngelina
Iamfromamemorialdisplaywithabigpicture ofaclosecousininmylivingroom andamemorialdisplayofmymom inmyuncle’sroom
FromMangoArizonasandFolgerscoffee Iamfromacreamcoloredhouse (Ranchstylehousesurroundedbybigtreesthat coversupthesun Fromdogsbarkingloud)
Iamfromflowersandbushes,redrosesthemost I’mfromplayingMexicanloteria andfrombeingloudwithmyfamily
FrommyUncleRazzandmyolderbrotherAndre IamfromgoingtoTexaseverysummer withmybrother myuncle andsometimesmyaunt andcookoutsalotonhotsunnydays withmyfamily
Fromalwaysgivingit125%inanythingIdo andSlowdownandthink
I’mfromaCatholicfamilythatknowsthe differencesbetweenwhatswrong andwhatsright
FrompracticingCatholicism withHolyWaterandtheVirginMary I’mfromMcAllen,Texas Cheesepizzawhichismyfavorite, butalwayshavetohavepepperoniformyfamily, andtacoswhichmyfamilyloves IamfrommyUncleRazzraisingmeandmy brothersinceIwas7 andmycousinKJhashelpedmealotandtaught meifIneedhelphewillhelpme whichmademeapersonthatwillalwaysask questionsifIamstuckonsomething IamfromTexasandLA, pictures,andbigmemories
Iamfromknowingtobeproudofyourheritage toalwaysmakesuretotreatpeoplethewayyou wouldliketobetreated andtoalwaysrememberthelittlethingsinlife
WhereI’mFrom ByPeyton
Iamfromtheabundanceofshoesinmy housethatare90%mydad’s FromGreatValuedishsoaptocleanthe dishesandCocaColaonSundays Iamfromamedium-sizedhouse withabigopenbackyard (Grayishblueexterior withgraytiledflooring)
Iamfromtallbrownoaktrees thattoweroverthehouses
I’mfromcelebratingChristmasatmy auntshouseandgoing tomygrandma’shouseinthesummer Frommymomwhoisasmart thoughtful womanandmydadwhoisasocial, dependableman
I’mfromwatchingmoviesandmaking popcorn(thatalwaysmanagestobe showeredinbutter)onSundaynights
FrombeingtoldYou’resmartforyourage andDontletpeopletalkyoudown I’mfromgoingtochurcheverysooften ImfromAurora Illinois
Fromtheflavorfultasteofthepasta andthebutteryflavorofthegarlicbread thatmymothermakes Fromthetimemydadbrokehisleg tothefamilyphotobook layingperfectlyneat onmygrandmassparebed Familyhabits,culture,historyand traditionscansay howyourfamilyisunique
WhereI’mFrom ByAlexander
Iamfromthesoccerball
Frommybackyard thatisinthesoccernet Iamfromaloudhouse withbadpicturesofme onmyfridge Iamfromthebrighthouse withthewindowblindsopen Iamfromthedandelioninfrontof myhousewiththelonggrass thatleavesfrizzalloverthegrass I’mfromChristmasparties withmyfamily Iamthekidwiththewavyhair Iamfrommymomtellingmeto controlmyactions whensomethinggoesbad andmydadtellingmetokeep workerhardandharder insoccereveryday
I’mfromtheathleticfamily thatplaysalotofsports andtheloudfamilythatisalways sayingjokesthatmake peoplelaugh FromwhenIwastoldnottolisten tobadthings IamfromgettingBananaSplit onceaweekeverysummer
WhereI’mFrom
ByMrs Krueger
Iamfromporcelainpicklingcrockpots, fromWooliteandFranksQualityKraut Iamfromthewhitebrickranch onanacreofland (Woodpanelwalls,analuminumswingset, andagardenfullofcucumbers,tomatoes, andradishesinthebackyard)
Iamfromtheweepingwillow whosebranchesloopedaroundme asIswungmyfeettowardHeaven onKingstonAvenue
I’mfromOplatkionChristmasEveand workinglonghoursforSuburbanTaxService, fromStellaKilkusButvilas andEmilyKamykowskiStauber Imfromthegiversandthehardworkers andthefaithfulwhodidntmiss aSundayMass, fromLetgo,andletGod andAštavemyliu
I’mfromtherosarywithagoldcrucifixthatI receivedonmyFirstHolyCommunion, plaiduniformsandchurchtwiceperweek ImfromBerwyn Illinois; Poland;andLithuania Homemadesausagemade bymygrandma’shands, kugelisfromRacineBakeryinChicago Fromthefatherwhopreparedtaxesforfree forthemilitaryandwhotheBrookfield communitytrusted, thelittlesisterandreliableplaymatewhose goldenhairIbrushedandbraidedforschool, andthePolaroidandKodakpictures ofmychildhoodplaced inmagneticpagephotoalbums, capturingmilestones,momentsofjoy, andmemoriesofthepast, weavingandintertwining stagingthepowerfoundinfamilyhistory
Martinez
WhereI’mFrom ByMrs
IamfromEASTAurora,whereeverybodyknows yourname FrommyAmericanancestry thatbuiltcitiesbeforeourimaginedboundaries fromtheLatchkeyGeneration,stayingoutside untilstreetlightscameon TeenSpirit,stop,rewind,andrecord MyNameis Jonas! IamfromUnionandFlagg, bluecornerstore,Wayne'sWorldandClueless dreamsthatwillcometrue Tamarindopaletas,Chicagostylehotdog, BananaSplit,andtaqueriaDurango,TheBEST! Iamfromthemidwest peroconelnopalenlafrente Imfromlongsummerdaysatthequarry andcarneasadas
Fromcousinsandfriends whostillholdmylaughsandmemories Istandontheshouldersofthewomen inmyfamily
VioletastrongandSilviasloveofthepast Iliveforthesmilesofmyhusbandandchildren andwalksbytheRiver theexplosivelaughsthatfilltheroom,whenmy sisterandbrothersreminisceoflife,beforelikes andtweetsconversation,withoutaword,askill onlyacquiredwithchildhoodfriends Iseethefutureinmystudents andunderstandthepresentfromthem Iamtheeldestdaughterofanimmigrantfamily, #LUISAMadrigalproblems I’mfromtheEastsideoftheRiver,fromapeople andcommunitythatlovetolaughandlive, andknowhowtoenjoyalongsummerday FrompandulcedeLaCentralandpaletasde chile fromelpalenqueandGarbagePailKids stickers,stuckonjellyshoes Fromthecitywhereeverybodyknowsyour name troublesareallthesame Frompolaroidswithoutfilters,skating, arcades,andbowlingnights Fromlife untilthestreetlightscameon
WhereI’mFrom
ByMrs.Morton
Iamfromfamilygamenightswithdad whenmomworked2ndshiftatthehospital, FromJansportbackpacksand5-starnotebooks IamfromFairmountAvenue (Hardwoodfloors screenedinporch ahammock,andwoodenswingset)
Fromhotsummersatthepool,swimmingthe100 IMatearlypracticeandsoakingupthesun withfriendsintheafternoon
Fromcoldwinters,windwhippingpastmyuniform skirtasIstoodatthebusstopwearingmydad’s parka-theonlyonethatwaslongenoughtokeep mewarm
Iamfrommowingthelawn andpickinguppearsandcrabapples
I’mfrommakingpierogiesonGoodFriday andraucousconversations, fromEileenSteeleandArdieNadolsky
I’mfromrunninglatetoeveryevent mymom shakingherhandsintheairtodryhernailpolish asweheadoutthedoor,andfromsingingalong totheradiointhecar
FromCoolyourjets and40lasheswithawetnoodle
I’mfromSundaysatSt MaryofGostyn, singingtheOurFatherandspendingtimewith classmatesinourWednesdaynightyouthgroup ImfromMansfield Ohio
DairyQueenconesdippedincrunch andJones potatochipsattheKofC
FrompicnicsandroadtripswithgrandmaSteele andafternoonsspentongrandmaNadolsky’s frontporchswingsingingnurseryrhymes
I’mfromphotobooksstackednexttothepiano, grandma’schinainmycabinets andgrandpasrolltopdeskinmylivingroom Relicsthatareatangiblereminder ofmylifeasayoungchild
WhereI’mFrom
ByMrs.Peña
Iamfromthesweetaromaofhomemadeflourtortillas withmeltedbutterinmymotherskitchen, fromJudyBloombooksand80’smusic suchasthe“CureandMadonna Iamfromtheyellowhousewithbrowntrim, withalongcementdriveway Alushgreengrassyard, rosebushesandbeautiful,colorfultulips Iamfromthecornerwindowofmybedroom, whereIlookedoutintotheeveningsky anddreamedofafuture, fullofwonderandpossibility Iamfromfreshpumpkinandsquashplants thatwereharvestedupontheirvibrantcolor andripenesseveryfall IamfromlatenightChristmasEve, cooking,singinganddancing throughoutourfamilyhome Eatingdeliciousfoodtogetherasafamily Happyandloved! Lovingparents,devotedparents, familylove andtogetherness FromMiguelPeñaandSandyHernandez Workingtogetherasateam tomakeabetterlifefortheirchildren Iamfromtwoparents,runningerrands, doinglaundryandSundaymorningdonuts Everyweekendishectic, gettingthingsdonefortheupcomingweek Iamfrom doyourbestatschool andhelppeopleifyoucan Lookoutforyourbrotherandsisters Alwayshelpathome IamfromtheCatholicchurchonSundayasafamily, anddeliciousfamilydinnersmadebybothofmyparents IamfromMercyHospital,inAurora,Illinois BornofMexicanandFilipinoheritage Homemadetamaleswrappedincornhusk andmeatloafdinners alwaysmadewithmymothersloveandcare Delicious! Fromthefatherwhoalwaysworked oneveryone 'scarsinourneighborhood, andneveracceptedpayforhiseffort Alwaysdoinghisbesttowardpeople anddemonstratingbyhisexample whatitmeanttobeakindperson, thebigsisterwhoheldmyhand asshewalkedmetoschoolandwaitedforme toenterthebuildingbeforeshewoulddepart toherownclassroom, thefamilyroomwallfilledwithfamilyportraits, tellingthestoryofallofourfamilymembers throughouttheyears Fullofbeautifulmemoriesthatwemadetogether Alifeworthliving,afamilyvalued,appreciatedandloved