2025 Where I'm From

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

ByMiranda

Iamfromcolorfulballetfolkloricodresses

FromrefreshingJarritosandwarmAbuelita hotchocolate

Iamfromtheapartmentastallasagiant withthebigporch withsmallroomsandthelong,vividcurtains Fromthesoftanimalblankets andthesmellofsmokefromcarneasadas Iamfrombrightyellowdandelions allaroundtheblock

Imfromopeningpresents togetherasafamily, darkbrownhairandanovalbirthmark FromthebestmotherIcouldeveraskfor, Maria****************, andmystrong hardworkingfather Armando*******

Imfromstoringpotsandpansintheoven andsavingplasticbags

FromComotefueMiryandPortatebienMiry andmymomshardworkingways

I’mfromgoingtoquinceanerasandpartiesof randomcousinsInevermet andfromsleepingonthreeuncomfortable chairsthewholetimethere

I’mfromAurora,Illinoisbybirth andMexicobyblood

Fromsweetfresasconcrema andcrunchytacosdorados

Fromthedaymymothercamewithmyaunt totheUnitedStatesforbetteropportunities andmyhardworkingfatherwhoworksday andnighttoputfoodonthetable

Fromhavingalbumsoverflowingwith memoriesandheartwarmingstories

Imfromspendingeverylastsecond withmyfamilybecausetheycame totheUnitedStatesforabetterlife andI’mboundtomakethemproud

WhereI’mFrom ByLesly

Iamfromaprincesshouse andfragileporcelainplates

FromsweetsugarysmellingChocolate Abuelitaandsoftblandtortillasmilagros Iamfromawelcoming soft comfortinghome,alightbluecolor, aslightasthesea andabigviciouspitbullalwaysprotectingit, ahousefullofloveandcare Iamfromfragrantandprettypinkperennials aromarousperennialswhereIposedanddid apeacesignwithasatoddler I’mfromeatingdelicious,sugar-coated roscadereyesonmymomsbirthday insteadofeatingcake andmymomsgorgeousespressoilluminated bigroundeyes ImfromKathyaandBriana I’mfromvaluingspendingtimetogether asasinglemotheroffoursoyoung ImfromSidiosquiere,Pontelaspilas, andNoseasdejadacabrona ImfromchurchschooleveryTuesday atthebeautifulSacredHeartChurch ImfromAurora IllinoisandJalisco Mexico Fromthecrispyflautas andflavorfulsopitadefideo I’mFromthemosthardworkingandstudious sisterKathyathatinfluencedme tobeashardworkingassheis andfromthebrotherthatstartedafamily Memoriescometolifeseeingpicturesand memoriesinthedustyDSI Mymomanddadcame fromJalisco,MexicotoAurora,Illinois togivemysiblingsabetterfuture andforbetteropportunitieshereintheUS

WhereI’mFrom

ByCrystal

ByAnalya

Iamfromthefuzzytigerblankets

FromscorchinghotValentina andsoftmilagrotortillas

Iamfromthelongcomfortablecouch butoneseattakenbyababy24/7 Loud comfortable

Woolycarpet

Iamfromthepepinosgrowinginthegarden thatwedevourinjustfivedays Long,bumpyandspiky

ImfromSalvacion,thegamemeandmy cousinswouldalwaysplayatnight andfromafunny,hardworkingfamily

FromJoseManuel******* andNoemi********

I’mfromtheloudSpanishmusic blastingatfullvolume andlasnoticiasbeingoneverymorning thatIgotomygrandma’shouse

FromTevarobaresesenor andGraciasaDios

Imfrompersinandoeverymorningandnight, crossesandpicturesofJesus oneveryroomandwall

I’mfromAurorabutoriginallyfrom GuanajuatoandZacatecas Mexico

Softhuevo,hardandfrozenvegetables

FrommygrandpabeingbrokeinMexico livinginhisparentshouse

Tocominghereandbeingabletoafford ahouseforhiswifeandkids

ThechucheriasmycousinsandIwouldbuy everydayduringthesummer

Picturebookslocated atmyauntshouseinacabinet

Fromthesacredcrucifixesandoldcoins whichremindsme oftheimportanceofourreligion andfamilystories

Iamfromthestacksofpaperplates thatscreechwhenhandlingthem FromthesweetsmellofHeinzketchup andthesteamcomingout oftheinstantpotmymomusestocook Iamfromthedifferentscents ofdog cat cleantodirtylaundry

Thecramped messyhome andtheseveraldifferenthouses Ivemovedto

Fromsmall,tobig,tobacktosmall, Ilovedeveryhouseinitsownway Iamfromthesharpaloeplants scatteredaroundmyhouse I’mfromcelebratingmydog andcatsbirthdayseveryyear andfrombadeyesight toeverygirlinmyfamily

FromSara*********andHector****** Imfromtheconstantfights andqualitytimetogether

FromLavatuplatoandDaleganasatodo ImfromthebirthofJesus putuponChristmas, showingthebeautifulsceneofJesussbirth I’mfromChicago Illinois,theWindyCity, butheritagetracingbacktoTaxco Mexico ImfromthecoldNeapolitanicecream inthefreezer andtheFrostedFlakescerealbox ontheshelveswe’vehadforweeks Fromtheinspiringstoryofmyparents comingtoAmericaforabetterlife formeandmysiblings andtheconstantmeets formybrotherssportslife Imfromthedazzlinglights andparadesdowntownAurora Imfromtheancientpicturebook ofmeandmysiblings'babyphotos andfromthehugefountaintowers inChicagofromwheremysister gotapermanentscar tryingtopushmybrotherinthewater ThephotosofChicagoremindme ofeverythingamazingthathappened whenIwasyoungandallofthefuntimes ImfromtheloveIhave formycityIgrewupin Aurora,Illinois

WhereI’mFrom ByYannel

Iamfromtheredspeakerblastingmusic everymorningontheweekend

FromFabulosoandFoca thatarealwaysnearthewasher Iamfromthewhitewalls inandoutsidemyhouse, withachimneythatweneveruse Thecozinessofmyhome, andhowspaciousitis, Amassiveplushcouch thatmyfamilyalwayssitson whenwewatchamovieoraretalking Iamfromthehickorytrees thatsurroundmyhome

Theyaretallandtheirleavesfall duringautumnandchangecolors

I’mfromopeningChristmaspresentsat12amandthe kindnessfrommyfamily thatsurroundsme

FromJessica********,mycaringmom andmysisterYanexi****, whoisalwaysthereforme

I’mfromtheblaringSpanishmusic everySaturdaywhileweclean, andmymomyelling whenmybrothersdon’tlisten

FromEldineronoimportaandBecauseIsaidso ImfromChristianparents thattrytogotochurcheverySundayandThursday, toplayinginmychurchclass whenIwasyounger andmymombeinginthechurchsinginggroup I’mfromAurora,Illinois butmyrootsarefromDurangoandZacatecasMexico Frijoles andtortillasalwaysinthehouse

Frommygrandmacominghere andgoingthroughadesertatnight whenshewasinherearlytwenties

Tothestoriesofmymomgoingbackandforth betweentheUSandMexicobyabusbyherself whenshewasyounger

Allthebigfamilypictures thatarealwaysinmygrandmashouse thatIseeeverytimeIgothere andareremindedofthoseevents

Thetraditionofagirlinmyfamily gettingaquinceaneraorherfirstcar fortheir15thbirthdayiswhenthegirl finallybecomesawomaninmyfamily

WhereI’mFrom ByMariely

Iamfromspeakersblastingmusic

Fromthefragrantsmell ofFabulosoandFebreze

Iamfromthebig chaotic loudhouse withhardwoodfloors

Iamfromsunflowers thatgrowinmyyardeverysummer

I’mfromopeningpresentsfrommy parentsonChristmasEveand darkbrownorblackhair

FromIrma*****andDaniel******* Imfromhardworkers andeatingspicyfood

FromCuidaatuhermanaand Portatebienenlaescuela

I’mfromgoingtochurcheverySunday atSagradoCorazonChurch andthecrossesaroundmyhouse toremindmeofmyfaith IamfromAurora,Illinois andGuanajuato,Mexico

Fromspicytacos andmouthwateringtamales

Fromtheparentsthatworkedhard toprovideformeandmysiblings Theparentsthatcame totheUSforabetterlife

Fromthepicturesofmyfamily onmylivingroomwall andthehandmadebag mygrandmamadeforme Iamfromafamilyfullofloveandjoy

WhereI’mFrom ByIsaac

Iamfromtheflamingpan sizzlingdownstairs

FromthePinolinthebathroomcabinet andthestrongsmellofFabuloso Iamfromthecozy big andlivelyhome

Thesoundofmyfamilyandme laughingandscreaming Iamfromthetallblackberrytree outsidemyhouse andthesweettasteofberry

I’mfromthedelicious,redtamales everyChristmas andahardworkingfamily

FromMariamymomandOmarmydad Imfromcleaningadustyhome almosteveryday andspendingsometime onlineplayingvideogames oronsocialmedia

FromVenacomerandLavatuplato

Imfromprayinginthemorning andbeforebedtothankingGod forallofhisblessings

I’mfromAurora,Illinois andMichoacan,Mexico

Fromthescrumptioustasteoftamales tothedelectableeggs

Fromthetimemymom couldntbreathanddied butcamebacktolife

Thehardworkingdad that’salwaysproviding myfamilywithfood

Imfromthefamilypicturesonthefridge ImfromtheBiblesitting inthecorneroftheroom IamproudtobeborninAurora Illinois

WhereI’mFrom

ByErvin

Iamfromchorizoconhuevos ElMilagrotortillasandCornPopscereal Iamfromthelightbrowntwo-storyhousefenced byleavesandplants protectedbymyfatdog layingontheporch

I’mfromhousefurniture alwayscovered inlightbrowndoghairs, housealwaysdisturbed bytheloudcarsdrivingonmystreet Andblueandwhitewalls withdarkbrownwoodflooring andwhitepopcornceilings Iamfromredpoppiesandyellowtulips, alwaysmakingmygardensmell likeflowersandkeepingthegardencolorful I’mfromafamilythatopenspresents thedaybeforeChristmas andweallhavedarkbrownhair FromNitcxy*********andErvin****** I’mfromafamilythatalwaysmakesjokes witheachotherandrarelyparties FromDontdosomethinghalfway toQuierellorar

I’mfromaCatholicfamily thatbelievesinoneGod ImfromAurora,Illinois butmyfamilyisfromSinaloa,Mexico andPuertoRico steaktacosandverythickcheeseburgers freshfromthegrill Frommycousin gettinghisheadcutopenbyafan tothelittlefatbabythatsalwayscrying Frompicturesofmyfamilyonaphone, onthefridge,andinabigwhitebinder bytheurnofmygrandpa'sashes whobroughtthisfamilytoAmericawhichchanged thewholefamily'slife

WhereI’mFrom

ByKaren

Iamfromthebackgroundmusic onSaturdays wakinguptomymomcleaning

FromFabulosoandPinalen

Iamfromwithinthewhitewalls

Thesmallcatrunningtothedoor thetvplaying thesmellofFebrezeintheair

Iamfromthetree assmallasasuitcaseinmybackyardhaving thesunhitthegreenofit

I’mfromstayingupuntil12am toopengiftsonChristmasDay, theconstantarguingathome frommydadandme

I'mfromtherespectful andresponsibilityofmyparents

FromKaren,don’tbetooloud andKarenyoureagirlnotaboy Gochooseanothertoy

I’mfrombeingbaptized Fromcrossesinthehouse

ImfromAurora,Illinois andZacatecas,Mexico

Enchiladascoveredinspicysauce, huevoconchorizobeingfreshlymadewith tortillasheatedonthecomal

Fromthedaytherewasahugethunderstorm on4thofJuly andIwasterrified meanwhile mygrandmawasjustsmiling Thetimemeandmycousin pickedupmysisterfromwork andmyothercousinpuked outsidethecar Familypicturesinphotoalbums andonthewall

Theyshowtheimportance ofwherewecamefrom Iamfromalostkid figuringouttheirtrueself

WhereI’mFromBy

Angela

Iamfromthebigmirrorinthehallway

FromthefragrantsmelloflavenderPineSol everytimemymomcleans andthemintysmellofVicks

Iamfromtheoldhouse thatisalwaysloudandfun, theloudbasementdoor whensomeonecomesup Iamfromthecarnation mydadhadplantinthefrontyard thataretallandbeautiful I’mfromwakingupextraearly tosinghappybirthday andmovienightonceamonth, lovingfamilynomatterhowmanytimesweargue Frommymom,Dolores,and mydad,Fernando

I’mfromthegoingtomygrandma’shouse everySaturdayandgoingtoWalmart fivetimesaweek

FromWorkhardtogetwhatyouwantinlife andFamilyisimportant

ImfromthebigpictureoftheVirginMary inthelivingroom, goingtochurcheveryholidayandmostSundays I’mfromAuroraandMexico Tacosfordinnerandparties, beanswithalmosteverymeal FrommyparentscomingfromMexico influencedmetoworkhardforwhatIwant Whenmygrandmadied wegottokeep oneofhershirtsthatshealwayswore, thepicturesontopofthetv ofeveryonessmilingfaces, theboxesstuffedincabinets, andthephotoalbumsinthedrawers Fromthebraceletmygrandmasgave tomymomonher15birthday andmymomgivingittomysisters andsoonIllbegettingit Familyisimportant

WhereI’mFrom BySeven

Iamfromphotosofmyfamilyonthewalls Fromthetasteofmoralsaltineveryfood andthesmellofFabuloso anytimemydadormecleans Iamfromanoldhouse onSouthSpencerStreet Whichisloud,andbusywithactivities, withthecoldwoodflooroneveryfloor Iamfromwalnuttrees andfindingthewalnutsontheground thatwhenopen, stainyourfingersgreen Imfrommymomssidestayingup untilmidnightonChristmasEve toopenpresentsonChristmasDay andmyloudvoiceandfacialfeatures FromAlexander******andArelis********* I’mfromshoppingatthriftstores andgoingtothepantry everyTuesdayandThursday FromYoudresslikeaboy andDontletwhatpeoplesaygettoyou Imfromanotsoreligiousfamily thatonlygoestochurchonholidays I’mfromAurora,Illinois,butmyabuelo andabuelaarefromGuatemala Fromtacosdelengua thathasthebittertasteoflemon thatmyfathermakesformeonmybirthday andtamalesthatIhaveonChristmas thataresweetanddoughy Fromthestoriesmyfathertellsme aboutwhenhewasinschool Fromthestrongman whonevershowshisemotions unlessheishappy Wherethephotosareonthewalls andindrawersandtotes Fromthefamilymyfatherandmother havecreatedthatisnotjustblood

WhereI’mFrom ByEnrique Iamfromsqueakywoodentilefloors Fromthestrongpungentscent ofVaporubandlavender smellingFabuloso Iamfromalightyellowhouse, sizeable,inviting, withanoldfridge thatmakescreepysoundsatnight Iamfromanoaktree infrontofmyhouse, towering,andleafy I’mfromgettingtogether onSaturdaynightstotalkwithcousins, aunts,andunclesandcurlywavyhair FromEnrique*******and Irma*******

I’mfromeatingtogetherasafamily andprayingbeforesleeping FromEchaleganas andPonteaestudiar I’mfromSt ThereseChurch andblessingyourself beforegoingtoschool I’mfromAurora,Illinois,theCityofLights, andthesmallruraltown ofPuertoLasFlores,México HoneyNutCheerios andhabanerohotsauce thatmakesmydadtearup FromthetimemycousinandIgotchased byasmallbutferociousdog andtheChicagoWhiteSoxhat mygrandpaalwayswore Thebinderofphotosstoredaway atthebackofaclosetgivingusimportant memoriesthatshouldn’tbeforgotten

WhereI’mFrom

ByJaime

IamfromanoldcrustyiPad withthousandsofmemories

FromputtingsalsaValentinaoneverythingandthesour tastytajinonourjuicyfruit Iamfromtheoldcozybluehouse withmillionsofbeautifulmemories withabigbackyardwithaverytalltree wheremostofourpicturesaretakenfrom Iamfromthesmellofmydad lettingthetortillasburn Iamfromthepinkbrightflowers thatshineinthesummer andfromthedeadpinkflowers thatwoulddieduringSeptember I’mfromthedeliciousmouthwateringarracherawiththe spicydelicioussalsaontopofit Theveryloudcorridoswehaveduringanything Iamfrommymomandfather andmyoldercousinswhoIconsiderbrothers fortakingcareofmymom I’mfromthefamily whoalwaysjokewitheachother andwholaughattheirmistakes andImfromthefamilywho eattakeoutonSunday andenjoyoureveningwhilelaughing FromThere’sfoodatthehouse andfromYouaskmymomtoletmesleepover From metellingmycousinknowingifIwouldask,mymom shewouldsayno ImfromSaintNicholasChurch whereIwillfinishmyConfirmation ImfromAuroraIllinois, butalsofromMexico,Guanajuato I'mfromtheverydelicious,flavorfulredpozole mymommakeseverydecade andtheverydelicioustreatfromBananaSplitwhereit isrightnexttopark withtheveryniceweather Fromthestrugglesmyparentsmade togettoAmericaforabetterlifeforme Thewaymyparentsworksuperhardforme, buymegiftsanddelicioussnacks, andnicecozyclothes

Imfromwhereourpicturesareinabox andthebackofmysisterscameraroll Imfromwherepassingstoriesisimportantforour futurekidstoknowwheretherefamilycomefrom

WhereI’mFrom ByJairo

Iamfromtastytortillas, FromElMilagroandMazolacornoil thatweusetocook

Iamfromabrowntwostoryhome thatisgigantic,ancient, andthathascozy,comfybeds Iamfromtomatillos thatareripeandgreen

I’mfromplayingloteriawithmyfamily andfrommyfamilysbrowneyes anddarkhair

IamfromElidia***** andRefugio*******

I’mfromthedoingmyhomework assoonasIgethome andfromfinishingallofourfood beforeleavingthetable

ImfromEchaleganas andPontelaspila

ImfromreadingtheBibleeverynight andprayingeverynightforGod tohelpmesucceedinlife

I’mfromAurora,Illinois andDurango,Mexico

Iamfromtamalesdepollorojo andcheesyquesadillas

Iamfromthewaymyfamilyimmigrated allthewayfromMexicotohere justtogiveusabetterlife andmoreopportunities

Iamfrommydad’sblackstraighthair andmyfamily’spicturesstoredina photographiccamera

Allyouneedinlifeisfamilybecause withoutfamilyyouwouldntbeheretoday

WhereI’mFrom BySalvador

IamfromlavenderFabuloso

FromMarinelaCanelitacookies andLaPreferidaMexicanbeans Iamfromreligious paintingsandpictures andcollectingplasticbags, Agreenandfloweryfrontyard, andadentedgarage frombikescrashingintoit yearsagowhenIwasakid Iamfrommymomsflowergarden rightinfrontofourhouse, treesthatwereplantedbymydad whenIwasalittlekid, I’mfromrockingbabyJesus withablanketonNewYears, sittingboredinchurch listeningtothepriesttalkandpray FromAngelica******** andLino******, ImfromeatingMexicanfood 6/7timesaweeklikehavingcarnitas almosteveryFriday andfromcleaning24/7

FromUnonuncasabeandSinoteportas bientevallevareseseñor ImfromaCatholicchurch andreadingtheBible ImfromAurora,Illinois, butfromJaliscoandZamora,Michoacan becauseofmyparents Imfromhomemadefreshfrijoles andchickenandsausageflautas Fromthedeathsthatrandomlyhappen tomycousinsinMexico andfromthesisterthatlivesinMexico butlovestocomevisiteveryonceinawhile Allofthisisimportanttome becausethisiswhereI'mfrom

WhereI’mFrom

ByJenny

Iamfromheavy,warm,andbigblankets withsometypeofanimalonthem orVirgindeGuadalupethatmyabuelita takesoutduringwintertime FromValentinasalsawithMaruchan andJarritosthatneverlast morethantwodaysinmyhousehold Iamfromthevibrantcolorsonmywalls, thatmakesmyhomelook likeawatermelonhouseontheinside Colorful,traditionalhouse, thatcelebratesholidays liketheywonthappeneveragain andthecrampedspaceinmyhome whichincludesallofmyfamilymembers aswegothrougheverythingtogether Thesmellofmymixeddogdownstairs, butupstairsitsmellslikefreshtacos IamfromBasswood,goingonhikes withthefamilyinforests,whereBasswoodtrees werealwaysseenandnowarefadingaway I’mfrom,goingbowlingeverysummer withmyfamilyandahardworkingfamily Frommymom,LizBeth,andmyaunt,Megan Imfromtheheavenlyflowersandplants myabuelitaspendsweekson andfrommakingtamaleseverywinter withmyabuelita

FromLafamiliaestodoandIfyoudontstopcrying, I'llgiveyousomethingtocryabout I’mfromastatueofVirgindeGuadalupeinmyhouse, havingthestatueofGuadalupeshowsdevotionfor Guadalupe,themotherofJesus, butformeitsalsojustculturalandfamilytraditions ratherthandeeppersonalfaith ImfromAurora,Illinois,RushCopleyHospital, andMichoacan,Mexico Tortas,andquesadillas Frommyabuelateachingme theimportanceofkindnessandgenerosity andmyunclewhotaughtme theimportanceofeducationandthewordofGod Fromframesalloverthewalls filledwithfamilypicturesandimportantdates andpassingdownexperiences,values, andwisdomfromthosepictures

WhereI’mFrom

ByJulian

IamfromAurora,Illinois, butreally,Imfromthehotfood mymomcooksinthekitchen FromOberweislemonadeandCocaCola fizzingasitspoured

Iamfromthesimplebutbeautiful accommodationIcallhome Withdarkoak andelegantplacingoffurniture, ThebrightpreciselybuiltplaceIcallhome Iamfromtherosesinmyfrontlawns tothecutgrassthroughmylawn, Thecleanlycutgrass theredlongroses thatmakemyhomewhatitis

I’mfromprayingatdinnerwithmyfamily forthankstotheLordJesusChrist andtoprayingatnightforallblessings thathavehappenedinmylife

Mybrowneyesandbrownhair giventomebyYosilineandKeni Imfromtherighthandedlikemyfather andthesmartnesslikemymother Fromswallowinggumandbeingtold itwouldbeinmystomachforsevenyears tobeingtoldthatturningonlightsatnight inthecarwasillegal

I’mfromJesusChristand fromtheSanJudasRosaryonmyneck ImfromAurora,Illinois, butmybloodisfromDurango,Mexico Fromthepozolemymomcooks andthepizzasheorders Fromthelightbrownhair fromYoseline*******, butthestrengthFromKeni******

TothefirsttimeleavingAurora Illinois togototheniceandexoticplace mybloodcomesfrom MyrosaryIwasgivenaftermybaptism symbolizingourdestinywithGod

WhereI’mFrom ByEmmett

Iamfrommybabyseahorsetoy

FromtheSamsungTV hearinglaughsandjoy andthescorchinghot

AbuelitaHotChocolate Iamfromahousewithonlyonefloor, butfilledwiththousandsofmemories Redroofed,longhallway, roughandrockydriveway Iamfrommymother’spinkrosebush Vibrantandmesmerizingpink youcanseefrommilesaway

I’mfromgatheringmywholefamily onholidayswithtonsoffood anddarkhaired,browneyed FromLiz******andErick****** I’mfromthesilentandthedetermined whoalwaysfocusesongoals Fromthefearofmystomach formingblackholewhennoteatingenough andthefearofturningintoadoll ifIdon’tlistentomyMother likethemovieCoraline andhearingtheresfoodathome knowingtheresanemptypantry

ImfromourLordandSaviorJesusChrist forwithhimIcandotheimpossible MyfleshwasborninAurora,Illinois, butmybloodisfromSpain andhavetheHolySpiritwithinme Frostedflakeswithbananaslices, huevosconsalchicha FromthecountlessofMarvelmovies watchedwithmyfamily Thelusciousmustacheofmygrandfather Themoviedisccase insidemymother’scloset filledwithmemoriesonpiecesofpaper Gatheringwithfamily havingahuge,mouthwateringfeast, cherishingthememorieswemake onthesameexacttable multipletimesayear

WhereI’mFrom ByJa’hari

Iamfrommyslightlycracked phone

FromBapeandRockstaroriginal Iamfrombluekitchenwalls, small,cold, andsmoothfloors Iamfromdandelionswithyellowpedals Imfromfamilygamenight withMonopolyandClue andhavingashorttemper ImfromTamika******* andKevin******** Imfromtheresponsible andbossy FromDonttouchthat/it andYouregettingonmynerves ImfromIsrael anIsraelite ImfromChicago AfricanAmerican andMiddleEastern Maruchanramennoodles andcheesedeepdishpizza Fromhowmyuncleinspiresme todomyownthings, Howmydadlikesrapmusic likeme I’mfromAurora andthepicturesinmyfamily’s phones Myfamilyismoreimportantthan school

WhereI’mFrom ByCamila

Iamfromthenoisydog onceyoustepintothechaotichome IamfromtheZotesoapIuse towashmyclothes, andtheFabulosoIuse tomopmyfloorssqueakyclean Iamfromthepopcorntexturednavy/tealwalls,fromthe comfortable amiablefourwalls Iamproudtocallmyhome IamfromthesmellofthelavenderFabulosomixedwith scorchinghotwater, Fromwillowtreeslinedup likeanarmylinedownmystreet, thebeautifullonghairlikeleaves ofthebeautifulwillowtreesflowingwiththewind I’mfrom makingtamalesonbirthdaymorningsandalsofroma caringfamilywhowilldoanythingtoprotectmefromthe dangersofthisworld Iamfrommytoughlovingmother, Alma**********, andmysoftlovingfather, Cesar***************** I’mfromgoingtochurchalot alongwiththeconstanthangouts FrombeingtoldasachildwheneverIwouldcryfordumb reasonsParadellorarantes quetedeunarazónparallorar andfrombeingupliftedafterfailingandbeingtoldNunca dejesdeperseguirtussueños I’mfromaveryCatholicfamily,constantlygoingtoSagrado CorazonChurchwheneverpossible ImfromAurora Illinois butmybloodisfromZapechico, DurangoandfromMorelia,Michoaca IamalsofromalltheMaruchan thatIeatalmosteveryday andthedelicioustacosdeasada thataremadeonceinawhile Iamfrommyamazingmother whomisthewomanIlookuptothemost Shehasalwayssupportedme andhasalwaysbeenthereforme,Iloveheralot,and frommyincredibleoldersisterDaniela whoinfluencesandhelpsmealot eventhoughmeandherargue attheendoftheday westillcareforeachother Iamfromallthepicturebooks hiddeninthebackofthecloset andfromourfamilyofrenda whichcarriesallofourlovedonesthatpassed

WhereI’mFrom

ByJaylene

Iamfromthetortillapress thatmygrandmashavealwaysused FromtheoverpoweringsmellofPineSol mixedwithalittlebleachwhenyouwalkin andMaruchanconlimonduringthesummer Iamfromthetanhouseon5thStreet cozyanddecorative andthecouchthatiscoveredindoghair Thehousethatalwaysgoesallout indecorationsandHalloweenandChristmas Iamfromcannaplants, thehumongousbutbeautifulpurpleleaves addingcolortomyfrontandbackyard I’mfromnotbeingabletoeatourdinner onholidaysuntilmygrandmadoestheprayer andhardworkingathletes FromPaola*********andHumberto****** I’mfromdoingalotofsports suchaswrestling,cheerandvolleyball andonlybeingabletogetA’sandB’s FromCleanthatroomorelseI’mgoingtotake thatphoneaway andDoyouwanttogotothestorewithme? ImfromthepaintingoftheLastSupper inmydiningroomandthebeautifulpicture oflaVirgencitadeGuadalupeinmyhallway I’mfromAurora,Illinois,butI'malsofrom Mazatlán,Sinaloa,alsoGuadalajara,Jalisco Imfromthescrumptioustaste ofchorizoconhuevoearlySaturdaymornings andthetangybutspicytasteofSalsaValentina Fromthestoriesofhowmybrothersgotsogood atfootballandbasketballmotivatingme

Thedarkbrownlusciouswavyorcurlyhair allofmyfamilyhas

Mygrandma’soldbluehousethathadplants andflowerseverywhereyoulooked andfromgoingcampingallthetimewithfamily andmakingthebestmemoriesofmylife Thelittlesafewekeepinourattic thatholdsallofmymemories

WhereI’mFrom

ByElysia

Iamfromcookietinstostoresewingmaterials

FromdeliciousGoyabeansandVaporub Iamfromthetall,rundown,lightbluehousewith therustedmetalfencethatlivesonStuartAve Broken,crookedconcrete,chippingpaint

Thewarmthofthesunwhenitpeeksin throughthemissingblinds Iamfromcommonhibiscuses Fragrant,gorgeous,andnostalgic I’mfromwatchingChristmasmovieseveryyear, Dreamydarkhair FromVeronica********* andBernardo*********

I’mfromtheShoweverybodyrespectand kindnessandtoalwaysgiveourbesteffort andgotoourfullpotential

FromLivelifetothefullest,alwaysbegratefulfor whatyouhaveandWewantyoutobesetand preparedforwhatlifebrings Imfromatworeligionhousehold, CatholicandSeventhDayAdventist, bothbelievingintheTrinity I’mfromAurora,Illinois andSanLuisPotosi,Mexico

Crunchy,temptingbunuelosonChristmasEve andsweetvanillaicecreamwithsprinkles andcandyeyesoniteverysummer Fromthefun-loving,hardworkingmom whotookcareofhersiblingsatayoungage Tothedown-to-earth,joke-crackingfather whoissostrong,honest,andresponsible becausethat’swhohewastaughttobe Thefridgecoveredinmagnets thatholdmeandmysiblings achievementsandpictures

Ourstories,items,andtraditions areimportantsowecanpassthemdown throughgenerationsandhelpourfamilies understandwherewecomefrom

Iamfromhanginguppaintings oftheVirginMaryonmybedroomwalls Fromeatingmaruchansandmakingcrosses withpalmleavesforchurch Iamfromavividbluehouse that’squiet,miniature andalwayssmellslikefreshcutgrass Iamfromoaktreesthatareso enormousthattheycoverhalf ofthebackyardwiththeirleaves ImfromeatingtamalesforChristmas andgoingtoChicagoeverymonth FromGuadalupe**** andJesus*********

I’mfromthejokesmymomwouldtell andopeningChristmaspresents onthe24thofDecember FromElRatonwasgonnatakemytooth andgivememoney andElCucuywasgonnacomeafterme ifIdidn’tsleepearly

I’mfromgoingtochurcheverySunday andgoingtochurchschool everyWednesday

ImfromAurora Illinois andSacatecas,Mexico Iwouldlovetacosdechorizo andsopesfreshfromtheoil Fromthestoryofmydadgettingsurgery andstillworking Andthebrotherthatsaystomyparents I’mheadingofftotheMarinebase Takingfamilypicturesatouroldapartment Mybrothershighschoolgraduation certificateisthethingthatbringsthisfamily togetherbecauseheistheonlyonethat passedhighschoolinmyfamily

ByAlex

Iamfromthefruittreesinfrontofmyhouse FromthefizzyJarritos andthecrispCoca-Colas Iamfromthegarage thatisalwaysajungleoftools Fromalargehousemadeofbrickandmortar, acozyhomeduringthewinter andthesmellofFebrezeeverytimeyouenter Iamfromthemulberrytreeinmybackyard wherethemulberriestasted eithersweetortart I’mfromthespongytamales wewouldmakeforChristmasEve Imfromafamilythatalwayslaughs attheirownmistakeswhentheyaremade ImfromOscar********andMayra***** Imfromahardworking andstrongwilledfamily FromPonteloscalcetines,sinotevasa enfermarandPontelaspilas I’mfromPrincipeDePazChurchwhereIgot myFirstCommunionandBaptism I’mfromAurora,Illinois,butmyblood isfromCiudaddeMéxico andCiudadJuarez,Chihuahua Imfromthefluffypandedulce thatwewouldgetonSaturday andtheripefruitsthatwecoverwithTajin Fromthestrugglesmydadfaced whencrossingtheborderthentraveling toIllinoisandthetimethatmyuncle losthisthumbinanaccident Imfromtheboxesofphotoswehave andthepicturesonthephonesmyfamily carryandtheplasticWalmartbagmy grandmaputsphotosinofmyfamily Itisimportanttousbecauseitremindsfuture generationswhatwedidandevenreminds usofwhatothergenerationsbeforeusdid

WhereI’mFrom ByDiego

WhereI’mFrom

WhereI’mFrom

ByKelsy

Iamfromlacecurtainsthatcovereverywindow andchangeeachseasonwiththehelpofmymotherandbrother FromhugebagsofJasmineRice andthefragrantsmelloflavenderscentedFebreze Iamfromatwo-storyhousewithhumongouswindows, rusticfurniture,andmusicbooming coveringthepitter-patteroffeetonadazzlingsunnyday Fromcozyblanketscryingouttomeeveryilluminating, frostywinterday tothemouthwatering ChocoBrownieExtremeBlizzard fromDairyQueenonblisteringhotdaysinthesummer Iamfromtwobackyards

Onewithradiantyellowbananatrees, andmassivebananaleavesusedtowrapsteamedgratedtaro Andanotherwithelegant,perfumedlavenderplants thatIpickandsurroundmyhomewith IamborderedbyFieldMapletreesthatchangepersonalitieseachfall shiftingfromgreentobrightauburnandblazingorangeleaves thatdroopuntiltheyfinallydepartthegreattree Finally,Iamgreetedwithabarenakedtreewhichbecomesahome tosoftnumbingsnowthatcoversthebristlyfallenleaves I’mfromcelebrationsofculture suchastraditionalweddingsthathardlaunchamarriage andholidaypartyhostingsthatneverseemtoend nomattertheoccasion

Iamfromcoilyhairmixedwithacompetitiveathleticspirit anddisciplinethatencouragesknowledgeandeducation FrommyfatherJoseph,mymotherAnne andmygrandmotherElizabeth I’mfromthehardworkingparents whoalwaystrytospendtimewithmysiblingsandme andsleepoversthatbecomearegularoccurrenceoverthesummer FromOurLordJesusChristdiedforyou soyouareforeverloved andTeslafilledetamère,lebijouxdetonpère ImfromarosecorsageandapearlnecklacewiththecrossthatIwore formyFirstCommunionatOurLadyofMercyCatholicChurch, prayersbeforebed,churcheverySunday,andconfessionwhereI releasemydeepestdarkestregretsandsinfulbehavior BorninCameroonor“MiniatureAfrica” andacitizenoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica

Iamfromfriedplantainsateverypartyandscrumptiousjollofrice madenumerousdifferentwaysbutstillasdelectable Frommytwin,myBombo, wholovedmeatmystubborntimes,rejoicedinmywins, whotaughtmetobeindependent,resilient, andhavebigdreamswhileshewasmerelyaprimaryschoolteacher Fromthewomanthatstruggledbutnevershowedit Fromthewomanthatalwaystoldme, Knowledgeisthekeytosuccess andthewomanthatwillneverleavemymemory Iamfromthemotherwhocarriedmeinherwomb,birthedme andraisedmetobeseriousinmyeducation, Becausebeingeducatedmeanshavingoptionsandopportunities Themotherthattoldmetonevergiveup becausewhenonedoorshuts,anotheroneopens Fromthephotoonthelivingroomwallofmyhappiest3rdbirthday, whereIgavemyfirstspeechandworelipglossforthefirsttime Tochildhoodpicturesofmyparents,siblingsandI storedinphotoalbums Capturingmymomentsofhappiness, myforgottenmemories, andallthesteppingstonesthathavenurturedme tobecomewhoIamtoday andcontinuetoshapeme tosomeoneworthknowingtomorrow

WhereI’mFrom

ByChristopher

Iamfromthatsweettasteofsalsita FromtheoneandonlylasalsaValentina Iamfromthereducedsizedhouse andinthatgarageIswearIsawamouse, Cleanandgreen I'lladmitIamfromthosebeautifulredflowers thatnevermadeittoseeanotherhour duetothelackofcareofours

Iamfromthosespicyjalapenosmeandmyfamilyplanted spicy tangy andslanted redandsometimesgreen makingmethinkitwasenchanted I’mfromtheyellingofMordidamordidaineverybirthdayparty tothosepartiesincludingmineIwasnevertardy Iknowmyhairisblackandmyeyes,too, Cortateesegreñerothat’swhattheytoldmetodo FromGuadalupe******** mymom continuingthroughthestrugglesoflife andnotgivingupdoingallshecould FromJuanPablo******,mydad, startingasmallbusinessthatliftedusupforthegood I’mfromthefamilythatexploreddifferentplaces,parksforfun Iamalsofromthosetacosinthefleamarket MmmforthoseI’drun!

FromEchaleganastoAsloqueamas ImfromdoingmybesttogotochurcheverySunday Frommyparentsshowingmetherunway IindeedamfromAurora,Illinois,theCityofLights, butmyancestryextendstomoreheights IamfromSanMartinTilcajete,Oaxacaright Aplacewherealebrijesbringlifeandlight Wheretheimaginationofmymom paintingthealebrijeswasbright Wheremydadcutthewood, thesoulofthealebrijeholdingthemachetereallytight Fromeatingthatdeliciousshrimpcocktailonceinawhile Fromthattortabreadfromlacermakthat broughttomyfaceasmile Frommymomhavingtoleavethehouseduetoproblems Totheunclewhomadetimeforhisguitar eventhoughhislifewasntfullofcolors Frommyfamilynothavingmanypictureoftheirgoldentime Tomymomonlyhavingtwopictures ofwhenshewasyoungandsublime Thealebrijeisimportanttomyfamilytree becauseofsomereasonsthatmightmakeyouintrigued InSanMartínTilcajete,wherecolorsgleam, myparentscraftedmagic,usingtheirimaginationoradream Mydadcarvedthewoodwithskillandgrace creatingalebrijesthatbrightenthespace Mymompaintedthembright,eachhueadelight, Withvibrantdesignsthatdanceinthelight Togethertheyweaveatalesodivine, ineverycreation,ourheartsintertwine Thesecreaturesofwonder,solivelyandfree, holdtheessenceofloveinourfamilytree Ineverybrushstrokeandeverycarvedline alebrijesremindusofthejoythatisdivine ThisiswhereI'mfrom withmorestorytocome

WhereI’mFrom ByAndrew

Iamfromsavingupplasticbags,

FromSalsaValentinaandFabuloso

Fromabigbackyard, inviting,tranquil, andacoldhouse

Fromtallbellflower, tallbellflowersthatcangrowupto6feet

I’mfromprayingbeforeeating anddarkbrownhair

FromPedroandPedroJunior

Fromahonestandcaringfamily, FromTecalmasotecalmo andfromEsehombretevaallevar

I’mfromgoingtochurcheverySunday, learningabouttheBible I’mfromAurora,Illinois,Oaxaca, andLaCiudaddeMéxico

Fromtamales pozoles

Fromthetimewhenmydad brokehishead,andthetimewhen mybrotherdislocatedhisthumb I’mfrommyparentsgettingmarried hereinAurora,Illinois

Frommyparentstellingmestories toteachmelessons, ImfromthesecondlargestcityinIllinois

FromtheCityofLights whereabout200,000peoplelive I'mfromAurora,Illinois

WhereI’mFrom

ByHaley

Iamfromtheairfryer

that’ssittingonthecounterinmykitchen

ImfromtheSamsungTVinmylivingroom and theX-Boxinmygamingroom

Iamfromacozyhouse thatsitsonAlexandriaLane

Fromthemessy,andcarefreehome

Tothehousethatisfilled withthesweetscentofvanilla

Iamfromalilacbushthatsitsinmybackyard, soakinginthesunlight anddrinkingtherainwater

Withitspurpleflowers,anditsgreenleaves,and itsbrownbranches

I’mfromgettingBananaSplit attheendoftheschoolyear andgettingcookiedoughicecream andtheindecisivenesswhenever thereisadecisionthathastobemade ImfromErikaandBenjamin Imfromthejokesthatalwaysmakeusalllaugh together,andtheanxietythatmakespeopleshut down

FromYoumakemehappyandThetoothfairy won’tcomeifyourroomisn’tclean I’mfromafreethinkinghome thathonorsnature

ImfromLisle,Illinois andfromthebloodoftheVikings

I’mfromtheFridaynightpizza andtheribsthatmydad wouldsmokeonthesmoker

Fromtherandomtrips toRedRobinswithmyfamily alwaysgettingchickentenders andfrieseachtimewego Tothegrandmabeingforgetful andblamingitonmygrandpa Fromtheoldpictureboxonthebookshelfwhile sittingtherewithdustbuildinguponit Tothememoriesandstories thatarepasseddownoverandoveragain

WhereI’mFrom ByDemian

IamfromthePokemoncards thatwetradedinschoollikeitwascontraband FromSpicyValentinaandthesmellofFebreze productsaroundeverycorner Iamfromthesmall,butcozyhousehold, enthusiasticeverymorning, livelywhenmymomseesthatImbackhome theblastingmusiceveryotherSunday whilemymomcleans Iamfromthedandelions thatgrowinfrontofmyhouse seeingthembloomeveryyear andthenoncetheyfullybloom, Ipluckthemandmakeawish ImfromcelebratingChristmasonChristmasEve andmyhardworkingfamily alwaysputtingineffort

FromVeronica********andCristian********* I’mfromthepotsandpansstoredintheoven whenitisnotbeingused andturningoffourphones whileatthegasstation FromElestudioesmuyimportante andLaescuelaestuúnicoobligación Imfromhaving15rosariesinmyroom andtalkingaboutmybeliefswithmyfriends I’mfromAurora,Illinois,butreallyJaliscoMexico Theamazingcevichemydadmakes andthedeliciouscamaronesaladiabla FromthetimemydadtraveledthroughMexico andthroughtheUStogettousinIllinois Thetimemymomgotherdog namedThomasstolen andallthepicturesmymomanddadtake ontheirphoneswhenevertheycan Withoutmymomandmydad Iwouldntevenbehere Iloveandappreciatethembothequally andmakesuretheyknowIdo

WhereI’mFrom

ByAndy

Iamfrommysoccerball thatIalwaysplaywith FromtheGoyaAdobo smellfromthekitchen, fromthesmellofscentedcandles whenwalkinginthehouse Iamfromthegreatmemories inmyhomelikecelebratingbirthdays andfamilyreunions

ThecozybedIalwayslayon, thewarmthofthekitchen, andtheloudnoisesoutside myresidence Iamfromroses,thetallandthestrong Imfrommakingtamales everyChristmas andmylimitlessheight FromBrenda****** andValdemar****** I’mfromaCatholicfamily andsimilartraditions likecelebratingRoscadeReyes andeatingsweetbread FromÉchaleganasmijo!andSana, Sana,colitaderanawhenIgothurt I’mfromthechurchofSagradoCorazon, gettingboredanddozingoff listeningtothepriest ImfromAurora,Illinois,butmyblood isfromMichoacan,Mexico Fromtamales beingmadeeveryChristmas, eatingpozolemostlyeveryholiday Mydadwhogotmeinto myfavoritesportsoccerwhenIwas4, theAuntwhoisalwaysthere whenmymomisnt TomyfirsttimegoingtoChuckECheese andamolcajetemygrandma gotmymom25yearsago thatwestillusetodaytomakesalsa

WhereI’mFrom

ByJesse

Iamfromthesoccerballs allaroundthehouse

FromDawndishsoap andMatt’scookiesinthepantry IamfromLehnertzAvenue, thedazzlingdifferentcoloredrooms, thebeaminglightsonmystreet duringChristmas, thedoorbellringing tomytiosandtiasvisiting Iamfromthecardinals whistlinginmybackyard theirtemptingredfeathers ImfromgettinggiftsonDiadeLosReyes insteadofChristmas andbrowneyes

FromDamianandMarisela I’mfromthehard-workersandtheoptimists FromConganas andNothingcomesforfree ImfromchurchonSundays, prayingwithmyfamilyatnight I’mfromAurora,Illinois andMichoacan,Mexico Pozole,cheeseburgers Fromthenotexpectingthings toalwaysgomyway likemyparents didnthavethingsgotheirway Mysisterstakingcareofme andpracticallyraisingme whenmyparentswereworking Big,bulky,bindersofphotosontheshelves Iamfromaplaceoflove

WhereI’mFrom

BySebastian

Iamfromthepaintings Imakewithmydad

FromElmilagrotortillasandDr Pepper Iamfromthesmallblueshed behindthehouseatEastBentonSt Thefireplaceinthelivingroom, thelightbluegraywalls, theroughwallrubbingonmyhand Iamfromtheoaktrees infrontofmyhouse, brownandtalllikeatoweringskyscraper I’mfrommakingpozoleforeverybirthday andhavingafamily ofbrownandblackhair FrommydadRafael andmybrotherMateo

I’mfromgettingtogetherforChristmas andgoingtothemostrandomplace everyyear

FromNohagaseso! whenIwasdoingwrongthings andNoapuntesaotraspersonas!whenI wanttopointatsomeone I’mfromfollowingGod andrespectinghisTenCommandments I’mfromAurora,Illinois andfromMichoacan,Mexico Fromcookedpotatoes, tothesoftspaghettiasdeliciousasa starvingtigerinthedesert

Fromthetimemydadsavedawomanin thetreacherousjourneytoUSA, andtheveryreligiousmotherIhave Undermybedthemanypictureswehave Thepicturesareimportanttomyfamily, itremindsusofourpastmemories

WhereI’mFrom

ByNicole

Iamfromdarkbluespeakers placedaroundthehouse FromGainlaundrydetergent andbluedawndishsoap Iamfromatwo-storyhome, comfortingandcheerful thetexturedwalls thatcovertheinsideofmylivingroom, alwayswelcomingmethemomentIenter Iamfromalwayshavingrosesinavase onthekitchencounter, thesilkyredpetalsthatticklemyfingertips I’mfromenjoyingtamales everyChristmasEve andalwaysmakingjokesnomatterwhat FromRebecca*******and CrisJesusGarcia******* I’mfromthesarcasm andlaughterthatdancesthroughmyears FromYou’resosensitive andStopfightingwithyoursister Imfrompraying beforeweeatonThanksgiving andprayingwhensomeoneweknowissick I’mfromAurora,Illinois, butmyfamilytreegoesbacktoMexico Iamfromsavoryguisado andrefreshingceviche Fromthehardworkandperseverance ofmydad tothelaughterandthecheerfulness ofmymom Iamfromthepicturesofmysiblings andIthathangbymyparentsdoor andhowtheymakemyhouseahome Iamfromtheloveandhopefulness thatwillalwayslieinmyfamily’shearts

WhereI’mFrom ByXochitl

IamfromMagicTreeHousebooks scatteredacrossavibrantpuzzlecarpet inmychildhoodroom

Fromstealingmysister’sDuvalins onthedrivehomefromsomecousins birthdaypartyinthesummer todrinkingAbuelitahotchocolate inthewinter

Iamfromthesmall,noisy,andlively apartmentcomplexesthatIlivedin formostofmylife

Iamfromplayingwithmysiblingsinthe blueparkbehindourapartment andpushingeachotherintothecreek filledwithsmalltreasures

I’mfromdarkbrownhairandeyesthat arefilledwithlovingwarmth

FromMariaElena******* andArmandoGarcia*******

Imfromloversoflongwalkssurrounded bynatureandhardworkers

FromI'llgiveyousomethingtocryabout andSanasana,colitaderana

I’mfromnothavingabeliefforcedonme andbeinggivenfreedom ofmyownthoughts

I’mfromAurora,Illinois andMichoacaninMexico

Fromthechorizomyparentstaughtme howtomakeandhowittastedwhen rolledupwithatortilla

Iamfrommydadwhosacrificedsomuch formyfamilyandmymomwhohadto enduresomuchpaininherchildhood

Imfromthewhitechestundermydad’s deskfilledwithpreciousmemories thatwillneverbeforgotten

WhereI’mFrom BySebastian

IamfromtranslucentTupperware usedforanythingfromfoodstorage tocleaningagentstorage

FromfragrantSuavitel andpineyFabulosothataromated thewholehouse

Iamfromagloomyoldhome, thatturnedtoabeautiful,cozy, accommodatinghomeafterweboughtit IamfromgooeyAloevera withgreenickyandpricklyleaves thatmymomtakescareofandcherishes I’mfromflavorfulpozoleonChristmas EveandgrapesonNewYears, andlusciouscurlyhair thatmostmeninmyfamilyhave ImfromReynaldo******* andAna****** Imfromthetangytamales andspicychorizo

FromPontelaspilasmijoandPracticate hacemejor

I’mfromaCatholicfamilythatgoesto MasseveryChristmasandEaster thatregularlygoestoOurLadyofGood CounselCatholicChurch

ImfromAurora,IllinoistheCityofLights andMexico

Iamfrommouthwateringtacos andpowderyconchas

Fromthetimemydadwonatrophy andinspiredmetopursuesoccer tothewaymydadworkshardsevendays aweekdoingbackbreakinglaborto makemyfamilysfuturebetter

FromthetimewewenttoFlorida andhadmanyphotoswithmygrandpa tothepicturesontheDayoftheDead standthataresoimportanttoourfamilytoreflect

WhereI’mFrom

ByChristopher

IamfromtheCabelasdeerhunter

shotgun

FromElMilagrotortillasandFabuloso Iamfromaveryloudfamily who’salwaysthere

Fromthewarm andcozy hardwoodenfloors

IamfromgreatHickorytrees thatwereveryorangeandburly I’mfromeating12grapesforNewYears andaveryintelligentfamily

FromadazzlingMomand andwonderfulTia

Imfromacaringfamily andunderstandingfamilymembers

FromHazlomejorquepuedasmijo andTryyourbestandforgettherest I’mfromanotveryreligious butChristianfamily, andastrongfaithforJesus

I’mfromRushCopley,Aurora,Illinoisand abuelosMexicanos

Tamalesrojasquesondeliciosas anddelectablebananabread

Fromthepeptalksbeingtold andtheloudmusicwithtonsofbass everywhereyougo

Rememberingourmementos thatarerightunderourbeds Rememberingtheuniquememories thatsendsusbacktothepast andleavingitfeelinghappy

WhereI’mFrom ByJesse

Iamfromthesombreros inthelivingroom

FromMilagrotortillasandFabuloso Iamfromtheeverchanginghome Calm,soothing, churchbellsharmoniously ringingfromafar Iamfromthepumpkinplants thatwereaccidentlygrown bymydad Imfromtangygrapes atNewYearsandhardworkers FromRogelioandGustavo 4thofJulyparties andtamalesatThanksgiving FromHoynuncaseprometenada andTrabajamuyduro ImfromSaintNicholasChurch whereIgotmyFirstCommunion ImfromAurora,Illinoisand Aguascalientes,Mexico Mouthwateringchorizo, delectabletamales Fromthegrillouts whereeverycousin, aunt anduncleappeared Myunclesrestaurant LaVictoria Picturesupthestairs thatbringbackmemories

WhereI’mFrom ByAbril

Iamfromchocolateymilkshakes mygrandmausedtomakeformeeverymorning andtheheavenlytacos andCocaColaweareknownfor IamfromasmallwhitehousenearOhioStreet, thesmelloffreshlycookedfoodroamingthehouse anddishesthatneverseemtoend Iamfromahousethatneverseemstohaveamoment ofsilenceandkidsmymomtakescareof roamingandplayinginthehouse Iamfromfreshvegetablesplantedalongmybackyard Thebright,fresh,cleanvegetables myfathergrewwithhisbarehands thebrightfresh cleanvegetables mymomcooksandhelpsputdinnerinthetable I’mfromeveryChristmasmorning wakinguptoopenpresents mydadworkedhardonsohecouldaffordthem andeveryholidaygettingtoseeallthefamilytogether andbeingthankfultoGodthatwecanexperiencethis Iamfromdarkbrowncurlsandwaves

FromMaricelaLopez****** andHeribertoGonzalez**** I’mfromgreetingeverypersonwecomeacross andjokesmywholefamilytells FromPuteffortinschoolsoyoucanhaveabetter educationandlifethanwedid andMakethetripworthit ImfromgoingtoSagradoCorazoneverySunday andgoingtoposadasforninedays beforeChristmastohonorGod I’mfromthecolorfulandvividcityofCalvillo, Aguascalientesweremywholefamilyisfrom FrommenudoinapinkbucketeverySundaymorning afterchurchandtamalesmymommakeseachbirthday Iamfromthebrave14yearold,whosenameis Heriberto whocametotheUnitedStates tomaintainhismomanddadinMexico

Iamfromthechildwhodidn'tgetanounceofeducation andfromthewomanwhodoeseverything possibleforherchildren

Thepicturesthatpreservedourmostprecious memoriesarepreservedforever withoutawrinkleinourphones

Thepicturesthathelpusremembertheoldtimes picturesthathelpusremembertheonesthataregone Thestoriesofourparentstellingusalltheevents they’velivedandalltheyvedone tomakesurewegotabetterlife

WhereI’mFrom ByJared

Iamfromsavingupplasticbags

FromSalsaValentinaandlavender Fabuloso

Iamfromacrackedupdriveway

Fromthelighttan,cozyhome

Fromthesmell ofmymom’sasandochiles

Iamfromthepinetreeinthebackyard, funbutsharp

ImfromtamalesonChristmas andbrowneyes

FromJosefina********and Francisco*******

I’mfromopeninggiftsonDecember24th andacaringfamily

FromEsehombretevaallevar toEchaleganas

ImfromgoingtochurcheverySunday andhavingacrossinourhouse

I’mfromAurora,Illinois,butmyrootsare fromGuanajuato,Mexico

Iamfromarrozyfrijoles andtreslechescake

Fromthetimemydad hadtocometothiscountry withoutknowingEnglish

Fromtheolderbrother whoIalwayslookupto

I'mfromtheboxfulloffamilyphotos

Itssomethingtolookbackon

WhereI’mFrom

ByAylin

Iamfromthebrightbluesteamystraightener FromthesweetsmellinglavenderFabuloso andthetartOceanSpraycranberryjuice Iamfromold,dustyfurniture andslipperybrownfloors, thecooltonedwallsoutsidemyhome, thebrightgreengrassinmybackyard, andthebumpsonmygloomywhite popcornceiling

Iamfromtheorangedaylilies mydadplantsduringthesummer Theyareasilluminatingasthesun I’mfrommakingcolorfulofrendas formydeceasedrelatives duringthemonthofOctober Imfromthechocolatebrowncurlsofmymother FromSantiagoHernandez******** andElidaLopez***** I'mfromcleaningeverySaturday andgettingcreamyDairyDeliteeverySunday FromgettingtoldUnonuncasabe andPontelaspilasasachild ImfromaCatholicfamily butgotoSt TeresaChurchwheneverwecan ImfromAurora,Illinois,butmyancestryisfrom PalmarChico,Mexico

Fromeatingeggswithbeans andcornflakeswithbanana

Fromthegroundthatmyparentsmet andfellinloveonwheretheyfirstexchanged theirnamesandrealizedthat theywouldsoonbeinlove Iamfromthewarmandlovinghugs frommygrandmother

Fromthephotostuckedaway inthebasementcloset

Theseobjects,foods,andsayings makeupmostofmylifeandpersonality Iamproudofmyself myheritage andthethingsthatbringmenostalgia

WhereI’mFrom ByMatteo

Iamfromthesizzlingofthestove

Fromvaporuwhensick andGreatValueitemsinthepantry Iamfromabrightbluehome andadecorativehouseonholidays, thecomfortablespacethatismyroom

Fromthesoundofloudmusic onSaturdaymornings

IamfrommillionsofHostaVentricosa inmybackyard andbeesflourishingfromthenectar oftheHostaVentricosa Imfromeating12sweetgrapes everyNewYearsand theblackhairfrommyparents

FromEfren********* andJanneth********

I’mfromahardworkingfamily andafamilythatgivingupisnotanoption FrommymomanddadalwayssayingEchale ganasalaescuelaandwhenevermymom isfightingwithmeormybrother sheusesEldiaqueyomeMuera towintheargument

I’mfromaChristianfamily whopraysbeforedoingmostlyanything I’mfromAurora Illinois andfromMichoacan,Mexico Fromsavoryenchiladasverdes andfrijolesdelaolla Fromthehundredsofstories aboutmydad’schildhoodabouthavingto workhardandhelpinthecampos tosomeonewhohasagreatbond withhisbrother

Themillionsofphotosinmyparentsphone frommychildhoodtotheimportance ofthepicturesmyparentshave torememberaboutmychildhood andshowhowmuchIhavegrown

WhereI’mFrom ByCarlos

Iamfrommyexcavatortoy

FromCloroxandMr Clean IamfromKimberlyLane, Cozy,comfortable, Andsmellinggood Iamfromoaktrees leavesasgreenasthegrass ImfrommakingpozoleonChristmasDay andbrowneyes FromMoriah,mymom,and CarolinaandMisael,mygrandparents I’mfromthehardworkers andpartylovers FromGetgoodgradesmijo andAlwaysforgiveeverybody ImfromBibleverses andputtingmyfaithinJesus I’mfromAurora,Illinois andGuerrero,Mexico

Frommoleandtacosdeasada withamouthwateringsmell

Frommysinglemomwhostruggles raisingfourkidsbyherself

Thegrandparents whofacedmanyproblems

Picturesthatareatmygrandma’shouse keepingmemoriesalive

ByAlison

Iamfrommydogsgreetingus whenwewalkinthedoor

FromtheFabulosothatmymomusestomopthefloor andfromthejasminericemymomuses tomakeherwhiteandorangerice

Imfromtheolddoorlocksoneveryroomdoor Frommyroomthathastwohammocks withallmychildhoodstuffedanimals andthesocksaroundmyhousethatmydogs playaroundwithbecausetheylovesocks I'mfromthesmelloffoodwhenmymomcooks andfromtheflowerplantsmymomhas thatneedthreeicecubeseveryweek I’mfromsettingupourChristmastreeanddecorations, accordingtothefamilymemberwhodecides ourthemeforthatyear

Imfromafamilyofshortpeople

Frommymom,MargaritaPacheco*****, andmydad,Jose*********

I’mfromthosejokesthatmakemystomachhurt andfrombeingmoodyreallyeasily

FromApagalaluzosinolapolicíanosvaparar andCompórtatesinoeseseñortevallevar

ImfromSacredHeartCatholicChurch andfrommymomsayingQuediostebendiga ImfromtheUnitedStatesbutmyfamilys fromelEstadodeMéxicodeCuautitlánIzcalli Fromarrozconlecheandpozolerojo Frommygrandmapassingaway whenmymomwas11 andfrommymomhavingtolive withhermeantiasthatmistreatedher Frommymomnothavingadadsinceshewas11 whichmeantsheneverhadafatherormother figurebyherside

Fromthestrugglesasasinglemothermymomdealt withlikeprovidingusaroofoverourheads, foodonthetable,andpayingbills Allofmyfamily,likemyaunts,uncles, cousinsliveallthewayinMexico

Fromourdogswhichchangedme andmyfamilyslivesmentally totheexcitementofcominghome andbringingjoyandhappiness, andfrommydogsmakingthehousefeellesslonely Theywerelikeourmissingpiecetoourpuzzle

WhereI’mFrom ByLiam

Iamfromtablets

FromKraftMayoandSketchers Iamfromaloud,gray, averagesizedhouse Victorian,plasterwalls, andaswirlingtilefloor Iamfromwalnuttrees thatarealwaysdropping walnutsonmyhead I’mfromstayingawake until12amforNewYears anddarkbrowneyes

FromCesar*******andStormy***** Imfromsleepingat9pm andeatinglunchat12pm FromSantaClausisreal andMakingweirdfaces willcauseyourfacetofreeze I’mfromAurora,Illinois,Ireland,Wales, Luxembourg Scotland England Mexico andtheCzechRepublic Creamytasteofmacandcheese, chickenlegtacos Fromthestoryofmydad comingtoAmerica overtheMexicanborder Thefactmymomislefthanded Thebinderonthedesk withfamilyphotos rememberingwhatourfamilyhasdone

WhereI’mFrom

ByVivianna

Iamfromwornoutbabyblankets thatholdmemories FromthecrispsmellofthegreenFabuloso andthecrackedopenDietDrPepper Iamfromabluehousethatisasold astheendofWorldWarII withpopcornceilingsandwoodendrawers Amatured,creakyhome andajoyfulbutloudhouse Iamfromtheevergreentreeinmybackyard thatisasbigasaskyscraper andthatloomsoveracity astheevergreentreeloomsovermyhouse Theevergreen,tall,spiky andneverlosesitscolor I’mfromeating12grapesunderthetable forgoodluckonNewYear’sEveandpreparinga lotoffoodforsomeone’sbirthday, andmyfunnyjokes Frommymother,Nicole****,and andmyoldersister Bailey******* Imfromtheloudnessweallshare andthewayweallspeakwhatwearethinking FromMija,apagalaluz andBehavediabla I’mfromprayingatthetable toblessthefoodatdinner andprayingatnighttoblessthepeopleIlove ImfromGrapevine Texas andGuanajuato,Mexico Quesadillasandempanadas Fromthetimemygreatgrandfather felldownatwostorychimneyandwasperfectly fineandgotupandwalkedaround Theperseveringmother whomovedtoIllinoisfromTexas forabetterlifeformeandmysister Theagedphotosstashedaway inthewoodendrawersinmyhouse thatIlookatandthinkoftheoldtimes

WhereI’mFrom ByBenjamin

Iamfromaguitarbesidemybed FromRoyalCrownCola andanotsosmartSamsungTV Iamfromatwo-storyhomebehindthe huskycementpolicedepartment Ahousethatstandsbold againsttheneighborhood onethatsitscozierthantherest, louderthanmost Iamfromsucculentsinthewindowsill, pricklyandgooey Iamfromchocolatecoveredgrapeson NewYears,eatenbythose witheyesasblueastheBahamas ImfromRonaldandEmily****** ImfrombickeringatChristmas andabsurdbets FromGogetmethisandGodothat I’mfromanonreligioushousehold whorarelygoestochurch I’mfromaWesternEuropeanfamily, basedinAurora,Illinois FromBananaSplit afteragloriousvictory tofriedpicklesonaFridaynight Frommyuncle’smainguitar herecentlygavetome andmygrandma whowillalwayslendahelpinghand FrompictureswhenIwasyoung onapictureframebythefrontdoor andthepuzzlethatholds oldphotosofmyfamily Thestoriesofmyfamily thatdonothingbutinspireme

WhereI’mFrom

WhereI’mFrom

ByMia

IamfromtheMexicandolls onmycounterinmyroom

FromChocolateAbuelitathatmygrandmasuse tomakesweet,sugaryhotchocolate andTidewashmymomusestocleanmyclothes

Iamfromahomewithwhiteplainwalls, thehousepeacefulandasbigasthesea thesmelloflavenderfillingupmyhome

Iamfromthebigpinetreeinfrontofmyhouse,strong, tallandspikypinecones

I’mfromthesmellofsweetRoscadeReyeseatingit nearChristmas, hopingnottogetbabyJesus andsettinguptheChristmastreealltogether meandmysisterfightingover whogetstoputthestar

HavingmyMom’snoseandmyDad’sgingerbread brownhairandeyecolor

FromBellaandDaisy

I’mfromthestayinguplateFridaynights watchingmoviesanddoingsmallprayers beforeeatingourmeal

FromthetalesofwatchingtheLaLloronaandafter watchingChuckyandToyStory, ourtoyswouldmoveatnight I’mfromaveryCatholicfamily, havingtowakeupSundaymorning andgototheSacredHeartChurch

I’mfromCalifornia,LosAngeles,andMexico Imfromthesteamypozole mygrandmamakesonacoldwinterday, thecrunchyTacosdePapa mydadmakeswhenwerehavingagoodday

Fromthehardworkingfather whoneverwenttocollege andworkedhardtopaythebills

Thetoughmotherwhodidn’tfinishcollege totakecareofmyoldersisterandbrothers PhotosofmeandmyfamilyinWisconsin campingatYogiBear

Picturesofmydancecompetitions andhowhappyIlookedallsitin myfamilycomputerwaiting formorephotosandmemoriestobeputin

Thecrosshanginginmydadsbedroomisspecialto representGodandourreligion Thecrossthathas beenhangingthereforalongtime Thecandlesmy grandmahasthatsheonlylightsonspecialoccasions

WhereI’mFrom ByJordyn

Iamfromsoft,fuzzycouchpillows madeforagoodnap FromBarbieDollsandMaruchannoodles FromDr SuesandMagicTreeHousebooks Iamfromthestonecracks thatlinethebottomofmyhome Iamfromthesmallchildrensplayhouse mydadtakesfromtheshedeverysummer Iamfromthepinktreeattheendofthelawn whereIpickflowersfromeveryspringandsummer I’mfromSuperBowlSunday andneedingglassestoseeanythingandeverything FromChiquita*****andDerrick******* I’mfromthelongroadtripstoMississippi andthefunnyjokesthatwetell alongthewayuntilourstomachsstarttohurt FromKeepyourmouthshutandyou'llstayoutoftrouble andYou'regettingonmylastnerve I’mfrommywhite,shinySundayshoes, myBible,andmypaintedcross I’mfromRushCopleyMedicalCenter ImfromAuroraIllinois,butreallyIamfromMississippi Fromjambalayaonspecialdays andstuffedbellpepperswhenwearefeelingfancy FrommyoldSketcherlightupshoes whichIstillhaveforsomereason Frommymomtellingmewhyitisimportant toberesponsible,andtogetthingsdone IamfrommyfunnyPepsilovingauntie, whoalwaysmakesmelaughandsmile Iamfrommymomspinkphotoalbum whereshekeepspicturesofmyfamily, andotherswhoIdon'tknow Iamfromlovingmyfriendsandfamily, evenwhentheyareannoyingorinconsiderate Frommysistercomingovertovisit, andsadlyleavingagain Iamfromthechalkstainedside-walk thatmeandmycousinsfilledwithcolorfuldrawings Fromhavinghalfofmybedclutteredwithstuffedanimal whichIhavehadforalongtime I'mfromhiphopandpopmusicplaying asmymomcleansthewholehouseinonego IamfromFrozenandTrolls, myfavoritemoviesgrowingup Frommouthwateringicepopson4thofJuly andtastychocolateonEaster Imfrommyexpandingcollectionofsketch-books, filledwithdrawings,love,andplentyofcolorfullines Iamfromstabbingmyeraserinclass, andpretendinglikeitisahammer tobonkmyfriendswith Frommyfinger-printstainediPad, whichIlovedasakid Iamfromthelittletreeshanging onmymomsrearviewmirrorthatsmellsofresh Frommyhouseholdofpeaceandmyfamilyoflove

WhereI’mFrom

BySean

Iamfromblazingbackyardfires

FromHoneyMaidgrahamcrackers andChewygranolabars

Iamfromanold

small crowdedhome withthedogsrunningplayfully inthebackyard

Iamfromtheancientredbud inmyfrontyard

FromgoingtoWisconsineverysummer foraweekwithmyfamily

Iamfromanice,caring andstubbornfamily

IamfromJenna***********,mymom, andBrian***********,mydad Iamfromworkinghard andbeingaleader

FromHavefun,begood and“Iloveyou”

FromgoingtochurcheverySunday whenIwasyounger withmygrandparents andalsogoingtoSundayschool

I’mfromEdwardHospitalinNaperville andancestryinEurope

Fromfireroastedsmores anddeliciousChristmascookies

Frommykneethatgotcutopen byacoffeetable inWisconsinonvacation

Frommybravefirefightinguncle andmygrandparents’house withtonsoffamilypicturesbooks

Iamfromthehuntingjacket thatmygreatgrandpausedtowearwhen hetookmygrandpahunting

WhereI’mFrom

ByAlexander

Iamfromaplacewheregenerational heirloomsthatarepasseddown FromPartylitewaxmelts toFebrezeairfreshener

Iamfromafancymodernlookinghome withweirdlookingwalls andamassiveoaktreeinfront Loudbangsandthesoundoffootsteps fromeveryone,butattimes, itcanbeasquietasamouse

Thefeelofthinwoodfloorboards withthelovelyscentoflavender Iamfromaplacewhere AmericanPokeweedsprout withredstemswithpoisonousblackberries Imfromaplacewhereweplaylittlequizzes forChristmaspresents andhaveblackhairandbrowneyes FrommycousinDalles tomyyoungerbrotherJacob I’mfromtheplacewhere wehave“jobs”thatwedoeveryday andtraveltolandsfar farawayfromhere Frommailingteethtothetoothfairy toneedingabasket fortheEasterbunnytohidecandy I’mfromaplacewerereligiondoesn'tmatter I’mfromAurorathoughmydad isfromMexico

Thestrongsmellofhamandcheese quesadillasandthemouthwatering spaghetticasserole

Fromthedadwhoalways wasthereforhisfamily tophotosindifferentplaces likeWisconsinandFlorida

Allofthesestoriesareimportant tolearnfromthepastmistakes ofparentssoyoudont makethesamemistakethattheydid

WhereI’mFrom

ByHarmony

Iamfromputtingmustard onmyhotdogslikeaChicagoan Frommymomputtinggarlic andonionpowderoneverymeal tomakeitmoreflavorful

Iamfromdazzlingcleanwhitewalls inmyhouse

Iamfromcalm,appetizingsmells frommymom’scooking Havingarednosepitbullinmybackyard Iamfromaprairieblazingstar withfeatherybrightpurpleflowers andaveryleafystem I’mfromgoingonvacationtwiceayear withmyfamilyandmybeautifulthick4chair FromKi’AngelaandSteve I’mfromthetalkative andhardworkingfamily

ImfromYouwontberewardedforbad behaviorwhenIwouldalwaysgetintrouble andIfitwasasnake,itwouldhavebityou ifIcouldn’tfindsomething I’mfromancientIsraelites andrestingeverySaturday I’mfromMaywood IllinoisandNigeria Warmsweetcornbread anddeliciousbakedmacaroniandcheese Fromthetimemymom madeathreetiercakeformybirthday Thecolorofthecakewaspurple likethecharacterHarmony fromtheCareBears andthecakealsohadlittlepearlsatthetop Inmymomsphoneandnightstand therearepicturesofbeautifulmemories fromacoupleweeksagoto13yearsago Myfamilypicturesareimportant becausetheyshowallmyhappymemories andmomentswithmyfamily

WhereI’mFrom

ByJennifer

Iamfromtheworn-downcomalwherewewould makeourhomemadetortillasandourbread FromNitoswithleche andSponchcoconutcookies Iamfromthelightbluehouse, decoratedwithbloomingflowers builtwithmyfathershardwork Humblebutjoyous,cozyandcomfortable Filledwiththeoverpoweringsmell ofmyfather’severydaycoffee I’mfromthetomatillosinourbackyardgarden, thesticky,greentomatoes thatwewouldputinoursalsa ImfromcradlingBabyJesusonChristmas andSemanaSanta andfromlightbrowneyesandhazelnuthair FromVictor*****andSilvia******* I’mfromprayingbeforemeals andtakingoffyourshoesatsomeone’shouse FromAquiénmadruga,diosloayudaandBarriga llena,corazóncontento ImfromgoingtoLaIglesia delSagradoCorazondeJesusonweekends andavoidingthingsthatdonthonorourLord I’mfromAurora,IllinoisandMichoacan,Mexico Fromsoft,silkyflanandsweetarrozconleche Fromastrong,intelligentfather wholefthisdreamsinMexico totakecareofhisfamily andprovideforthem andwhoworrieddayandnight aboutputtingfoodonthetable Fromthelovingmother whogivesmewhatshecouldn’thave andwhocaresaboutmystudiesandfuture Fromthealbumsofpicturesthatcapturedmy family’smostcherishedmemories andfromtherosariowiththeimageofla Virgencitaonitgifted fromgenerationtogeneration toshowourfaith ThisiswhereI’mfrom

WhereI’mFrom ByAmaris

IamfromtheBibleIwasgivenwhenI waslittlethatIkeeptuckednexttomy newerBibleonmydesk

FromtheSuavitelIusetowashclothes andtheCosmicbrownieswesnackon Iamfromthegraywallsathome Iseeeveryday

Fromasmallbrightorangehouse beinghometohavingabigger whiteplainhouseIlivein

Fromthespaciouscoldquietrooms missingmybrightcoloredwallsathome Everydaywakinguptothebabyblue wallsmydadpaintedforme

IamfromtheJasminandAmaryllis flowersspreadaroundthehouse

ThewhitegracefulsmellofJasmin andthebrightredcolors oftheAmaryllisflowers

I'mfromChristmasandThanksgiving atmyabuelashouse tonotseeingmyfamilyinoversixyears

Frommycontagioussmileandlaughter

FromFlorencio****andArgelia**** Imfromgoingtochurcheveryday withmyMomandDad andprayingbeforeeverymeal

FromSersalyluz,Besaltandlight,and SiDiospermite,IfGodallows I'mfrombeingChristian andtryingmybesttoliveaGodlylife andtokeepsurrenderingtohim

Fromgettingbaptizedat12 andacceptingJesusinmyheartat4 IliveinAurora,Illinois,butmyhomeisin LeonGuanajuato,Mexico

Fromtamalesdefresaandpozoleverde, makingmemissmyhome

Fromthelasthugsmyfamilygaveme tothesmallwhiteboxoffamilyphotos layingunderneathmybedinMexico

WhereI’mFrom ByMason

Iamfromplasticcerealcontainers

FromDawnsoapandabasket labeledCharminbuttnapkins Iamfromaweathered, big,crooked,andrustichome Iamfromacrabappletree andgrabbingthe treecherries wheneverIrunbythem

I’mfromhidingastyrofoam pickleornamentonChristmas andneedingtohaveglasses

FromChrisandAngela I’mfromhavingeverysingleday plannedoutandweneverhaveaweek wherewedontdoanything

FrombeingtoldDon'tpetrandomdogs andYougetwhatyouget andyoudon'tthrowafit

I’mfromvolunteeringatchurch andplayingonthebells,too ImfromAurora IllinoisandIreland

Fromhomemadechickenanddumpling soupandboxedmacandcheese

Frommymomstrugglingwith undiagnosedADHDinclass andnotwantingthesameforme Tothechairnobodywasallowedtositin butmygrandpa Iamfromourfamilyphotos onsquaremagnets thatsometimesfallbehindthecouch Theyareourhistory

WhereI’mFrom ByJorge

IamfromplayingPS4 withmycousins FromFifa15 andCallofDutyBlackOps2 Iamfromabig,whiteoldcozyhouse Iamfromgreengrass, spikeylikeneedles Iamfrombigfamilycookouts andcurlyhair Frommydad,Jorge******, andmygrandpa Luis****** Iamfromtheserious andtoughfamily

FromdrinkingCokecanturnyoublack andifIstayeduplate, thebigcoyoteswouldeatme IamfromaCatholicfamily whousedtogotochurcheverySunday IamfromJiquilpan Michoacán andGuadalajara,Jalisco Iamfromjuicytacos andtenderchicken

Fromwhenmydadhadtowork sincehewasseven andwhenmyGrandpawouldwork dayandnighttosupporthisfamily Iamfromthefamilypictures inmygrandmashouse Iamfromthefarm wheremydadandunclesgrewup andwouldhangouteveryweekend

WhereI’mFrom ByAimee

Iamfromcleaningproducts likeCloroxandFabuloso Iamfromanold,loud, spotless,andcrowdedhouse Iamfromvegetables liketomatoesandhotpeppers grownbymygrandfather Imfromeating12grapesonNewYears andfromdifferentskin,hair, andeyecolors

I’mfrommyUnclePedro andGrandmaMaria Imfromthealwaysyelling andhardworkingpeople FromStandupforyourself andJustdoityourself I'mfrombeingbaptized butneverdoingreligiousacts ImfromAurora,Illinois, butreallyZacatecas,Mexico Fromhomemade flourtortillasandcarrots I'mfromthefamily withnoeducation Fromallthetimes Ihadtocareformysiblings becausemyparentscouldnt andfromthepictures ofmybabybrother onmyphone becauseIknow he’llwanttoseethem whenhe’solder

WhereI’mFrom ByAntonio

Iamfromexquisitesmelling roastedcoffeegrounds

FromGoyabrownbeans andGoyawhiterice

Iamfromthewhitehouse withdeepbrownwoodenfloors, cozy,andsmellinglikecinnamon straightoffthetree Iamfromthehibiscusflower thebrightyellowmiddle surroundedbythelightpink, likethesuninafieldofroses

I’mfromthesmallBaptismparties andthefunnypersonality ofmygrandma, FromAntonio******** andJalitza***** Imfromtheathleticside ofmymomanddad andthefunnyside ofmygrandmaandgrandpa, FromIfyoueatyourvegetables, youwillbeasstrongashulk andDontlookatthescreentooclose oryouwillgoblind

Imfromprayingbeforemeals andsleepandgoingto CalvaryChurcheverySunday

I’mfromAurora,IllinoisandPuertoRico Pastelillosandredriceandbeans FromtheauntsinPuertoRico whotrainedtheiguanas, theacresofbeautifulgreenland mygrandpaownsinPuertoRico Theboxesfrommealltheway tomymom’searliestmemories andreflectionssoweneverforget whywearewhoweare andtoneverforget thegoodandbadmemories

WhereI’mFrom ByCarlos

Iamfromsqueakyfloorsonlyatnight FromSalsaValentinaandFabuloso Iamfromaloudhouse whendoinghomework, Hugeandcomfortablehome withalargediningarea

IamfromOaktrees, veryhumongous andgoodforswings

I’mfromthrowingbigbirthdayparties evenifthebirthdayperson doesn’twantoneandachaoticfamily FromCatalinaandPaula whoarebothmysisters Imfromtheloudandcrazy FromBedmonsterseatkidswhodon’tdo theirhomeworkandSantaisreal I’mfromSanNicolasChurch andinchurchIpray

I’mfromAurora,Illinoisandmyancestry fromGuadalajara Mexico Taquitosdepolloqueolíabienrico, tortasdecarneempanizada quequisieracomermecadadía Fromthetimemygrandpataughtme tousemyveryfirstscrewdriver Thetimewhenmymomtaughtme howtocookandcleanbymyself Onthewalls onthetables andonthecabinetsarephotos wheremyfamilypicturesare Wedon'thaveanyimportantthings sotheonlythingweprotectiseachother

WhereI’mFrom ByDorian

Iamfromthickandbushy wolfblanketsduringthecoldwinter FromGreatValuebarbequesauce andLucaswormcandy Iamfromawarm cozyroom Lively,calm,andglitteringenvironment Icallmyhome Iamfromthedarkredroses inthebackyard, sharpandprickly I’mfromdelectablecookouts thatwehaveonceamonth andtallfamilymembers FromSaulandFelicitas

Imfromtheniceandcaringfamily whoalwayswisheseverybody agooddayandnight andasmartfamily whoalwayshelpseachother whensomeoneisstumpedonsomething FromDontturnonthelightsinthecar andPontelaspilas

Imfromprayingbeforeeating andplayingCatholicmusic whilecleaning I’mfromMexico andancestryfromtheAztecs Greenspaghetti, homemadetortasdehuevo Fromthestorymygrandma toldmeaboutmygrandpa whowasabodybuilder Thehardworkmydadputin tobuildingourhouseinMexico Oldphotosinmyfather’slaptop andonmymothersphone Therosarythatmymothergavetome thatwouldprotectme fromnegativeemotions

WhereI’mFrom

ByBrenda

IamfromthebedIlayineveryday andsleepinforhoursandhours FromtheFabulosoIsmelloncleandays andtheWindexIusetocleanwith Iamfromthewhitewallsinmyhouse filledwithpictures, thecomfortingenergy thatI’msurroundedby, andtheloudmusicplaying inthebackground Iamfromthebigandtallmapletree Iseeeverydaydayinfrontofmyhouse andthevividflowergardeninmybackyard Imfromspendingallholidays withmyfamilyandrelatives andthedarkblackhairthatmyfamilyhas FromMargaritaandLuis******* I’mfromthefamily thatIknowIcantalktoeveryday andmakejokeswith FromhearingCleanyourroom andGetgoodgradesallthetime ImfromareligiousCatholicfamily andgoingtochurchonceaweek I’mfromAurora,IllinoisandPuebla,Mexico Fromtheappetizinghomemadesoups mymomwouldmake andtherefreshingaguasfrescas Fromthebestmomintheworld whoonlythebestforme andallofmysiblings Thesupportiveoldersiblingwhowould alwaysmakemelaugh Thebigbackyardwewouldspend mostofourtimeinandmakeplenty ofmemoriesinhearingbirdschirp inthebackgroundeverysingleday Theboxfullofpicturesandphotoalbums filledwithchildhoodmemories

WhereI’mFrom ByZoe

Iamfromtherazor-sharptoolsinmyfather’sgarage

FromtheWindexsprayedoneverycarorhouse andtheslipperyDawndishsoap myfamilyusesalotofthetimeforthedishes Iamfromthehousewithvinesalloverit, thelargegrayhouse,insideandout

Thehousethatcangetverynoisy atanytimeoftheday

Thehousethatcanlookverymessy tocleaninamatteroftime

Thehousethathasagarage thatmakesaveryloudthudwhenopening andaloudscreechwhenshutting Iamfromthesmoothyellowviolets thattwinkleinthegrassthatalsoseemstogrow everyspringinmyfrontyard

Imfromthesavorydeepfriedturkey madeoneveryChristmas andthefamilythatlovestocollectthingsanditems

FromHoseLuis****andChristopher**** I’mfromthefamilythatlikestosocializesometimes andthefamilythatworkseffortlessly togetthejobdone

FrombeingtoldthatSantawasreal andKidsoverelevencantgotrickortreating becauseitsillegalbecausetheywantedmesafe Imfromthefamilythathasthecrossonanecklace I’mfromAurora,Illinois,butmyheartandblood willalwaysbeinMexicoCity Fromthewonderfulandtendertaste ofchickenandtheeggsthatwerealways availableinthefridge

Fromthetimemyfatherlearned tobeanexcellentcarpenter justfromaplainoldbookoncarpentry, andthewaymysiblingstaughtme howtofightandstandupformyself Wherethepictureslayflatonthewall orstoodupinabox

Itsgoodtoknowaboutwhatyourelders orparentshavedoneforthemselvesandforyou Justlikehowmyparentstraveled toAmericasotheirkidsandtheycouldliveabetterlife It'sbestforfuturegenerations toknowwhattheirpasthasdoneforthem becauseintheend, weallgrewupandcamefromsomewhere

WhereI’mFrom

ByAngel

Iamfrompotsthatcookmeals

FromFabulosoandZotesoap Iamfromaproductivehome thatisalwaysworking onsomethingoutside, welcominghomethatalwayssmells likepozolebeingmade

Iamfromtheorangeandyellow sunflowersgrowingeverywhere

I’mfromafamilythateveryChristmas weholdelninodiosandaskforawish andbrowneyesjustlike thebarkofoaktrees

FromRosaMaria******** andSergio******

Imfromtheguitarplayersinmyfamily andafamilyfullofsoccerplayers

FromThecucuyisunderyourbed andLalloronawasoutforme

I’mfromJesus,wakingupearly togotoSaintNicholasChurch

I’mfromRushHospital andCuernavacaMorelos

Frommoleandrice totacosdealpastor

Fromhearingwhathappened whensomeonekickedasoccerball whilesomeoneelsekickedit

Frommymomworkingmorningshift andmydadworkingnightshifts tosupportus

FromwhenwewenttoStarvedRock, machetesoundofgrinding

WhereI’mFrom ByCarlos

Iamfrombagsandmorebagsinside, fromthelavenderscentofFabuloso andfromthesweettaste ofAbuelitachocolate Iamfromsupercrackeddriveways, manyselfrepairs andhousesmadeofbrick, thatarecozyandwarm Imfrommygrandpasplants, bigcactuses,sharpandprickly Hispeachtrees,sweetandsour I’mfromslammingeachother’sfaces intotheirbirthdaycakes, hardworkersandearlybirds FromCarlos******** andMagaly******* ImfromwalkingtoMasseverySunday andwakingupearlytolooknice

FromCálmateyaZavian andZAVVVVV

I’mfromSacredHeartCatholicChurch, wearingsilverorgoldrosaries isacustomofourbeliefs ImfromAurora,Illinois,butreally fromDurango,Mexico Imfromwakingup tothesmellofhuevoscontortillas ormydadcookingthebest carneasadatacosformyfamily Fromthetimemydad madehisowncompanytoprovide formeandmysiblings, tomyforeverbestfriendKaden, mycousin

Fromtheoldbinder atmygrandparents’house holdingdownmanymemories tobepasseddownforgenerations toreminduswherewewerefrom

WhereI’mFrom ByLamont

IamfromChristmascookietins witheverythinginitbutcookies FromMaruchannoodles andLouisianahotsauce Iamfrombutterflypatternedironfences Fromaspaciousandwarmhome andthesmellofsavoryfood fillingthehouse Iamfromthebigoaktrees withspirallyarrangedleaves I’mfrombigcookouts andthicknappyhair Frommyolderbrothers AllanandManny

Imfrommakingjokesabouteachother andplayfightinginthelivingroom

FromWorkhardforanythingyouwantin lifeandNothingisgiveneasily

I’mfromgoingtochurch withmygrandmaeverySunday andgettingBaptizedonthestage ImfromChicago,whereyoualways seesomeonedifferentfromyou, andJamaica

Imfromspaghettiandcollardgreens

Frommydadworkinghard andperseveringthroughhardtimes andmybrotherAllan studyinglonghourstoachievehisgoal tobecomeapoliceofficer Imfromallthefamilyphotos ofgenerationsofmyfamily atgrandma'shouse Fromtheovenroaster thatsbeeninmyfamilyfor50years thatwestillcookin

WhereI’mFrom

ByChristopher

Iamfromtheplasticchaircovers, crinklingwhenitstimefordinner FromthePlaystation3andSazonGoya Iamfromthecreamwhite,twostory homewithalongdriveway, cozyandwelcoming Iamfromthesmelloffrijoles inthecrockpot afterbeingleftovernight Iamfromrosebushes, bigandpretty,yetprickly I’mfrompersinandomecadavezque pasounaiglesia andfromdarkbrown,curlyhair FromCandelario******* andValentina*****

Imfromthelovingandcaringfamily

FromSiterobasalgodelatiendateva agarrarlapolicía andSiteportasmal,levoyadeciraese señorquetevengarobar I’mfrombelievinginJesus andwearingacross, asignofChristhimself andofmyreligion ImfromAurora,Illinois, yetmybloodisfromDurango,Mexico I'mfromhuevosrancherosforbreakfast, andenchiladasverdesfordinner FromtheDad wholovestoplaybasketball andhasgreatlyinfluencedme tothecaringfamilyIcallmine Thepicturesofbabyme onthelivingroomwalls andfromthebirthcertificate ofmypassedsister somyfamilyhasaway torememberher

WhereI’mFrom

ByNatalia

Iamfromthemolcajete thatsstoredonthebottomcabinet

FromthesmellofPine-Solwhenyoufirstwalkin andthewarmfeeling ofchocolateAbuelitainyourstomach Iamfromthefadedlightbrownwalls aroundmyhouse

Fromthesmallandwelcominghouse thatsitsonKendallStreet

Imfromthebigrosebush thatyoucanseeonthesideofmyhouse Imfromputtingupofrendas onDiadelosMuertos andalltheexpressiveappreciation wehaveforeachother

FromNicholas*******and myparentsSergio*******andMarisela****** ImfromprayingbeforeIgotosleep togoingtochurcheverytwoweeks

FromSiDioslopermiteandPonteaguilamija I’mfromasmallCatholicfamily thatbelievesintrustingGod becauseitsallpartofhisplan

I’mfromAurora,Illinois, butfromDurango Mexicothatrunsinmyblood Fromthearrozconmolemymommakes forspecialoccasions andfromtheaguadejamaica onhotsuffocatingdays

Frommyhardworkingdadthatmakessurehis familyhaseverythingfromwantstoneeds andthestrong,hardworkingmother thatdeservesthewholeworldandmore ImfromtheCanCanperfumebox Ikeepinmyclosetthatsfilledwithmemories I’mfromthegoldcrossmygrandma gavemymomonherfifteenthbirthday thatI’lleventuallybereceivingandthatrepresents theimportanceandfaithweputintoGod, trustinghisplangenerationaftergeneration

WhereI’mFrom ByAxel

Iamfromsweetpandulce onthecounter FromFabuloso andTortillasMilagro Iamfromcreakystairs, ailluminatedandcomfortablehome wheretheresascentofFabuloso Iamfromcurleddocks inthefrontyard thathavelongstiffleaves I’mfromcookoutseveryweekend andbeingahardworker FromJesusandCyntia ImfromgoingtoMexico atleastonceayear andbeingCatholic FromEsehombretevaallevar andDiostebendiga I’mfromgoingtoSantaTeresita everySunday, goingtochurchschool everySaturday ImfromVillamar,Mexico, andmyfamilyisfrom Michoacan,Mexico Imfromsoft,juicy,deliciousburritos andsweetwatermelonSourPatchKids Fromthefatherbeingahardworker, mygrandpabeingsogenerous Fromallthepicturesofme intheatticinsideofanolddustybox Mygrandpasstories abouthimasateenager andtellingmenottomake thesamemistakes

Iamfromthepictureframesalloverthehouse witheverypicturetellingastoryyoullneverforget FromthefreshcleanscentofFabuloso asyouenterandtheboilingMaruchan smellinthekitchenwaiting foritsValentinaandlimón Iamfromthegray,whitewalls surroundingtheperfecttemperature withacalmrestingfeelingasyouenter totheloudesthousewhenmybrothergetshome SeeingthefreshfoodasIgethome thatsmellIenjoy Iamfromthecommontuliptree totherareyellowshortphysariaflower I’mfromeldiadelaVirgencitadeGuadalupe andmymomsthindarkbrownhair FromAlejandorPatino******* andMariaIsabel********* I’mfromthecookoutseveryweekend togoingtochurcheverySunday FromPrimeroDiosbeforeeverycasualtobigevent toPontelaspilaswhenlifegetsdifficult orlookingforimprovement ImfromSagradoCorazon andfromBaptismtoFirstcommunion ImfromAurora,IllinoisandGuanajuato,Mexico Fromthepozoleeverynowandthen tothetamales,nootherlikemymothers MymomimmigratedtotheUSA andranontopofatrainwhilepregnantwithme Thestruggleofmydad,withhisEnglish, buthestillovercamethatbarrier andistheownerofhisowncompany whoisalwaysanopendoor tothoseinneedofajob I'mfromthepicturesfullofmemories hangingonthelivingroomwalls FromthespecialVirgencitacandles thatprotectuswiththecrossinthelivingroom thatwebelieveisalwaysourprotection

WhereI’mFrom ByAtziri

ByDiane

Iamfromhairtieslyingaroundthehouse thatpullonmyhair

FromElMilagrotortillaswitheverymeal andSalsaValentinaoneverysnack IamfromasmallhomeonNewYorkStreet, averyfullhouseandaveryloudhouse Iamfromwakinguptotheblasting GloriaTrevisongsonSaturdays knowingitistimetocleanthehouse Iamfromthousandsofdandelions alloverthegrass, Fromthebrightyellowdandelions withhundredsoftinypetals totheonesthataredriedup andarereadytobeblownaway I’mfromvisitingnewplacesontheweekends andfromacrazybutunderstandingfamily Frommymom Erika********* andmydad,Israel******** Imfromafamilythatmakesjokes abouteverythingandafamilythatis willingtolistenandhelpothers

FromPortatebienandEchaleganas I’mfromaCatholicfamily whenwesingsongsonChristmasEve celebratingthebirthdateofbabyJesus ImfromAuroraIllinois, butoriginallyfromGuerrero,Mexico I’mfromeatingthespicymole onspecialoccasions andthedoughyempanadas thataremadewithlotsoflove Frommygrandmatellingmestories aboutwhenshewasyounger toplayingloteriawithmywholefamily includingmytiosyprimos I’mfromafamilythatkeeps familypicturesonthefridge alongwiththebillsthatneedtobepayed I’mfromafamilywhoteachesmelessons foreverydaylifeandteachesme tocherisheverythingandeveryone thatIcareabout

WhereI’mFrom

ByRoxana

Iamfromtheplantsthatcover everyinchofmyhouse

FromChocolateAbuelitaonfreezing winternightsandBarbiedollsthatme andmysisterfoughtoverallofthetime Iamfromthewoodbalcony Iusedtooverlookmyneighborhood Fromthecozy,welcominghome thatismine,thevanillasmell ofmymom’sburningvela withapictureofLaGuadualupe Iamfromgeraniumflowers thatdecoratemywindowsill fromtheirvividcolorsandfragrantsmell Imfromapplepickingduringthefall andthedarkcoffeebrowneyes thatholdallofourlivesandstories FromMaria******andSantiago***** I’mfromthegreatcooks andhardworkingpeople

FromDaleganasmijaeverytimeIget droppedoffatschoolandVoyacontara las3wheneverIgotintrouble

ImfromrosariesthatIclaspinbetween myhandstopray

FromgoingtoSt NicholasChurch onSundaysandbringingflowers I’mfromAurora,Illinois,butmybloodis fromMichoacanandGuanajuato TamalesonChristmasEve, conchasfreshfromthebakery everymorningforbreakfast Fromthestronggirlwhoismycousin whoseillnesshasnotaffected herspiritatall

Theparentswhoimmigratedhere withadreamformeandmysiblings andfromthepicnicsatthepark wherewewouldenjoyourtime asafamilyandenjoywhatwehad

Iamfromthewarmvanillacoconutscentedperfume andsweetHerbalEssenceshampoo IamfromtheorangecitrusdishsoapIhavealwaysused IamfromtheflowerylavenderscentedFabuloso thatwasalwaysusedtocleanthefloorsofmyhome everydayafterschoolandCremaNiveaalwaysputonmyface beforeschoolsinceIwaslittle Iamfromthereallybrightwhitelightsthatshineasyoucomein andthesoftlightgraywallsofmyhome Iamfromtheclean,babybluecolorofmyhouse IamfromtherockydrivewaythatIpickrocksfrom andthesmallroundbushesthatstandoutatourhouse Iamfromthehardwhitemarblecountersinmyhome andthesoft,coldleathercouchesthatIalwayswatchmovieson Iamfromallthemillionsofbrightpurpleandyellowflowers Iamfromallthedozensofbeautifuldandelionsthatcoverthegrass onthefrontyardandthetallgrowingprecioustulipsthatIwouldbe soexcitedtoseegroweverysinglespringthatwouldcome IamfrombirthdaysalwayscelebratedattheGoldenBuffetorpark toafternoonsspenttogetherasafamilyplayingboardgames and/orwatchingmoviesandhavinggoodtimes Iamfromthethick,long,darkhair thatIhaveandhavehadsinceIwaslittle IamfromAdriana*********andMiguel******** IamfromthedelicioussmellofcarnitaseverySundaymorning onthetableaftercomingbackfromWestChicago andthepenetratingsmellofhandsanitizerandcleaningsupplies fromthehospitalsthatwearealwaysinandoutof IamfromalwaysbeingtoldthatSihastatufamiliatetraiciona ¿porquéno losamigosandLafamiliaesloprimero,asíquenodestuvidaporunamigo, porquecuandorealmentelonecesites,ellosnoseránlosqueteayudenand Cuantomásesperesparahaceralgo,mástiempollevarálograrlo IamfromgoingtoSaintRitaChurch Iamfromwearingacrosstokeepmesafe andalwayswearingapinkescapulariosinceIwaslittle,butitsalwaysme wearingtonsofprotectionandholybraceletsthatIlove IamfromAurora IllioniosandMorelos Mexico Iamfromeatinggalletasdeanimalitos andnevereverforgettingthechocolatedeAbuelitaorhomemade champurradowiththoselittlesweetcinnamoncookies thatIamusedtomymombaking Iamfromtheparentsthathaveworkedsohardtogivetheirkidseverything theycouldeverneedandaskforandwhohavetaughtthemwell,totreat themselvesandotherswell,andtoneverletasinglepersonmistreator disrespectthem tostandtheirgroundandspeakforthosewhowont and fromthoseparentswhohavetaughtthemmannerslikenootherparentcould IamfromliterallythebestparentsandfamilythatIcouldeveraskfor Iamfromthegrandparentsthathavelovedandcaredforalloftheir grandkidsequallyandnevermadeonefeelunlovedforanyreasonand grandparentswhohavealwayshavesuchahugeheartforhelpingothersin neednomatterwhateveniftheydidnthaveenoughtohelpthemselvesfirst, tograndparentsthatwouldputothersoverthemjusttoseethemhappy becausetheytrulycare

Iamfromallthosepicturebooksthatarekeptcoldlybutsafelyinmyabuelas closettosomeofourbeautifulmemoriessafelyinframedonthewallsofour familyshomeandtoallofourachievementsneatlydisplayedalongtheliving roomwallforeveryonetoseeandtalkabout

Iamfromallofthesebeautifulmemoriesthatarereallyimportanttome becausetheyaretalkingandinformingpeopleaboutmychildhoodandmy overalllife,andIwouldlovetosaythatIamveryproudofmyself,myfamily andespeciallymyheritagenomatterwhatandImproudofallthe accomplishmentsthatmyfamilyandIhavebeenabletomakehappeneven throughoutthehardtimes,likenothavingtheopportunitytodosomething youwantbecauseoftimeormoneybecausewearestronglikethat Iamstrongandwillkeepbeingthatway

WhereI’mFrom

WhereI’mFrom ByNidya

WhereI’mFrom ByJoanna

IamfromtheexquisiteAjaxdishsoap undermykitchensinkinmyuniquehome

FromtheAvonNightMagicperfume thatmygrandmagaveme totheMocodeGorilaGeluse toholdmyhaireversinceIwasalittlegirl Iamfromahousethathaslightbluewalls andablackroofonBinderStreet, awelcomingandcleanhome

FromthefreshluscioussmellofFebreeze whenIgethomefromschool tothemelodioussoundofGerardoCoronel playingonapinkbluetoothspeaker IamfromtheHierbabuenawaiting tobepickedfrommybackyard, thatgivesmyhomeafresh,exquisitemintsmell withitsgreensmallleaves I’mfromwakinguppeoplewhenit’stheirbirthday andsingingLasMananitasinthemorning which comesfromawarmheartedandeducatedfamily FrommymomVeronicaUrbina******** andmybrotherChristopherPerez****** I’mfromtheperseveringpeople thatkeeptheirheadupthrough thechallengingmoments andnevermissadayofmisa

FromTecalmasotecalmoyo toSanasanacolitaderana, sinosanashoy,sanarasmanana

I’mfromgoingtoSanNicolasonHighStreet everySundayatoneintheafternoon andgoingtoreceiveJesusChristinbread I’mfromtheCityofLights,Aurora,Illinois,and Zinapecuaro,Michoacan,Mexico Imfromthehomemademouthwatering arrozrojoconmoleandflautasdepollo Fromthefightthatmyuncleisbattling withinhiscancerjourney tomymomimmigratingtotheUnitedStates forbetteropportunities andabetterlifeforherkids

Frompicturesofmyfamily onaphotobookinmycloset toaVirgencitacadenathatmymadrina gavemeformyPrimeraComunión

WhereI’mFrom

ByIvonne

Iamfromstoringhundreds ofgrocerybagsinadrawer

FromtheamazingsmellofFabuloso andusingjabonZotetowashbyhand Iamfromacornerhouse whereeverydaysomethingbadhappens yetitisstillverycozy,andwelcoming withthesmellofapumpkinpiecandle asyouenterthehouse

Iamfromtulipsthatareverybeautiful butlastaboutaweekbeforetheydie I’mfromgoingonfamilyvacations atleastonceayear andanextremelyloudfamily

FromEsperanza*******and Jose******

I’mfromverybadangerissues andannoyingeachotheronadailybasis

FromSiDiosquieretoPersinenseparaque todonossalgabien

I’mfromgoingtoSanNicolas everySundayat7amandattending churchschooleveryWednesday ImfromAuroraIllinois butImalsoproud tobefromDurango Iamfromrandommouthwatering carneasadas,thedeliciousfrijoles conquesoateverymeal

FrommydadcomingtotheUS asa17yearoldtohelphisfamily whichheisthereasonwhyIdontgiveup

Themotherwhogotmarriedatayoungage togiveherkidsanamazingfuture

Allthosepicturesofmemoriesinabox andthehundredsofmagnets onthefridgeholdingameaning

Thosestoriesareimportant becauseinawayitshowswhoweare

WhereImFrom ByNatalia

Iamfromavividbluebucket ofstoredplasticbags FromshinyredLindorchocolate andthedelicioussmell ofbutteryOrvillepopcorn Iamfromastairwayofpots andpansthatclickandclack Fromahomethreestoriestall, clutteredwhereveryoulook FromIgiveyouapowpow toYou’remysunshine Imfromcrossesdisplayed acrossmyhouse andgoingtochurcheveryothersunday I’mfromAurora,Illinois andMonterreyNuevoLeon Fromheavenlyscentedtacos tobutterypancakes FromthewarinIraq myfathersurvived throughasasoldier TotheWestNilevirus mygrandfathersurvived Iamfromthebeamingpictures atopthefireplace

FamilyItemsareimportant becausetheyhaveallmademe whoIamtodayandgiveme somethingtolookbackon andrememberthegoodtimes

WhereI’mFrom

ByEmily

IamfromElMilagrotortillas foreverymeal

FromGoyatoseasonourdeliciousriceandfrom theGreatValuebrand tobuyourfood IamfromLebanonPark whichisawalkingdistance frommythreebedroom,busy, andlovinghome

IamfromtheRoseofSharon withthemiddleoftheflowerbeingadarkredcolor withalightpurpleombre Iamfromprayingeverynight beforeIeat,sleep,orleavemyhouse,andfrom trustworthy andhardworkinghustlers Iamfrommyhardworkingfather, Daniel******,andmylovingmother,Kimberley *********

ImfromtheMexicanfamily whoalwayskeepeachotherinformed inthefamilygroupchat tomakingsuremiabuelita doesn'tgethometoolate FromHechaleganasemi andIfyoudontstopcrying, Illgiveyousomethingtocryabout IamfromaChristianfamilywhoalwaysputsGod firstineverythingtheydo IamfromAuroraIllinois,butmybloodisfrom MichoacanandGuanajuato,Mexico Iamfromthehomemadetortillas deharinathatmyabuelitamakes whenwevisither,andthecold,refreshingCoca Colathatwedrinkwithourmeals

IamfrommyfatherwhocametotheUS togive hisfamilyabetterlifeandnowhashisown landscapingbusiness andthepurposeofalwaysgoingtoseemy grandparentsinMexico Fromthepicturesonthewalloftheonlytimesthe wholefamilygetstogether Fromtheimportance ofeatingdinnertogetherasafamilytokeep ourcloserelationships

WhereI’mFrom ByAbel

Iamfromsavinggrocerybags

FromlavenderscentedFabuloso andfreshsmellingFebreze

Iamfromalittle,white,inviting, comfortinghome

Iamfromblowingoutwhite andfuzzydandelions

I’mfromdecoratingtheilluminated Christmastreewithmyfamily andhavingblueeyes, butbeingMexicanandwhite

FromJennifer********* andArmando*********

I’mfromthealwaysgraduating highschoolfamilynomatterwhat andalwaysmakingjokesineverysituation

FromDontturnonthelightorwellgetpulled overandIfyoudontgotosleepSantasnot goingtobringyoupresents I’mfromthetallbrickbuildingcalled St MaryCatholicChurch forchurchschooleveryThursday ImfromAurora,Illinois,butmyblood originatesinGuanajuato,Mexico

Iamfromwhite warm beyonddelicious ElMilagrotortillasandflavorfultacos

Fromthecruciallyworkingfather whomovedtoAurora,Illinoiswhenhewas youngtogivehisfamilyabetterlife

Themotherwhoworksincrediblyhard toloveandsupportherkids

Mycherishedfamilypicturestuckedaway neatlyinalittlewhitephotoalbum

Knowingofourfamilypicturesandobjects passeddowngenerationtogeneration issomethingspecialthatcouldhelpus rememberpassedfamilymembers andopenpathsforthefuture IamfromthebelovedcityofAurora,Illinois

WhereI’mFrom ByIsaias

Iamfromweatheredcarpentry equipmentaroundthehouse

FromtonsofMenardsreceipts andHomeDepotbags

Iamfromaquiethouse withlockeddoorsandwindows, amediumsizedhomefilledwithdecorations fromfurniturestoresmymom shopsatontheholidays andcandleswhichsmelledoffreshscents Iamfromdriedpineconesandhayballs thatonlyperfumedthehouse evenmoreovertime

Imfrombackyardcookouts withmyclosefamilyeverycelebration Fromcurlyhairfrommygrandma, socialskillsfrommycousin,andcommon senseandrespectfrommydad

I’mfromthehardworkingcarpenter mydadhadtobeassoonashegot totheUS andneveraskingforhelp unlessyoureallyneededit

FromHazloyaandDon'tstartfights

I’mfromaCatholicfamilywhichIgoto churchwhenIminvited,aswellasthealter inmylivingroomtoremembermy grandmotherandOurLadyofGuadalupe ImfromAurora,Illinois,butreally ImfromArandas,Jalisco,Mexico andOdessa,Texas

I’mfromfrijolescharros andcilantrowitheverydish

Fromtheoldbasementmydadandmom usedtorentwhenwewerenotasfortunate TheoldtahoeIusedtositin whileonroadtrips

Fromanalbumthatsslowlylosingitsheart Butnomatterhowlongagothosetimeswere wemustrememberwherewestarted andwhereweend

WhereI’mFrom ByEmily

Iamfrompotsandpansintheoven

FromVaporubandcrispy,icecoldDr Pepper Iamfromapurplehouse thatconstantlygetsrenovations, doghaireverywhere stairsthatcreakeverystepyoutake ThesmelloflavenderFabuloso whenyouwalkin Iamfromcucumbers,tomatoes, andcilantrobeinggrown inthefarbackcornerofourbackyard I’mfromgoingouttoeateverybirthday andgoingtoapartyeverySaturday Tootherpeoplethinkingthatwerewhite becauseofourlighterskintones FromRafael*********andSilvia***** I’mfromthebaileswealllovetogoto andthewayweallsingalongtosongs FromNomecontestes andAyudaalimpiarhuevona Imfromgoingtochurcheveryweek ImfromAurora,Illinoisandnoisy,yet peaceful,Michoacan,Mexico, Birriathatmymommakeseveryfewmonths andenchiladaswhichismyfavoritefood Fromthefamilywherewecut mytiooffforafewmonths becausehestarteddisrespectingus Thefamilywherebothmybrothers aretattooedsotheyencourageme togettattooed Alargewoodenboxfullofphotos inthecornerofmycloset whereIcannotreach Tokeepallofthesememoriesovertheyears showshowmuchwe’vegrowntogether, throughallthetoughmemories wemovedpasttoallofthejoyful memoriesweremember

WhereI’mFrom ByJulian

Iamfromthehuskybenchoutside thatweighsoneton FromFocadetergent andLaPreferidapintobeans Iamfromacrackedupdriveway, woodenfloors,andanoldceilingfan ThesmelloflavenderFabuloso everySundaymorning Iamfromsunflowers thatareineveryplaceofmyfrontyard ImfrompozoleeveryChristmas andthinhaired FromAntonioandMaria I’mfromwatchingevery AmericavsChivasgame andwatchingeveryMexicosoccergame FromElCucuytevacomer andNoprendaslaluzdelcarroo nosvapararlapolicía ImfromprayingeveryChristmasatnoon andbelievinginoneGod I’mfromAurora,Illinois,butalsofrom MichoacánandJalisco Frijolesdeolla,tamalesrojos Fromthestoriesofhowmuchmydad workedhardtogetustowhereweare workinghardeveryweek andevensometimesonSaturdays Inthewhitefridgedoorarepictures ofmyfamilybeforeIwasborn andonDiasdeMuertounaltar andthestoriesofmyfamily thathavepassed

WhereI’mFrom

ByLesley

Iamfromthesoftgraycarpet inmylivingroom

FromthePine-Solsmell fillingmyhouse totheTidescent lingeringinmyclothes

Iamfromthesmallbrickhouse, oldandcreaky listeningtotheclock tickonthewall

Iamfrommydad’scollection ofplantsfillingourfrontyard

Theripetomatoeswaitingtobepicked

I’mfromopeningChristmasgifts atmidnightandbeautifulpaleskin

FromPedro********* andTania******

I’mfrommydad’stallfamily andmymomslongdarkhair

Fromthestoryoflallorona toscaryelfstories

ImfromaCatholicfamily goingtochurchandpraying

I’mfromAurora,Illinois andAcapulco,Mexico

Spicytamalesandwarmpozole

Fromcopyingmysistersmusictaste tomylittlesistersdarkbrowneyes

Pictureframeshangingonthewall andphotobookscoveredindust

Imfromthecowsandsheep Iwaittoinherit

WhereI’mFrom

ByMartin

IamfromlisteningtoJColeonSpotify FromWilsonleatherbasketballs andKyrieInfinity1basketballshoes Iamfromaloudhomewithnavybluewalls onthestreetofAmberDrivewithagray 2008DodgeChargeralwaysparkedinthedriveway Alovinghousewithabunchofmemories andthesmelloffoodbeingcooked everytimeIwalkinmyhouse

Iamfromthegiantoaktree andthedandelionsinmyfrontyard Thegiantoaktreethathasbeenthere waybeforeIwasbornandthedandelion thatgrowsfromaboutApriltoAugust I’mfromprayingeverytime beforeweeatandsleepand myfather’sgreeneyesandhisheight FromVeronica*******andFeliciano******* I’mfromthefamilygatheringandcookout wedoeveryFridaythatwealwaysmakejokesat FromgoingtochurcheverySunday

FrombeingtoldDon’tstayuppast10PM andAlwaysbecarefulofstrangerswhereverIgo I’mfromtheBibleIkeepinmyroom ImfromRockford,Illinois, MichoacanandMexicoCity Tacosbeingservedonmyplates andaguachilesbeingbroughtout forthoseFridayfamilygatherings

Fromthetimemybrothergotcancerandbeatit tothetimemyfathergotdeported backtoMexicoafterhittingmymom

Fromwhenmysistergraduated fromNorthwesternUniversityinEvanston,Illinois towheresheisattending UniversityofIllinoisinUrbana-Champaign

FrompicturesonmyphoneofbeinginMexico visitingmymomshometown andthebeachshewouldalwaysgotoasakid andvisitingmygrandparentsandaunts Ihavenevermetbefore tovisitingSanFrancisco,LosAngeles,and Disneylandwherewecelebrated mysisterJenny’sbirthday

Fromthedadpassingdownasombrero totheoldestsonofthefamily whentheybecomeanadult

WhereI’mFrom

ByEmmanuel

Iamfromsteelcomales

FromsalsaValentinaandElMilagro tortillas

Iamfromanapartment onFarnsworthAvenue, eheapartmentmaybesmall,butit’scozy Somedaysmaybepitchsilent andothersroaringloud Iamfromahugeoaktree withitshugebranches youcouldgetanythingstuckinit I’mfrommakingtamalesandthe determined

FromSantos******* andOralia*******

Fromthepeoplewhotoildaybyday tomoveonandtheSpanishspeakers whostruggledtolearnEnglish FromFamilyisalwaysfirst andPontelaspillas

I’mfromthepictureofLaVirgende Guadalupeonmywallandapicture ofJesusonthelivingroomwall

ImfromtheCityofLights Guerrero,andMichoacan SweetPandulceandbistec

Fromthebrotherthatdoesntletinjuries stophimfromrunning andthemotherwhoisalwayssupportive andalwayshelpful

Fromthepicturesofmeandmysiblings duringabautisoandbirthdays hangingonthelivingroomwalls andinamemorybook tokeepthememories Welaughed,cheered, andsmiledforeternity

Iamfromtheheavenlysmell oflavenderFabuloso

FromLaPreferidapintobeans andsugarcoatedEmperadorcookies Iamfromahousethathasonehallway connectingthewholething Themouthwateringsmelloffoodasyouwalkin, thedimlightfromthecandles nexttoLaVirgendeGuadalupe Theburnedsidingonthefrontofthegarage Iamfrommymom’sflowersinthefrontyard, thespikyroseplantswhicharebrightred I’mfromcelebratingLaSemanaSanta, theweekwethinkaboutJesusbeinghanged ItsinthesecondweekofMarchwhen wemakefoodandeatalltogether Inheritingbigroundbrowneyes frommymomanddad

Frommydad,Gonzalo,andmymom,Nereida, takingcareofmeeveryday

Imfromtryingtodosidework overtheweekendwithmydad andmakingcarneasadaoutsideonthegrill

FromSiempretienesquesermejorquetuspapas yYoquieroqueseasalguienenlavida I’mfromjustbelievinginLaVirgendeGuadalupe I’mfromAurora theCityofLights,andmymom anddadarebothfromDurangoMexico Huevosestrelladosandthesizzlingbistec withchileandcebolla

Frommydadgettingharshlyburnedatwork Heinfluencedmetoworkhard soIdon’thavesuchadangerousjob Frommydadlosinghisparents whenhewas10andheinspiredme tobeappreciativethatIhavesomeone totakecareofme

Frommyunclehavingtheonlyoriginalpicture ofmygrandparents Mymomanddadalwaysremindme thatfamilyisimportantbecause theyalwayshaveyourback

WhereI’mFrom ByNicolas

WhereI’mFrom ByWendi

Iamfromthesoft,cushionedbed Iwakeupineverymorning, FromBeanieBoosandpurpleSamsungearbuds Iamfromanoldbutupstandinghome, thedull,unnervingcolorsineachroom andthewoodenfloorthatcreaksateverystep tothenoisethatisclammedupwithinthehouse Iamfromthepinkroses andredhibiscus’soutdoors torestforbothguineapigsthatpassedaway ImfrommiPrimeraComuniónand adigilent,reserved,andunusualfamily FromBarbara*****andArango******** I’mfromthehardworkingfamily thatdoestheirbesttoprovideforrelatives andthefamilythatisalwaysplaying aroundwitheachother

FromTeportasbien andEchaleganasatusestudios ImfromLaVirgendeGuadalupe, theholymotherandmotherofJesus, whomakesmefeelsafe I’mfromAurora,Illinois,theCityofLights, toOaxaca,Mexico,theLandofSevenMoles FromthesoupthatmymommakeswhileI’msick andtheappetizingtacos thatmyparentsmakeontheweekends Fromthebrotherthatpursuesmanydreams andleapstoachievethem tothecousinwho’sstartinghiscareerinboxing Fromthephotobookmyparentsown, Reservedinmybrotherscloset, tothepictureframesofmybrotherandme, allhungupinthelivingroom, recallingfrompasttimes Themomentswhenwewerestillchildren, livingourlivestothefullest, untilwegrew, andwithgrowth, wegettoseehowmuch we’veimprovedfromthen

WhereI’mFrom

ByCheyenne

IamfromthefamiliarNewYork Yankeestainedglasshangingonthe wall ofmydiningroom

FromPull-ups andMillvilleshreddedwheat

Iamfromtheredbrick,twostory houseandpinkwallsinmyroom, cozy,old,andstairsthatwillcreek whenyouwalk

Iamfrompinkandpurplefuchsias hangingonmyfrontporch andthesmellofafragrant sweetness onasummerday

I’mfromeatingdinnerwithmyfamily andblueeyes

FrommyMomandDad, Sarah*******andWesley****** Imfromhavingfunatthezooduring specialdaysinthesummer andhelpingwithhousework

From“We’llsee”and“Comeon,kid” I’mfromDownersGrove,Illinois andAurora,Illinois

Fromhomemadepastasauce andbagelsforbreakfast

Fromthepicturesandmemories hanginginmylivingroom andonmyphone

Fromalwayscelebratingwithaparty foryourgoldenbirthday

FromthedamintheFoxRiver, thestarontheLelandTower andtheCityofLights

IamfromthesweettasteofthefresasconcremafromLos Mangosmymombroughtmeaftershecompletedhershift FromthestrongscentVaporubforwhenIamillandawarm cozytigerblanketthatwebringouteveryfallandwinter Iamfromanaveragehome infrontoftheBubblequeenlaundrymat, loudandnoisyfromallthecarsdrivingbyatafastrate andthenoiseofthelaundrycartsbeingpushedaround whichatnightfeelspeaceful justhearingcarsdrivingbysoothingyoutosleep Thetemptingsmellofcoffeeandcrispysavorysweet strawberryjamtoastinthemornings beforemydadheadsoftowork Iamfromayardwiththetwopinetreesinthefrontyardand rosesalongwithlavenderplantsfillingthegardenwithcolor Bothtreesstandtallandstaygreenduringthetoughest seasonswhilethebrightlycoloredrosesandlavendertryto makeittothenextseason, eveniftheyfalltheygetstrongerafterwinter withaperfumedandfragrantscentthatsaddstotheirbeauty ImfromwakinguponawarmChristmasmorning tothesoundofdogsbarkingandsmellofleftoverpozole fromthenightbefore andseeingmyfamily’sdarkbrowneyeslightup atthesightofglossysnowthatsparkleswiththesun’sbeam oflightcoveringthebushesandgrass FromFabiola*****andJavier****** Imfromthehardworkingfamilywhobelieveseverything shouldbeearnedandnothandedtothem andfromafamilywithglossyandgloomydarkbrowneyes showinghonestyandwillingness FromDannapontealimpiarlacasa andVenaquimiNiñafresa I’mfromprayingatnightandattending StNicholasCatholicChurch ImfromAuroraIllinois,andmybloodruns fromNayaritandOaxaca,Mexico

Iamfromcarneasadaforeveryeventandfamilygathering andtamalesmadefreshwhenevermyabuelitacametovisit, sosavoryyoullgoforseconds

FromthetroublesmydadwentthroughtolearnEnglishand takecareofhimselffromayoungagecomingtoAmerica, strugglingtolearnEnglishandmakealiving andtohaveasuccessfulfuture

TheanxietymymomwentthroughwhencomingtoAmerica knowingnothingatallandhavingtolearnallbyherself whilebeingresponsibleforheryoungersister MymamiLupe’shomebackinMexico, filledwithpicturesandportraitsofmymotherandherfamily fromwhentheyweremyagesitonabeautifulwooden muebleinherlivingroom

Iamfrombelievingthateverythinghappensforareason, havingawellrelationshipwithGod,workinghard, andstayingstrongnomatterwhatbecauseintheend, SoloDiossabeloquevapasarmañana

WhereI’mFrom ByDanna

WhereI’mFrom

ByAaron

IamfromElMilagrotortillas

FromSazon,Goya,andFabuloso Iamfromacomforting welcoming Clean,andcozyhome

Imfrompicturesofmyfamily onthewalls

IamfromPrairiedocks thatarebrightyellow I’mfromeatingtamales everyChristmas andplayingWarzone

FromVictorandVictorJr Imfromplayingfootball

FromSantabeingreal andthetoothfairybeingreal I’mfromaChristianfamily goingtoTemploelBuenPastor ChurcheverySunday I’mfromAurora,Illinoisanda Hispanicfamily Tamales,tortillas

Fromthestoryofmygrandma, Carla,cominghere fromGuatemala Thestoryonhowmydad struggledwithmoneyinAurora AChiefsflaghangs outsidemyhouse andhowmydadwillalways beaChiefsfanforlife

WhereI’mFrom

ByLesley

IamfrombeautifullylitJesuscandles standingonmydiningroomtable FromfreshsmellingFabulosoandSuavitel Iamfromasmall beigepaintedwall andadecentlookingapartment Fromaloudandcrazyhouse, butthatcanbefunattimes Iamfrombeautifulwillowtrees ofbeautifullongvines thatflowdowntotheground I’mfromprayingbeforeweeatandbrowneyes FromDiegoMondragonGuadalupe******* andCarmenAdriannaFabela**** Imfromthehardworkingfamily whoworkedsohardtosupportme andmysiblingsandsmartparents

FromEchalemuchasganasalaescuelamija andCuidatemuchomijayquediosteacompañe frommyparents

ImfromGodandaCatholicfamily ImfromAurora,Illinois, butmybloodisfromDurango,Mexico

Fromflavorysopesconcrema andmouth-wateringbirriatotacosdebarbacoa Fromthepersonwhodideverythingforme, mymomwhoalwaysmadesureIhadfood onmyplateeverydayandmadesure Ialwayshadaroofovermyhead andmyunclewhoinfluencedmethemost bytellingmetonevergiveupinlife beforehepassed Inmydrawer,liestheonephonecase Myunclegavemymomsomeoldpictures ofhimandmygreatgrandpathatarekept inbeautifulframesstanding onmygrandmasdiningroomtable

Thereasonwhywekeepthesegiftsandpictures ofthepeoplewelovedissoitcanalwaysremind usofthehappymemorieswe’vemade throughouttheyears IamfromAurora,Illinois

WhereI’mFrom ByScarlet

Iamfromfamilypictureshaininginmymom’sroom containingmeandmythreeoldestbrothers FromthewarmAbuelitahotcocoaonfreezing snowydaysandlavenderFabulosothatyoucan smellbeforeyouevenenterthehouse Iamfromadrivewayfullofplaycarsandrealones averyloud,andverycrazyhousehold Ihearmybabysistersearpiercingcries meaningshe'shungry Iamfrompeoniesbeingmyfavoriteflowers sinceIwasalittlegirl

Peoniesarefluffyanditlookslikeabed thathasmanyfluffycoversontopofeachother thatcomesinmanycolors

ImfromstayinguptillmidnightonChristmasEve andblackstraighthairthatmymotherhandedme Frommyoldestbrotherteachingmehowtoplay NBA2KDavidBlair,butIcouldnevergetthehangof andmysecondoldestbrotherthatyelled whenheplayedCallOfDutyJaleTrenado I’mfromthehustlersthatworkeddayandnightand optimisticfamilythatalwaysfindgoodinthebad FrommymothertellingmePutonyourbatteries! andlittlekidsontheplaygroundcomingup andtellingmeYouhaveveryhairyarms I’mfromacrucifixonmyplainwhitewalls andthebabyJesusbeingplaced underthetwinklingChristmastree I’mfromtheFoxValleyRiver butmybloodisfromGuadalajara,Mexico Fromslightlyspicygreenpasta toyummyflavorfularrozconleche

Fromagrandmotherwhocrossedborders withnoonesheknew,onlyarandomgroupof peoplehelpingher,thengoingbacktogettherest ofherfamilyfromMexicotobringthemoverhere Thebrotherthathadtogotothehospital becausehewasplayingwithheavyweights andgothisthumbcrushedbythem

Fromalbumshiddenawayintheback oftheclosetcoveredincobwebs andhavingaweirdstenchlingeringonthem Fromtheimportanceoffamilyitems,stories, andheritagebeingmyfavoritestoriestotell

WhereI’mFrom

ByEmily

Iamfrommydad’strucksthatheloves FromyasminriceandlavenderFabuloso toleavethefloorsclean IamfromAurora,Illinois Fromagraymodernhouse, loved,calm,andsmellinglikeFebreze Iamfromroseswehaveinourhome, everydayred,pink,andwhiteglitter ornoglittersmellgreat ImfromcelebratingSanJudaseveryyear, playingsoccer,andlongstraightblackhair FromAnahi******andJoaquin******* I’mfromthehardworking andcaringfamilywholikestogoofaround FromEstásbienchaparraandTequiero muchofollowedwithahug ImfromaCatholicfamily goingtoSagradoCorazoneverySunday forchurchandchurchschool I’mfromAurora,Illinois andJalisco,Guanajuato Posoleandtheaguachiles myparentsmake

Fromthehardworkingparents whodidtheirbesttogivemeandmy siblingsallwewantedandneeded andcaredforusandhasalwayslovedus Thekindestgrandparentswholoveus, takecareofus,andhasgonethrough alotbutalwaysputasmileontheirface andcaredforus

Fromthepicturesintheclosetofmymom Myfamilyitemsareimportant Itcontainsalotofbuiltupmemories ofhappinesswithmylovedones

WhereI’mFrom ByJackeline

IamfromascentofFabuloso everySundaywhenwakingup FromSalsaValentinaandeverysingle typeofJamonFud Iamfromasmalltanhouse withagardenaslongasourhouse withachaoticfeelinginourbackyard Thesmelloftamaleseveryonceinawhile Iamfromabunchofflowers,mostlyroses, beingfilledwitharosyscent whenwalkingthroughthedoor I’mfromstayinguptillmidnightandopening presentsuntil5inthemorningonChristmasEve anddarkbrowneyeslikecoffeegrounds andcurlyhairsuchassprings FromAlma*********,anintelligentandcaring mother,andJorge******, afunandhardworkingfather I’mfromthefamilywhospendhours outsidejustsittinginsilence andafamilywhereallthekidsworeglasses butnotanyoftheadults

FromSiDiosquiereyDiosdirá ImfromapendantofSanJudasor LaVirgenGuadalupeonachainornecklace Fromgoingandprayingasmany weekendsaswecan I’mfromAurora,IllinoisandTepic,Nayarit MaruchansandElmilagrotortillas Fromafatherwhofelloffaroof whileworkingandstillwenttoafriendshouse actinglikenothinghappened andasweetandcaringgrandpawhoalways broughtgiftsandmany,manyhugs whenvisitingfromMexico

Photoalbumsunderthebed andmedals,trophies,andcertificatesofme andmybrotherallinabigmueble

Fromafamilywhohaspassedalongawatch forthepast72yearsthatIminlinefornext

Iamfrommyprettypinkvolleyballshoes tomypinkNintendoDSIIusedwhenIwasyounger FromeatingGalletasAmor tosavoringeachdrinkofmychocolateNesquikmilk Iamfromabigtwostoryhouse whereeveryonefrommyfamilylived, wherethekitchenwasniceandbigformywholefamily toeattogetherandenjoymygrandmascooking Aheartwarming,cheerful,andcozyhouse whereyoucouldhearloudgiggles andcheerfullaughterstravelingfromoneroomtoanother Iamfromthosenicesoftpasteltulips thatcomearoundonceayear, thosetulipswhichIoftenadmire Imfromeating12grapeseachNewYear tobeingknownforthecurlyhairpasseddown fromgenerationtogeneration Frommypapinaandmamimina, whoencouragedmeandwhoimpactedmy confidencegreatlytobeheretoday I’mfromthathouseholdwhoisknownformaking everymomenttheycanthrilling,exiting andforenlighteningtheatmospherewithabrightsmile orgigglestoimpactthemoodandenergy ImfromprayingbeforeeverymealandtravelingtoNewYork everyyearformygrandparents,birthday FromSiempreseoriginal,nuncaimitesanadie(Alwaysbe original,neverimitateanyone) totheNoteenfoquesenlomalodisfrutaelmomento(Don’tfocus inthebad enjoythemoment) Imfromplayingvolleyballforclubs, togoingtochurcheverySundayasaChristian I’mfromtheBronx,NewYork, fromMexico,MichoacanandEcuador,Guyayaquil Fromeatingempanadas toenjoyingPopRockswithmysistereachweekend FromthehardworkingdadIhave whomovedhereasanolderbrothertowork andhelpmaintainhisfamilyforyears, tohelpthatfamilywhostruggledtoputfood onthetableeachday Thegrandfatherwhomovedforabettereconomiclife forhimandhisfamily, forabetterfutureinordertofeedhischildren, thatgrandfatherwhohadtoliveyearsaloneinthiscountry Fromthoseradiant vibrantlightsineachtallbuildingatnight toloudandnoisystreetseachevening Allthosevividmemoriesandpictures thatIgrewupwithinNewYork arenowtreasureddeeplyinthebottomofmyheart, Seekingtobeexperiencedonceagain Myfamilyheritagegrewtobeimportanttome becauseitwasapartofmegrowingup, wehaveallbeeninfluencedbyit anditslowlygrewpartofus tokeeppassingonthatsameheritage

WhereI’mFrom ByEricka

ByLena

Iamfromasmallbluehousewithalargefamily Alwaysfilledwithjokes,food,andwarmscentedcandles Iamfromalargeyardwheremycrazylittledogs ranaroundanditsmelledofdivinegrass, wheremeandmysiblingsplayedgameswithnothing butpricklysticksandwithwhateverwasthere IamfromahousethatsmelledoffreshsterileLysol andatablefilledwithDrPepperandfoodeverySunday Iamfromsummerspentcatchingfireflies andblowingondandelionsthatwouldfadeaway andthewhitepuffyonesthatalwaysmademesneeze Iamfromahousefilledwithholidays thatneverseemedtoend, withthemesforChristmasorhowwespentbirthdays atrestaurantsinChicagoorlocalplaceslikeBananaSplit thatalwaysseemedtotwinkleinmymind Iamfromsmart,funny,athletic,andconfidentpeople whoneverletanyonedisrespectthem fromSterling********andTiffanie****, raisedindifferentbackgrounds, broughttogetherbygoingtothesameschool Onewasfromamilitaryfamily,movingandmoving, onewhoneverchangedstatesalwaysinthecity Iamfromafamilywhoalwayswatchesmoviesandshows hascoffeeeveryweekendthatalwaystasted heavenlyandsmelledluscious, andadadwhomakesdinnereverySunday IcomefromYouhavetopickandchooseyourbattlesand Neverletsomeonedisrespectyou Iamfromafamilythatnevercaredwhatyoubelievedin, alwaysacceptedyouropinionevenifweneveragreed, neverdisrespectedwhoweare IamfromAurora,Illinois andIamfromAsianandAfricanAmericanheritage Iamfrommacncheesethatisalwayscreamy onthebottomandaperfectcrispontop, Oreo’sthattastedverysweetandSonic’sthatsmelled mouth-wateringasitfilledthetablethatneverseems tostop,everyweek,justfilledwithdeliciousfood Iamfromendlessstoriesofmygrandmaschildhood mydadshighschoollifethatneverseemedtolack excitement,andmymomsnon-stoptales ofmeandmysiblingswhenwewereyounger Icomefromglasses,bigheadedkids,andgrayhairs withayoungface,especiallyonmydad’sside Iamfromluggages,baskets,walls,andfridgesfilledwith photosofmeandmyfamilythatneverseemedtoend Iamfromamilitaryandcityfamily withabeautifullampthatwewereneverallowed totouchevenifitmeantcleaningit IamfromafamilythathaslivedinAuroraforgenerations

WhereI’mFrom ByJake

Iamfromthesoundofthechopsticks clickingtogether FromthesmellofHuyFongSriracha beingputonmyfoodandtheKirklandwater bottlepackbeingputonthefloor Iamfromthesoftcarpetflooringinmyhouse tothewelcomingfeelafteralongday, aswellasthedustycornersofthehouse andthepeacefulcricketschirping asthenightgoeson Iamfromthehuskyoaktrees asIwalkdownthesidewalk withitscolorfulautumncolorsasfallfadesin I’mfromredenvelopeseveryNewYearsDay with20dollarbillsthatwegetfromour auntiesandunclesandmypersistentfamily memberswhoalwayskeeptrying FromKanna********-**** andWaiKong****

I’mfromthehardworkinghoursmyfamily spendstosupportmeandmybrother andtherespectfulfeelingthatcomes frommyparents Fromthewhitesnakemymomalwaystold mewouldbitemeinmysleepifIlied andmymomtellingmetoalways enjoymylife

I’mfromprayingattemplesinJapan tothrowingacoininthewoodenSaisenBox I’mfromtheEmpireState withancestryfromJapanandMalaysia Fromtheoverflowingflavorfulsmell ofmarinatedbeefbulgogimyauntmakes andthesteamysmellofwhiterice Fromthemorningmarket wheremygrandmausedtokillandsell chickenandthefactorymyuncle worksatallthetime Theframedpicturesonthemetalshelf showingallourbabypictures asarecordofmyfamilyshappymemories

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