Who I Am Is Where I Am From

            I am from a devoted mother, a mother who extensively worries, but only because she cares more than anyone I have ever known. Always looking out for my best interest, she supports me through thick and thin.

            I am from a tireless father, a father who works twelve-hour days to be able to give his girls all that he never had. His gracious heart never fails to spoil, and he does everything he can to keep me smiling, even if just with cheesy jokes.

            I am from a motivated older sister, a sister who has shown me what it takes to be the best. Her dedication, athletically and academically, teaches me daily to never give up on my goals.

            I am from an aged, chubby cat, a cat whose piercing cry rudely awakes me from my slumber, just in time to feed her diet food. She embodies my memories of a joyful childhood, watching her wildly chase laser lights and coddling her after endless pouncing. 

            I am from the smell of Red Robin takeout, a familiar smell that lingers throughout my house as the absence of one parent for a business trip leads to the idleness of the other. Family dinners together are hard to come by but make us appreciate the times that we do share a table.

            I am from nightly ice cream trips. A favorite dessert and pastime, TCBY, Dairy Queen, or Coldstones filled the final hunger inside my belly before bedtime. Ice cream trips became such a regular occurrence that at the age of seven almost every TCBY employee had my order memorized.

            I am from studying and homework until my brain won’t let any more information in. A dreaded part of striving to be my best academically, I have never enjoyed it for obvious reasons. Yet, I have always done every last bit of my homework, because of the high expectations I set for myself.

            I am from the splash of the pool, a rush of cool, refreshing water that laps over my body and leaves me breathless after flinging myself through the air. From fearfully sliding down the slippery slide to playing “Mermaids” with my friends, my backyard pool has always provided a summertime delight.

            I am from countless soccer practices and games, a sport I have loved and played since I was four. Punishment sprints and a few depressing losses are nothing compared to the remarkable friendships that I have made and the skills that I have gained on and off the field.

            I am from crossing finish lines, a time when I can barely stand but hold myself up with the pride of a great accomplishment. Running is torture to others but a fulfilling experience I have always known and will not soon forget to do and appreciate.

            I am from a group of friends that I have had since elementary school, a friendship that is changing as we move on in our lives but one that I don’t intend to give up on. These girls have known me my whole life and accept and support me for who I am and who I have been.
            I am from Livonia, Michigan, a place where I am lucky to be loved and lucky to be alive. It isn’t home because of scenic landmarks or a roof above my head but because of the people and experiences that will forever be a part of who I am and where I am from.