I am from a hospital in Oconomowoc, where I took my first breath.

I am from my first and only home I made marks on,

a place of trees, red shutters and a backyard of imagination,

a place I learned how to speak, learned how to cry and learned how to love.

I am from a family that prayed we would “always do what’s right,”

from a family of five, where my two older sisters influence me,

sisters who fight, facetime from 532 miles away and became built in best friends.

From a family of adventure and experience,

from road trips across the 50 states,

Hiking, ziplining in the forest and bike riding across the Golden Gate Bridge.

I am from a church that sang about a greater place above us than earth,

learning He suffered to save us from our sins,

Psalm 46:1.

I am from a school that I choose,

I travel from private to public, not knowing where I fit in,

from questions of “how are you?” and “where are you going?”

I am from a neighborhood of smiling faces and waving hello,

a neighborhood of memories, playing tennis in the street and learning how to swim,

where I walk to my best friend's house to jump on the trampoline and play Wii.

I am from a house that stayed with me throughout my life,

a house of handmedowns and worn out shoes,

a house that has changed in color as we grew.

I am from a backyard of adventures and playing on our swingset,

pretending we’re wizards and unicorns flying through the sky,

swimming away from my fears of summer ending.

I am from struggling to find friends and having best friends, Sarah, Sonia and Sophie,

friends from different schools like LCL and Arrowhead,

friends who taught me how to be considerate, compassionate and courageous.

I am from dance, tennis, field hockey, cross country and swimming,

from trying new sports outside of my comfort zone,

wanting to do my best and being okay if I don’t.

I am from a hospital in Oconomowoc where I took my first breath.