I am American

Born in the rolling hills of Dixon, Illinois

A Chicagoan at heart 

Where the fluctuating waves of Lake Michigan 

Crash against the sandy shore

I am a tall, white, young, brunette eighteen year old

Daughter of doctors 

The meat in the sandwich to two sisters

Accompanied by man’s best friend

Who eagerly awaits treats and belly rubs

I am from Little Italy 

Where pasta, pizza, and cannolis reside

And Mario’s Italian Ice is the perfect remedy after a humid summer’s day

Where I first learned to swim at Sheridan Park

And ran around the playground at Garibaldi 

I am Latina

A Panamanian and Spaniard

Where arroz con pollo clashes with paella

Patatas bravas and ceviche don’t mix 

But “Pedro Navaja,” “Amante Bandido,” and “Plástico” still ring in my ears

I am a midwesterner living in the modern world

Where vaccines are created in less than a year

Masks are a new normal

TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram keep our eyes on screens

While trees are being cut down and oceans polluted 

I am a basketball player, a good student, and a night owl

A book lover, movie lover, coffee lover

Someone who enjoys winter but prefers summer

Who loves listening to all kinds of music and traveling the world

I am a hybrid of many things 

A jigsaw puzzle fitting in the pieces

1 out of 8 billion.