I am from stretched imaginative afternoons in the steamy summer,

colorful chalk driveways, bubbles surrounding mom and me.
I am from the laughter and company of my family,
my goofy sister, silly Dad, and my loving and caring Mom.
I am from the reflection of fireworks dancing in my eyes on top of Dad’s shoulders,
the thrill of a rollercoaster as high as planes in the sky,
and the relaxed, hang-loose evenings in Hawaii.

I am from challenging days on a tennis court,
hours practicing with my coach— Tim.
I am from lighting up when I hear one of my nicknames,
(Mads, Maddog, and Shippy).
I am from staying positive, expressing gratitude even during tough times,
from “Life is too short to be someone else.”
I am from staying up until 2 a.m. due to studying,
and using my creativity and imagination to paint portraits.

I am from counting the days until Courtney visits home,
Badger games and walking down State Street.
I am from the the freezing Saturday nights and Sunday evenings skiing,
the crisp winter air hitting my face as I race my dad to the bottom.
I am from the copious amount of pictures hung on my wall,
including: my friends, family, and even my teeny tiny cat Zeus.
Where I come from is unique to me and cannot be replaced,
I am from a great deal of random things that make me myself.