The Places That Welcome Us by David Malinowski

Instructions - CLICK/TAP HERE FIRST

davidmalinowski2 — 2025-09-18 02:05:22 UTC

Welcome! This is a collaborative map for SJSU students, faculty, staff, and community members to share some of our favorite places in language.

The idea is simple: Think about where you feel welcomed or "at home" in a public place. It can be in San José or anywhere in the world. Are there particular sights, sounds, languages, names, or other elements of the place that help to make it feel more welcoming?

Please share your place in a post to this padlet:

--> Click the blue "+" button in the lower right corner

--> Enter the place name or address, or find it on the map

--> Write a few sentences or a short paragraph about what makes that place feel welcoming to you. You might like to include a little about your own background or experience that helps others to understand why you might feel this connection.

--> If you can add a picture, a recording, or any other media to your post, even better!

Posting here does not record your identity, and can be anonymous if you like. However, please consider signing your post with your first name, your initials, or an awesome pseudonym so that anyone who wants to respond to you has a way of addressing you. Thanks!

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This activity is in preparation for the "Re-imagining Multilingual San José" workshop on September 25 at SJSU. All are welcome to attend.

For more information, please contact Dr. David Malinowski in Linguistics and Language Development at SJSU.

On the VTA, wherever it's headed...

davidmalinowski2 — 2025-09-19 22:57:01 UTC

I ride the bus and light rail almost every day, and well I wouldn't exactly call it like being "at home," there's something I love about being on public transit. It's one of the few places where you're the same as everyone else, coming from all different walks of life, speaking different languages, and--for the next few stops, at least--moving through the city together.

I learned some Spanish in school and sometimes use the signs in Spanish as way to practice reading. And I often wonder how to say the words in Vietnamese, like "Ra" for exit...

- Dave M

Mexico Lindo Y Cantina, Race Street, San Jose, CA

davidmalinowski2 — 2025-09-22 01:21:07 UTC

I'm not from Mexico or of Mexican heritage, but since Mexican culture is so much a part of San José and SJSU classrooms, I feel a closeness to signs of Mexico, I like being able to hear and see Spanish in the neighborhood, and of course I look forward to any and all opportunities to enjoy Mexican food. The murals at Mexico Lindo are great, like the side of the building in this picture, and in front, like here and notice inside too.

- Dave M

San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, S 1st St, San Jose, CA

2025-09-23 17:10:18 UTC

The Quilts & Textile Museum is such a special place! I'm grateful that there is an institution in San Jose that recognizes the significance of textiles and craft in Fine Art.

220 Blake Avenue, Santa Clara, CA

2025-09-24 16:42:50 UTC

This is my 5th grade graduation speech at the French American School of Silicon Valley where my classmates and I used French and English everyday. Jude Swan (age 11)

Little Saigon, San Jose, CA

2025-09-24 17:40:17 UTC

I've had so many family dinners in this plaza, but I've lived my whole life in the area around it, too, surrounded by the language my parents speak with me.

Milpitas Library, North Main Street, Milpitas, CA

2025-09-24 17:44:37 UTC

I used to go Milpitas Library all the time when I was younger, usually with my mom and sisters. As someone who was interested in languages, it presents itself as a very welcoming space with its diverse collection of Asian dramas (my mom liked) and a fair selection of Japanese manga that I would always borrow. It's a relaxing space that reminds me of home, because I like to surround myself in languages I'm learning or know, especially through music.

San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, South Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, CA

2025-09-24 17:47:57 UTC

I like the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts since it has a connection to Tagalog through the Filipino-American performing arts groups that use the venue to promote Filipino culture, song, and dance for example. From OPM concerts to PCN events, it often features traditional and contemporary elements that incorporate Tagalog in their performances.

Muslim Community Association, Scott Boulevard, Santa Clara, CA

2025-09-24 17:49:01 UTC

I grew up going to this masjid more than any of the other local ones. It is very diverse and not only are the people there generally of the same faith, you can hear lots of people wearing cultural clothes or wearing their cultural clothes so it feels like home and community.

King's Burger, South King Road, San Jose, CA

2025-09-24 18:23:55 UTC

I occasionally go to to King's Burger with friends whenever we hang out. It's located right on the corner of King and Story, which are the very roads that mark a notable Mexican-American neighborhood in San Jose. I find it comforting because as they are an Asian-owned business, they not only sell burgers, but also rice plates. It's also nice to see the people behind the counter being able to communicate in basic Spanish with customers. Although I am not of Hispanic heritage, it's always nice to see people from various cultures come to this place. As a friend of mine once said, "Food connects people."

Pho Huynh Hiep 6 - Kevin's Noodle House, North Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA

2025-09-24 19:14:43 UTC

This place feels like home to me because I have several happy memories from when I ate here with my friends. Despite the language barrier between the waitstaff and I, I find the place very easy to navigate.

Bondadoso Coffee and Tea Collective, North Broadway, Walnut Creek, CA

2025-09-24 19:16:15 UTC

This little cafe holds a special place in my heart; in addition to its cozy atmosphere and delicious drinks, I had my first date with my partner of 1.5 years and counting here. The staff are always so easy to communicate with, and ordering is a cinch every time thanks to that.

Cal Poly Pomona, West Temple Avenue, Pomona, CA

2025-09-24 19:16:46 UTC

I've never been here, but the friend who I consider as home is here now. He is far from where I am, but when I'm with him we don't need language, just existing. When we do talk, it's in English. We share at least one language, and that's enough. I want to learn his first language one day to make him feel at home.

1370-1372 Locust Street, Walnut Creek, CA

2025-09-24 19:16:48 UTC

My Dad used to take my sister and I to the SF Creamery all the time when we were little to have a father/daughter dinner. I would always get the exact same meal, dino chicken nuggets with smiley face fries and chocolate ice cream with chocolate chips. After we grew up we stopped going there as often, but after our little brother was born he started taking us there again and going back felt like returning home after a long vacation away.

Laurie Meadows Park, Laurie Meadows Drive, San Mateo, CA

2025-09-24 19:16:53 UTC

Laurie Meadows Park. This is the first place that I remember going to a lot. I'd try to drag my mom here everyday since our apartment was super close by. I have a lot of memories of the playground and the little creek running nearby where I fished out numerous toys

6615 South Kimbark Avenue, Chicago, IL

2025-09-24 19:17:14 UTC

When I think of my home on the South Side of Chicago in Woodlawn, I think of the greeting "How you doin'?" spoken by strangers on the street. I also think of the use of honorifics like "Ms." or "Mr." when people interact with neighbors and community members.

Pismo Beach, CA

2025-09-24 19:18:08 UTC

I think when I think of home, Pismo beach comes in mind because there so many things to do there. There always a lot of people there and people having fun at the beach and their people playing volleyball in the sand or people surfing in the beach with the nice waves. I mostly go there with friends or family. The language is mostly English and Spanish but it relates to my culture because there a lot of Hispanics and Americans to have a good time there and people would always be friendly there

Grand Century Shopping Mall, Story Road, San Jose, CA

2025-09-24 19:18:48 UTC

Growing up Vietnamese American living in San Jose, Grand Century was the place to be. From Tet festivals, to eating dim sum at Dynasty next door, to running around the mall looking at all the toy stores, to getting candy and kho bo, shopping for ao dai, making wishes at the fountain, getting pandan waffle where Paris Baguette is now. Grand Century brings all sorts of fond memories from my childhood. When it was busy, you'd hear the distinct chatter of Vietnamese.

Kinokuniya Book Store, Webster Street, San Francisco, CA

2025-09-24 19:19:02 UTC

I particularly like this place due to how serene and quiet everything is. There's just a peaceful tranquility looking at your favorite manga with other people who share the same interest as you, everyone there shares the same interests so if there is a conversation, it's always with curiosity and general respect. Personally, it makes me feel both isolated but also seen. If I had to pick a place where I truly feel at home and can be my nerdy self, it's here.

California

imanoljosebaurresti — 2025-09-24 19:20:00 UTC

I feel like I'm at home when I'm in California. I think I have the standard typical California accent and I think I use Californian colloquialisms and standard language. I can generally use my Spanish too and I feel like there's a large enough population for me to be able to use it whenever I want. There's a large enough Mexican population too so I don't feel like there's any large enough dialect differences when I use my Spanish.

River Glen Park, Parkside Avenue, San Jose, CA

2025-09-24 19:21:04 UTC

I feel at home here because I deal with a lot of stress and anxiety on a daily basis. Some of my best childhood memories with my parents were here, and then in middle and high school, some of the best times I've had with my friends were also there. It brings me a sense of calm whenever I am having a bad day or whenever I need to get my head straight. It is also symbolic of where I lived before I came to the dorms at SJSU, and reminds me of home, and helps me whenever I am homesick or stressed that I am living in a new place away from everything that I know.

Border Servant Corps, Las Cruces, NM

2025-09-24 19:22:16 UTC

Going into my Senior Year of high school, I had the opportunity to go on a 2 week immersion to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Our group’s focus was immigration and citizenship. We stayed in Las Cruces, New Mexico and drove to El Paso, Texas each day. We met with politicians, public defenders, border patrol officers, spoke with nonprofit organizations and had the opportunity to go to court for people who crossed the border without inspection.

A highlight for me was when we drove to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, to a shelter and got to speak with migrants and their experiences. I had taken Spanish all 3 years of high school previously but when we were actually speaking with them, I was really struggling. They could see this and would say it in a way that I could understand. Although I was only there for 2 weeks, I felt a sense of home and belonging and even though we come from different places and speak different languages, I felt very connected to them.

-Jaiden Marx

Fresno, CA

2025-09-24 19:22:28 UTC

Fresno has always been a mix of things for me. It's kind of run down (it's Fresno- so it's expected.)

I've heard only a few languages- primarily English and Spanish- and a small mix of Asian languages. All of them are beautiful. It's more of something where it has to do with the atmosphere to be completely honest.

St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, South Grove Avenue, Ontario, CA

2025-09-24 19:23:18 UTC

San Jose, CA

2025-09-24 19:23:21 UTC

Living here my entire life, I feel as though I understand all the little sayings and meanings behind the different phrases. All the slang and the meanings between our community is something I value as it makes me feel as though I am apart of something larger than myself, apart of a community.

Loíza, Puerto Rico

2025-09-24 19:24:01 UTC

Going to visit family here is always a great time, but the people that make it even better are welcoming people everywhere. Even with a language barrier everyone is so helpful and joyful, and the food is amazing. The art district is also beautiful and learning about the history behind each painting and the culture around the art district was a memory to never forget.

Chavez Supermarket, Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA

2025-09-24 19:24:11 UTC

Here there is a lot of different types of restaurants like asian or hispanic on this road but it feels really welcoming to me specifically because it's filled with the languages of Spanish and hispanic restaurants. I've only eaten Mexican food my whole life as a Mexican and this really helps contribute to making feel welcoming. The whole vibe here in Middlefield specifically makes it feel like Mexico in a way.

Town Center Dr, Sacramento, CA 95835, USA

2025-09-24 19:31:19 UTC

This shopping center has significant meaning to me. I spent an extremely large chunk of my last 2 years in high school working at a restaurant here called Dos Coyotes. This New-Mexican restaurant was my first job where I worked with one of my best friends and made new connections with coworkers who I still talk to now. The shopping center is really close to my high school so I would go there often after school to do homework or hang out with friends. There was less than 20 total employees here so we all knew each other, and all of us cashiers were around the same age. The cooks only spoke Spanish and I was able to improve my Spanish by speaking to them and translating for them and even helping them in the kitchen. I have so many memories tied to the cooks where they'd tell us stories about their kids in Mexico and play little games with them when we had the restaurant to ourselves after close. I started working here at a very weird time in my life where lots of my relationships were changing so it felt really nice to have somewhere I felt comfortable in. Whenever I go home I go visit and surprise my coworkers and the cooks make me free food.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, East San Antonio Street, San Jose, CA

2025-09-24 19:32:08 UTC

When I was younger we used to live with my grandma who is very religious. We used to walk to church everyday and on the way back home she would always buy us a little snack from the vendors outside. It felt like home because everybody from the church would treat us with such kindness and it felt very welcoming.

San José State University, Washington Square, San Jose, CA

2025-09-24 20:17:36 UTC

One place that I like that is located in SJSU is the Starbucks that is underneath the Student Union. The people that are studying there allow me to feel welcome. The nice Frappuccino flavors, such as the Pumpkin Spice Fall flavor, make me feel optimistic about the Fall semester. I believe that there is a good sense of community in the recreational area in which the Starbucks is located.

Mexican Heritage Plaza, Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose, CA

2025-09-24 20:28:32 UTC

The Mexican Heritage Plaza makes me feel welcome because Spanish is celebrated everywhere. From the murals with Spanish phrases to the performances where announcers switch between English and Spanish, the language feels like home. Though I do not speak fluent Spanish, I feel very welcome to try to better my understanding of the language and love spending my time there! - Isabella Marquez

Getty Center, Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA

2025-09-24 22:59:31 UTC

Hi! I feel at home when I'm at the Getty Center because when I'm there I hear so many languages that I grew up with. There are always people speaking Italian, French, and German in the galleries and on the terraces. I also like to hear new languages as well. It reminds me that the world is greater than my little bubble and I like to think that art can bring us together. It's really beautiful up there and the view is great too. I know it might seem silly but some of my favorite shoes in art are worn by King Louis XIV in the painting above. I check them out every time I go!

Financial District, San Francisco, CA

2025-09-25 05:08:37 UTC

The architecture and urban layout of the downtown area of San Francisco remind me of my home country's atmosphere. It is fascinating to me that something seemingly unrelated, such as architecture, would make me think of my culture and language.

Venture Christian Church, Hicks Road, Los Gatos, CA

2025-09-25 17:41:26 UTC

I work at the school here and the environment is very positive. People are very kind and the words posted on the wall are very up lifting as well. It creates an environment that feels very welcoming to the staff and students at the school. I go to this church on Sundays as well so it’s nice to be able to work there on the weekend!

Richmond, VA

2025-09-25 17:41:54 UTC

I am originally from Virginia, and when I visit home, I feel that I am able to comfortably speak with my more natural southern accent. I typically work hard to conceal it, but when I am home with my siblings, I feel that I don't have to use my brain to switch phonetic sounds to be more socially acceptable. -JC

San Pedro Square Market, North San Pedro Street, San Jose, CA

2025-09-25 17:42:20 UTC

A place that feels like home to me is San Pedro Square here in downtown. I really like the matcha from this place there, but they also have many other eateries from cultures of all kind. I always love coming here because there is people of all sorts and also always live music in the night. Overall a warm, welcoming environment.

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, Woz Way, San Jose, CA

2025-09-25 17:45:22 UTC

This place is special to me because as a child, my mom brought my sister and I here to learn and play very often. I have a memory of us visiting the museum during Mexican heritage month or Dia de Los muertos. I felt very welcomed being able to learn and see my culture displayed in a museum. We were able to grind maíz which is corn to make tortillas which is something my great grandmother did in her hometown. Visiting the museum also had different sections where I learned about different cultures as well.

Playas de Tijuana, Mexico

2025-09-25 17:58:43 UTC

When I think of a place where I feel truly welcomed and at home, my mind always goes back to Tijuana, Mexico, where my father has lived since being deported in 2017. Over these past seven years, Tijuana, especially the Playas neighborhood, has captured a special place in my heart. The murals there reflect values I deeply believe in. Seeing images or murals of other deportees who, like my father, have families in the U.S., its almost is a sense of shared experience. While the circumstances are very unfortunate, it's honestly comforting to know that I'm not alone in having a separated family. - Alondra Barajas.

Chabot Park, Sylvian Circle, San Leandro, CA

2025-09-25 19:19:42 UTC

When I go to Chabot Park, I constantly hear many languages being spoken, including English, Spanish, Chinese, and others. Families come together in Chabot Park for a variety of reasons, including celebrations, birthdays, and fun outdoor family time. There are people of all ages here, from toddlers running around and playing to adults speaking and cooking. It's interesting to hear how many languages are spoken and how the types of languages change with age. The combination of languages creates an environment in which everyone feels included, even if they do not share the same background. The way individuals use language at the park makes me feel welcome and connected.

Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Monterey, CA

2025-09-25 20:33:37 UTC

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is like a second home to me and my family. I have been to the Aquarium every year since I was 5 and never get sick of it! The aquarium is so special filled with amazing volunteers that have so much knowledge on the various animals and various animals that live in the ocean from sharks to sea otters. I also love walking around the town near the Aquarium in the little shops and eateries too! :)

Ohlone college

2025-09-25 23:39:31 UTC

This is a community college near my home. There's a path lined with pear trees on campus, and every spring, many people come specifically to see them. Ohlone College's welcoming sign is heartwarming.

El Carmen, West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, California

2025-09-26 01:35:41 UTC

One public place where language makes me feel welcome is a Hispanic bar in LA called El Carmen. The bar is themed around Dia de los Muertos, with Colorful skulls, and loteria card based seating. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by the owners and workers in Spanish, which makes the place feel familiar as that is the language spoken at my home. Being able to communicate in Spanish not just for food and drink but having actual conversation creates this sense of belonging that may not be present in other places. I go every time I visit LA and the atmosphere is always welcoming and I get met with familiarity.

Athena Ponce: Lele Cake Los Gatos,California, USA

2025-09-26 03:23:35 UTC

One public place where I feel really comfortable is Lelé Cake, a Ukrainian-owned coffee and pastry shop. I don’t speak Ukrainian, but I love how the shop feels warm and inviting. You can sometimes hear the staff speaking Ukrainian to each other or with regulars, and it gives the place a special, homey vibe. The way they greet you, smile, and say things like “thank you” or “have a good day” with a bit of an accent actually feels really comforting, it reminds me that language doesn’t have to be the same to feel connected. Even the names of the pastries and drinks bring in Ukrainian culture, which makes the space feel unique and welcoming in its own way.

El Salvador

2025-09-26 04:38:31 UTC

This is a lake in El Salvador, where I visit every summer to see some family members. Every time I visit, I feel like I am home because of my heritage and the people there, as everyone is kind and welcoming to foreigners. Being able to go there and speak my first language, Spanish, with locals is just great, since for me, Spanish is a huge part of my culture.

Maresias, São Sebastião - State of São Paulo, Brazil

2025-09-26 04:38:33 UTC

I am from Brazil and, although Maresias is not my hometown there, I love visiting this city in São Paulo. It is a cozy place, not too big, but full of charm and surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The ocean, the nature around it, and the relaxed atmosphere always make me feel at home. What makes it even more welcoming is hearing people speak Portuguese with such warmth and friendliness. The greetings, the casual expressions, and even the music in the streets create a comforting atmosphere that makes each visit feel so special.

Stockholm, Sweden

2025-09-26 04:50:43 UTC

I don't remember the exact places on where it was, but the people in Stockholm were very nice and friendly to me, and it was a plus that many Scandinavians are familiar with English. They're pretty fluent in English as well, which doesn't surprise me as their media doesn't exactly dub over the many English speaking media forms they import, rather subtitling it.

Michoacán, Mexico

2025-09-26 04:58:07 UTC

This picture is located in Michoacán Mexico where my family is from. Every year we always go back to visit and we are always welcomed by this arch located at the town entrance. This image connected with me because Spanish is spoken there but differently. We use slang to talk to one another and it makes me feel united with the people in the town. It is quite small, so everyone knows each other.

Cơm Tấm Thiên Hương, Story Road, San Jose, CA

reyeseric166 — 2025-09-26 05:09:33 UTC

This is a restaurant that brings me so much nostalgia and makes me feel at home. I remember going to this restaurant at least 3 Sundays a month as a family day. As vietnamese americans we truly feel welcomed here with the menu having amazing traditional meals we had back home and the hospitality and friendliness of this restaurant is so welcoming. I feel like it's truly so important to have Vietnamese restaurants as they provide us representation in America. We went through so many hardships as a community and having a restaurant with our food makes this city feel welcoming and having people of different backgrounds come here and try the food is wonderful.

Con Azucar Cafe, East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA

2025-09-26 05:10:45 UTC

A place I love going to is the Con Azucar Cafe close by our school. There's one also by the Tropicana, that's combine with La Michocana, another place that sells various Mexican frozen treats and snacks. These places have many aspects of my culture growing up and remind me a lot of the sweets that my parents would make for me and my brother. Anytime I'm around there it makes me feel at home because it's all familiar to what I grew up eating and listening.

-Maria Arizmendi

PIER 39, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA

2025-09-26 05:25:48 UTC

It’s already been a year since I moved out here to the Bay. Adapting to life without loved ones nearby has been challenging, but it's also opened up a chance for me to explore and discover new places. The beach feels explicitly the closest to home because something about the atmosphere, the sound of the waves, and the openness helps me feel grounded, even when my anxiety creeps in. What I find especially comforting is how diverse the beach crowd always is. I constantly overhear people talking in different languages as they walk the pier or play in the sand. I only understand English and Spanish, but hearing all these conversations in unfamiliar languages fascinates me. I may not know what they're saying, but body language speaks volumes, and in a way, it’s like I understand them, just not with words.

SAP Center, West Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA

2025-09-26 06:30:28 UTC

A place where the language makes me feel more welcome is the SAP Center. This is a place I have been to multiple times to watch my favorite artists in concert. The way in which language is used adds to the welcoming atmosphere. Since the moment I walk in, the staff greets me with an upbeat attitude followed by phrases such as “Enjoy the show!” or “Drive safe” after the show. Some staff go out of their way to make the night even more special and quote the artists' songs and interact with us in a meaningful way. The energy that the staff bring makes the arena feel personal. The unity of the crowd helps create its own language through the singing the lyrics, cheering and chanting the artist’s name, a language created by the crowd. The mix of spoken words, music and shared expressions makes the fans feel connected despite us all being surrounded by strangers, the language is something we all can relate to and share which creates a community. (The artist above is Ivan Cornejo who i saw in concert earlier this year)

- Samantha C.

Richmond High School, 23rd Street, Richmond, CA

2025-09-26 06:41:19 UTC

A public place where I feel "at home" is at my old high school. I spent so much time there as a student, and now I return as a cheer coach, so it feels like a second home. The sounds of the students talking in English and Spanish, the energy of the crowd at games, and even the school announcements make the space feel familiar and welcoming. The mix of voices and languages reminds me of the community I grew up in and why it still feels like home every time I'm there.

San Francisco, CA

2025-09-26 07:01:56 UTC

Growing up my family used to visit SF all the time. I have so many memories especially of when family from other states would come visit us here we would take them to San Francisco to visit. I loved visiting the beach, the different shops, and the food. This place holds a lot of memories for me and is a place where my language feels welcomed because I heard people speaking English and Spanish.

Las Vegas, NV

2025-11-30 07:05:31 UTC

I lived in Las Vegas for part of my childhood, and it was a fun, very eye-opening experience. This is the only place I've been to in my life that's out of California. After spending a few years there and getting used to the different pace, my family eventually decided to move back to San Francisco, returning to the place that felt most like home

Elk Grove, CA

2025-11-30 07:06:56 UTC

I lived in Elk Grove for a good part of my childhood, and I remember it so vividly. I made so many memories there, surrounded by lots of family. It’s a place that shaped me, and it’s always comforting to look back on or even visit since my uncle lives there still and overall feel that sense of home again.

Lake Tahoe

2025-11-30 07:08:12 UTC

After me and my senior cheer friends graduated in 2024, we decided to make a yearly summer trip to Lake Tahoe. The other captain, alongside me, her family owned a home out in Tahoe, so we decided to make it a trip. its so lovely out there during the summer and a nice get away from home. Currently Two years strong, it’s become a tradition that strengthens our bond and sisterhood. Especially now that we all attend different colleges, these trips help our lifelong friendships thrive and stay connected.

San Francisco, CA

2025-11-30 07:09:04 UTC

San Francisco has always been my home, and growing older in the city I’ve known most of my life feels special. I love getting to explore more of it as I mature, experiencing everything this place I care for so deeply has to offer.

Vacaville, CA

2025-12-03 17:04:29 UTC

Vacaville is my hometown, and holds a very special place in my heart. Here my earliest childhood memories were made and they are the most fond memories I have in my life. This is where my parents still live so it's a very nostalgic and heartfelt place for me when I get homesick and miss my family.

Lake Tahoe

2025-12-03 17:08:32 UTC

Lake Tahoe is one of, if not THE most beautiful lakes I have visited and it's a place i've frequented many times in both the summer and winter season. While the summer season is beautiful, i'm a huge lover of the winter season and coming here to ski with my family.

Seattle, WA

2025-12-03 17:14:00 UTC

The favorite city i've traveled to thus far and is where I plan to move to after college. First off, I love the city aesthetic and it's beautiful skyline and how surrounding the city is a dense and beautiful landscape of nature.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

2025-12-03 17:22:33 UTC

I visited the grand canyon about a decade ago, yet it has a very memorable and imprinted memory in my mind as the stunning landscape blew my mind and it really gave me an appreciation of the phenomenal power of nature. I also remember the intense heat, it sucked.

Bullhead City, AZ

2025-12-05 06:02:27 UTC

This is where my grandparents lived for a long time up until last year. While not the most... appealing place to be, it always reminded me of home and of my culture purely because of its connection to my family. It's where my parents were raised, where I lived for four years, where I went to visit for every holiday. Here is where my memories are filled with Thai food, dramas, and my mom bickering with my grandma. Even though it's basically the middle of nowhere, I will never be able to forget the impact that it's had on me and my foundational years growing up.

Chinatown, San Francisco, CA

2025-12-05 06:07:35 UTC

While I'm (kinda?) of Chinese descent, I've always felt more connected to Thai culture due to my grandparents being from Thailand themselves. However, going to Chinatown or any other Asian neighborhood really brings a sense of comfort in me because it's all so similar to my own home, my own family. Hearing the languages, the amazing food, it's one of my favorite places to connect culturally with other people that are different from me, but reminds me that we're all so similar as well.

Wat Mongkolratanaram, Russell Street, Berkeley, CA

2025-12-05 06:12:38 UTC

This is one of my favorite Thai temples to go to with my family. While none of us are Buddhist or religious in general, we love to go to support the monks and eat the delicious food. This one temple in particular is extremely popular for their Thai beef noodle soup, made with at least 4 different cuts/types of beef, in addition to having a variety of Thai snacks and desserts. Going here is another way I love to try to connect to my culture and heritage and support my people.

Las Vegas, NV

2025-12-05 06:24:50 UTC

Vegas, while popular to the general public, has a more personal connection for me. This is where both of my parents were born, and my grandfather told me a personal story once of how he studied the entire map of Las Vegas to become a taxi driver and provide for my mom and grandmother. This is what I consider to be the "origins" of my family since this is where my mom and my dad were both born.

Japantown, San Francisco, CA

2025-12-05 21:13:47 UTC

I came here with all my friends. It was really fun and it was an experience of fun and trying new things. It was the first time I've ever tried matcha and didn't like it. It was my first time really being out of the house for long and was extremely memorable, especially with the flicks we got while there.

PIER 39, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA

2025-12-05 21:17:35 UTC

Came her with my family and we rode on the boat. The boat got us to see seals or sea lions. They even let my family steer the boats and some points and told us many stories about alcatraz and the bridges

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA

2025-12-05 21:28:45 UTC

This place feels comfortable. Everytime i come here either with friends or family it's always been a nice chill experience for us to just have winddown time after a long time not hanging with eachother. Every time I come I always have the experience of seeing a sea otter, always making the time more memorable.

Twin Creeks Sports Complex, East Caribbean Drive, Sunnyvale, CA

2025-12-05 21:34:43 UTC

I've been going here my whole life, watching my family play in different games, having fun running around or even just going inside the buildings to get food like a pretzel. It's a staple for me growing up and will always be something I remember.

1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

jerrickjamesvaldez — 2025-12-06 06:52:14 UTC

Clark Hall has always felt welcoming to me. During my first year, the EOP lobby staff on the first floor answered my questions with so much patience, even though I wasn’t in the program. Their kindness and guidance made the building feel like a supportive place on campus.

375 S 9th St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

jerrickjamesvaldez — 2025-12-06 06:52:57 UTC

CV2 was where I lived my first year at SJSU, and it felt like home. The front desk staff were always warm and helpful, and my roommates were kind and respectful. It was a great environment to start college and feel supported every day.

84P7+7V San Jose, CA, USA

jerrickjamesvaldez — 2025-12-06 06:54:18 UTC

The MLK Library became one of my favorite places to study or even take a quiet nap between classes. The top floors, designated as silent areas, were always peaceful. The Nirvana coffee shop also kept me energized with morning coffee, making the library a comforting routine in my day.

1702 Oakland Rd, San Jose, CA 95131, USA

jerrickjamesvaldez — 2025-12-06 06:55:13 UTC

This McDonald’s was my first job, and it shaped me in many positive ways. My coworkers were supportive, especially when dealing with difficult customers. Even with language barriers at times, we always worked through challenges together, creating a friendly and encouraging work environment I’ll never forget.

Central Park, Kiely Boulevard, Santa Clara, CA

2026-05-07 21:39:39 UTC

Hanging out with the ducks at the pond in central park