from Unique Pretzels and dollar hot dogs at the Reading Phillies.

I am from four different houses with always the same faces;

they sounded like war zones and sometimes felt like battle lines were thick as concrete walls.

I am from Blue Marsh Lake and hiking in Nolde Forest,

Mother Nature providing me peace when it felt like nothing else could.

I’m from the stringent expectations of Joe and from the meek strength of Joanne,

from Jessica and Nana and the dogs that I’ve loved and lost.

I’m from yelling really loudly and loving even louder.

I’m from “failing isn’t an option” and “they’re still your family.”

From potty mouths and inappropriate jokes at inappropriate times. 

From having to cut the “toxic” out,

to finding people to cement the holes left by “family” that made me feel like less. 

I’m from North 11th Street, Luzerne, Freemont, and Leanne.

I’m from the Phanatic and "Go Birds" and South Street cheesesteaks,

The crystal blue coasts of Sicily and the bitter cold winters of Poland, 

stuffed shells and galumpkis. 

I’m from Mike, Avery, and Callen,

From my rainbow bridge boys, Ben and Gus, to my Mae Girl and my Claire Bear.

Most importantly, I am hard-earned love, new legacies, and lots of room to grow.

From the depths of the Dominican Republic, with the coconut and aloe smell of the beach 

I am from the deep blue waters below a cliff, some cold and some warm 

I am from the courts of volleyball, my strongest passion 

From the beauties of an orchid, very brave and bold

I'm from the outside cookouts, the smell and taste of food 

From being told I was going to become better than the originals 

From the beliefs of Christianity 

I'm from the Puerto Rican and Dominican side 

I am from the outside nature, always fresh 

From the strength of Luis and the commitment of Christie

I'm from a generation of love and giggles 

I am from whoopie pies and apple butter 

I am from walking through the woods, looking for a place to sit

I am from casting a line and killing time

I am from swinging a bat and hearing the sound of it crack

I am from lake perez, and rothrock state forest 

From believing that people are good, and making sure people are doing good  

I am from sitting around the fire, having a good time

I am from long rides in the car, talking to pass the time 

Im from the susquehanna, watching the river flow

From buying a crappy truck, to fixing it up 

I am from wanting to move out west and living my best

From the nurturing care of Geneva Rojas.

I am from a loving and caring household.

An always-supporting family

It felt like your favorite part of your favorite movie.

​

I am from el Valle de los flamboyanes

Where there was always something going on.

Where everyone knew each other, but I knew no one

The place where I grew up

Where I would still consider home

To go back to that home would feel like a Band-Aid on a cut

Like a warm hug after a long day of work and responsibilities.

​

I am from being forgotten to being found.

From one family to another.

I am found by God’s love

​

I am from love.

from Loud headphones blaring and my moms explorer blasting. 

I am from the loud house screaming  and the quiet somber nights. 

it felt like the memory of a home. 

I am from the trees with long branches carrying wisdom for years. I’m from horror movie night binges and scares from around the corner,

From nana and popop and aunts and cousins

I’m from the blanket tents in the living room and car trips to nana with my family

From the kid who was hyper and curious about everything 

 I’m from a place i never grasped living in a little bit of everything

I’m from the city of reading to the township of east greenville 

I'm from philly cheesesteaks and farm made rootbeers From the grandpa who was a lawyer who traveled the country 

To the dad a cop loyal to a township

I am from music, trees, and animals being a bit of everything and a lot of nothing caring for everything with a soul or life beneath it's skin

from a spinning rod to a worm.

I am from a big house hold and a booming sound, 

Its like a war zone, sounds going off every couple of minutes, no true silence 

I am from a marigold, a blooming plant that can grow in harsh conditions

I’m from the family cookout and from throwing partys,

from grisert and alejandro and bella .

I’m from the strength of family and the community.

From the cookie monster and and the tooth fairy 

 I’m from christianity where you have  your values

I’m from new york and dominican republic, 

Im from steak  and sancocho where you have it in the burning heat  

I am from a smart family of hardworkers a family that will never do you wrong 

I am from a calm household. Another house in the neighborhood that goes unnoticed.

It sounded like tranquility and quietude.

I am from 

I’m from Big birthday parties and family cookouts, with the smell of steak in the air.

from My mom and my dad, we all together work together, as a family to get things done

I’m from being on time all the time to arriving 5 minutes early.

I'm from being told You must always be responsible and being told that you should always get your work done.

 I’m from crosses and the word of god from my grandparents. I’m from Philadelphia and From everyone yelling go eagles when they play against the cowboys.

I'm from Baked mac and cheese on cookout days  

I am from a smart family, hard workers, and smart people

From the different kinds of empanadias.

I am from two Spanish homes, the loud Saturday mornings blasting bachata music while cleaning, the fun cookouts, but always being the sensitive one who needs to keep her walls up.

I am from the rocky streets of old San Juan, to the loud coquies and the roaming chickens everywhere.

From the quinceañera parties to the family prayers, from Nana and Albamarina, from Victor and Elliot, Elyanna and Jose.

I am from being there for the family, the second something's wrong, and no matter what terms always sticking up for each other.

From being the first baby girl of the family, and the role model to all the younger siblings, nieces, nephews, and many more to come.

I am from God's open arms and the Christ Holy Home. From taking the first communion to studying confirmation.

I am from the busy roads, lights flashing everywhere, and the city that never sleeps. From the mofongo to the alcapurria, and the mayo-ketchup with everything.

From the loving, warm touch of my grandma, knowing she's there whenever I need her. From my grandpa telling me I don't need anyone because I have him, to him repeating himself over and over.

I am from a non-perfect, perfect family with all the love but room for improvement, but the most blessed family I could ever ask for.

from the sound of crickets on a summer night

I am from the tall maple tree, whose wide shade fills the yard.

I am from Sunday morning breakfast,

from the warm scent of coffee and my parents' quiet laughter.

I am from the quiet hum of the house,

from the comfort of my favorite chair.

I am from the feeling of the sun on my face.

I am from the old photo album on the shelf,

I am from the warmth of freshly baked cookies and the laughter in the kitchen.

and the stories told in whispers,

and the feeling of being home.

From the blasting music in the lockers

I am from underneath the Friday night lights

I am from the wrestling mats

From tournaments and practices

I am from team atmospheres 

I am from lifting weights

From pain, so I can gain

I am from hanging out with friends

From just chilling with them

I am from random plans

From not even questioning what’ll happen next

from dress rehearsals to concerts,

bringing my flute with me everywhere.

I am from cousins and acting as a big sister, 

being a role model and having fun.

I am from the chocolate birthday cake

that my mom made for me.

I’m from blue eyes and hardworking,

from Lori and Greg.

I’m from Lancaster,

from chicken pot pie and filled noodles

that my whole family loves.

I’m from technology,

receiving an iPod touch at the age of four

and being an expert ever since.

I’m from going out to dinner with my family

on cold winter nights in December.

I’m from being 1 pound, 6 ounces

from being in the NICU 16 weeks

being on a ventilator

fighting for my life.

I’m from hardworking parents

that paved the way for me

to give me the opportunity to become something special.

I am from a tulip field,

from a Sunset and an Ocean side view.

I am from a really loud and very crowded home, in which you could never be alone ,

It feeling like a cell in which a prisoner had to find an escape.

I am from a Tulip, with a strong stem, and a cup-shaped bloom.

I’m from Noche Buena and Semana Santa and green eyes ,

from Mazy, Jaeshaliz, and Jaibriel .

I’m from the Chickens, fighting to constantly eating fruit .

From “ I don’t care” and “You’ll be fine”

, from the one I thought loved me most.

I’m from The importance of loving others, and the inspiration of the bible.

I’m from “That’s ghetto” part of Reading Pennsylvania and The bakeries to get the jamón y queso sandwich’s in Selena Puerto Rico,

From Sanchoco on hot summer days and watching the lechon spin over the fire.

From playing in Puerto with lizards that would run by, to late-night walks with my

cousins.

From Naishaliz being there for me the most.

I am from spending time at City Park to shopping on Penn ST, from the first energy

stadium, enjoying the time spent there

from Midsummers Night and warm sugar vanilla

I am from a busy house and the house near the grass,

it felt as calm as rain, and as warm as spring

I am from the plants surrounding my home, with greenery in every corner

I’m from putting the Christmas tree up with family and still complaining while doing so,

from my mom and my siblings and my aunts.

I’m from a big and aggressive but always loving family.

From making sure we put God first and never ignore the little blessings.

I’m from a house where we keep full faith and always value God's guidance

I’m from a place that gave a never boring space for kids around the community and the streets filled with family history,

Thanksgiving with collard greens and peach cobbler

From the Holidays spent with my family, enjoying the food made by my mom and aunt, while forcing me to help,

Enjoying the little dates with me and my mom

I am from always doing things with love.

from blasting car meets at the pagoda.

I am from noise where my home becomes an orchestra of sound

The sound of chaos sounding homey

I am from acorns, the satisfying crisp when stepped on.

I’m from Three Kings Day and strong bonds,

from Cindya and Jeztenny and Alondra

I’m from “get out my face”and “shut ups”

From the cuco and having the light on in the car being illegal

I’m from Christianity, the cross symbolizing Jesus

I’m from New Jersey and Puerto Rico,

Pastelillos and Pernil

From the strong smell of broad coffee coming from abuelita kitchen

Titi Nicole's picture book is filled baby pictures of all the cousins.

I am from New Jersey, walking through palisades park tasting the real taste of pizza. Where bad drivers get the horn and THE finger.

from early mornings to late nights.

I am from two different households and there is never a doll moment, 

It feels crazy and cozy at the same time.

I am from daisies, which was my grandma's favorite flower,

I’m from spreading christmas up at my grandparents and from my love of soccer for my mom and strict rules from my dad.

I’m from being packed into the car going to a Penn State game, to my soccer games.

From being told to treat others the way you want to be treated and always be respectful to others.

 I’m from christian family, be told to always tell the truth

I’m from Pennsylvania, my grandma’s home made sugar cookies and my mom making lasagna. 

From the stories my mom tells about how I fell into a lake while fishing, to my parents having to run miles after my dog got out trying to catch it . 

I am from Jermey and Shalon who raised me to always do my best, and to never give up, and that you will always keep growing

from a basketball hoop and lacrosse balls

I am from a peaceful and secluded estate 

it tasted like burgers and hotdogs on the porch.

I am from scooters and footballs around the house.

I’m from the beach and hawaii trips

from Doug and Lauren and all of the pets I've had.

I’m from busy days and late dinners

From control what you can control and

 I’m from christian beliefs

I’m from Reading, Pa, with cheesesteaks and quesadillas.

From the football sundays, and opposing team arguments

And from my dogs Cedar, Hudson, and Montana

I am from doing things I enjoy, with good people.

from lava lamps and phone chargers.

I am from sharp turns of the weed walls and beautiful flowers they are built to protect. 

it was always quiet, the only noise coming from the passing cars and the blaring microwave.

I am from forests of milkweed, bringing life to the butterflies and moths. 

I’m from the gag gift giving and stoic family,

from my mom and my dad and their parents too.

I’m from the family that brings too much dessert and is always busy.

From how caffeine stunts your growth and how carrots improve your eyesight.

 I’m from the bustling cities of the Netherlands and the waving Irish hills.

I’m from Wyomissing and Poland, from the forests of Lithuania and the blistering cold mountains of Austria.

I’m from crispy perogies and boiling sausage. 

From the time my mom broke her fears and rode on a ferris wheel, from my tumultuously boring uncle Steve and paranoid uncle Jim.

I am from love, business, stoic and equality, from Pennsylvania valleys. I am from a family I am proud to stand with, and a family that will always keep me growing and getting stronger.

from people who built their life from the ground up

Im from the kitchen smell of rice and beans

Im from a house of 3 sisters who pushed me to my limits

Im from tough love and passion to see each other exceed

from a man above who gave me a purpose

Im from hershey park where memories of family and friends are made

Im from a football team with brothers that would run through a wall for each other, a team that dedicated hours of blood sweat and tears to fly around on fridays

from the pagoda where the lights stand out

Im from quince partys

Im from the backyard of celebration with grilling hamburgers and hotdogs

from the late night cliff jumping with guys

Im from the locker room smell of sweat with friends fooling around before practice

I am from a quiet street with rows of brick houses and a spacious house that always seems filled with people, 

it feels like a warm blanket hugging you that you can always go to and feel safe.

I am from walking through bushes filled with flowers with my mom.

I’m from a place where family always has a place to stay and stay for as long as they need, and

from Grandma and Blocco and Cleak and Webgie and Mom and Dad.

I’m from the sight of always knowing there’ll be food somewhere in the kitchen and hearing people sing at the top of their lungs with pride.

From the words “always be a leader” and “you’re my everything” ringing in my ears throughout my life.

 I’m from a side where the lord’s decision is the highest word and where he can be the greatest person to rely on and be comforted by, and another side where voodoo is one of the scariest things to mess with. Where it is seen as a dark side, but also the one thing our ancestors brought with them when ripped from their home.

I’m from the quiet, unknown city with all walks of life, Reading, but come from a nation bright with colors, lively music, and the most flavorful food you could taste, with the pride of being the first nation to break from chains and stand up against oppressors, 

Joumou soup that resonates with freedom and Haitian patties that brings the feeling of celebration. 

From provoking my grandma to chase after us when bored,

To leading my aunt to the groom on the happiest day of her life. 

I am always a dreamer, a person who believes in the best, and always willing to laugh.

the sounds of the Elotero, to the smell of tortillas 

From a rancho that was all family, and would get together every night 

From laughter and the feeling of never being alone 

Always being told “tengo cuidado cuando en la calle,” I am from a dusty city in Mexico, where everyone knows everyone 

All you hear is people calling out “ prima” and “primo”

I am from the city of Reading, PA 

You hear the door opening at the family business, and hear the car horn going off 

 different types of music on every corner 

  I am from a little house on Muhlenberg Street, where everyone knows each other 

where you hear the church bells of my wela’s “iglesia” going off 

I am a loving, independent, and hardworking 

environment that pushes me every day 

Where lil baby is blasting and the sound of 90’s RNB, 

 From barbeques in the summer, hotdogs being grilled 

With cheeseburgers, and fire works after the dark,

From the kitchen smell 

of fried chicken and bake mac n cheese

From kids drinking caprisuns and only adults drinking soda,

A lovely family is where I'm from. 

I am from walking to the deli 

every morning, dollar arizona's 

And chop cheeses, From staying up all night

To having to wake up early to go the bronx

From upstate new york where you have loud, fun summers,

Going to the pool and spending the night out with friends

From staying in hotels on weekends, and traveling 

miles for aau games.  

Im from family roots and blood,

That's where I'm from. 

I am from a home that everyone has their space and loud and smells like candles

It tastes like arroz con gandules . I am from wawa , to grab quick snack

I’m from my grandma cooking for us on holidays and always showing love to one another when we see each other

from tough love from Jay and loving caring affection from Lilly and from always fighting but making up with my 6 other siblings . I’m from the family always yelling at one another but also supporting each other when we make great ideas.

From always being told to be great and strive for more

I’m from a representation of spiritual beliefs where we believe in the holy trinity. I’m from Arecibo, Puerto Rico

mofongo and pasteles

From my great grandmother who survived a shot and stab wound hours after giving birth.

From me and my mom living in a car for months and her telling me everything was going to be okay.

I am from Reading PA , And enjoy playing basketball and working on my car on my free time.

I am from Nelson and Claribel

I am from the smell of cooking in the morning

I am from feeling the mist on the soccer field in an early morning

I am from Wawa for a chicken caesar wrap before an event

I am from opening presents at midnight on Christmas because my brother told me Santa wasn't real

I am from driving an hour + to practice because of the lack of talent and exposure in my area

I am from playing super competitive games of Gagaball in elementary school

I am from playing with my dogs outside on a sunny day for it to start pouring raining without any warning or expectation

I am from going to a soccer game and the gps telling us we arrived while the only thing infront of us in a cornfield 

I am from getting pulled at of my classes in elementary because i couldnt pronounce my rs

I am from having to jump fences to play soccer because fields are always locked

I am from visiting multiple family members through the week meeting ones i never knew before

This is where im from

from running  and games.

I am from loud   and crowded place

, sounded loud , looked full 

I am from summer leagues , corner stores , and late nights, manhunt , dingdog ditch and tag 

I’m from loud of chaos 

from toni and james and sisters

I’m from the overstimulating mornings and dramatic birthdays.

Second Stanza

From always try and push thru your work out 

 I’m from cleaning on sunday mornings and loud music 

I’m from a loud house , 

Paper stake  and fried chicken 

From the losing a aunt with a glowing smile 

I am from playing basketball everyday 

 where the morning sun paints the streets gold,

And the call to prayer floats through open windows like a reminder of peace. 

I am from a family that never ends, 

Siblings' laughter tangled with arguments. 

I am from crowded kitchens, 

To the smell of savory foods throughout the house. 

I am from celebrations that last for days, 

Bright fabrics swirling like fire, 

And the ear-splitting music that can be heard from down the street. 

I am from Henna Beautifying my palms,

Gold jewelry that glistens in the light. 

From songs I don’t just hear, but feel in my chest, from voices that blend so many stories into one. 

I am from adapting to a foreign place, 

learning a new language, 

And ignoring the strange glances from everyone around. 

I am from the “can you speak african?” to the “did you live in a hut in the jungle?”  

, and not to mention the “did you have a pet lion or elephant?”.

I am from early mornings, 

Dusty courts, deafening whistles,

 and the satisfaction of a perfect hit or block.

I am from hearing praises from my coaches, to hearing “you can do better from my parents. 

I am from faith that steadies me,

 tradition that shapes me, 

And Roots that run deep. 

I am from listening to the Quran before dawn after my morning prayers, a rhythm of prayer that steadies me when the world gets too loud. 

I am from the red earth of my homeland, 

From traditions engraved into who I am, 

And from dreams bigger than the horizon. 

Dreams I carry with me, wherever I go.