I am from a place of straw hats and the Cold War. I am from street food, red flags adorned with a single yellow star. I am from schooling, high and strict. I am from an old television and a wall stained with scribbles. I am from a family ancestor, a tyrant king; a story from grandpa. I am from Mrs. Capable woman and Mr. Unneeded in old albums and multi-stories houses. I am from a colorful tank full of exotic fish and wonders. I am from not many friends and carefree of high expectations. I am from a time when grades had not a significant meaning. I am from textbooks of yellowed out pages and fountain pen’s ink. I am from mind-scarring horror movies and pleasant classic productions. I am from forgotten children that I used to call friends. I am from a little girl who had neither high hopes nor dreams.

by Gina Le (9)

I am from coco baskets from coconut trees and seawater I am from fishing far away from home I am from killing dogs and collecting shells from basketball and football I am from throwing up when a competition comes from Kantesy and Hayden who raise me to live forever I am from lazy to do work from knowing how to dance I’m from never seeing people fly from seeing people cry because someone dies I am from family don’€™t speak English the only boy in the family from don’t know what to do with life.

by Helden Buliche (10)

I’m from a small rural village Not beautiful buildings nor luxurious adornments Only one group of every old man They come together to chat And in the plaza the children play I come from an ordinary joy I come from my mother’€™s bosom I’m from “Why didn’€™t finish your homework”€ “€œWhy the teacher call my phone”€ “€œWhy did not cover your guilt”€ “Why did you cry”€ “Why… why… why…” I’€™m from my favorite family They give me a small home They give me food They let me be born in the world They love me That only belongs to me

by Juan He (10)