I am from books, from pens, and pencils.

I am from the neat bookshelves.

I am from the white roses, the smell of white fragrances.

I am from savory foods and unique feasts, from Aly and Timo and ‘songs.’

I am from the depthness and warm hearts.

From don’t do this and don’t misbehave.

I am from determination and purity.

I’m from San Jose to Elk Grove, from rice to meat.

From the haunting stories of relatives, the fantastic parties of one’s marriage, and the grand celebrations of one’s graduation.

I am from the forests and mountains lining the small nation we once used to live in.