2 - Alexis A: I am From

I am from the beige apartments covered by the green, oak trees, 

With the bright, early sun seeping through my blinds.

I am from the morning walks to the park with my dad, 

Who’s always supportive, especially when he taught me how to ride a bike.

Thinking riding in circles was a good idea, saying, “Dad, look no hands!”

Falling and scraping my chin, then getting back up like I was perfectly fine.

I am from the wondrous ambition to bake recipes with my mom,

Inspired by the comfort that The Great British Baking Show gave us,

Imitating their accents and laughing at our one-of-a-kind creation.

I am from her patience to help others,

Watching her work in the hospital when I would wait for her outside,

Hoping to someday have a career to do the same.

I am from the strong connections with my cousins,

Being an only child and sharing about adventures we want to go together on,

Singing “Breaking Free” late at night during our High School Musical movie marathon.

I am from going to the beach every year with my family,

The smell of barbecuing by my uncles pulling my cousins and I away from the glistening water.

To countless games of Left, Center, Right, gambling with money,

Ending with karaoke nights at my Auntie Jen’s or Joy’s.

I am from long talks with my best friend,

Recounting the days of elementary school and wondering why we weren’t close then,

Focusing on the present and how we found each other at the right time.

Sharing music recommendations and mutual inside jokes,

Always creating unique ideas for our birthdays, holidays, and spontaneous days,

And being so alike that we know what the other is thinking.

I am from being called “Alexis Marie” only by my family,

Making me smile about its formality,

But for why it is my first name because of my religion.

From participating in services at church,

With my parents telling me that we can shape our future,

But that “everything happens for a reason.”

I am from learning how to play the piano at five,

Taking lessons at Harmony Road Studios for a while,

Remembering when I played a song for my grandma at a concert.

I am from learning simple songs on my own,

Realizing that you don’t have to play something complex to leave an impact.

I am from the falling down and the getting back up,

From having ambition and patience.

I am from the support and connections made with my family and friends,

From the little moments and moving forward.

And with that, it makes me who I am.

Word Count: 440