I am from bamboo thatched and hay roofed homes on dusty dirt roads to cultivated mountainsides. From bone-chilling white winters, scorching, vibrant summers and unpredictable springs. I am from deep forests, clear lakes and bustling urban streets.

            I am from a Hmong father and Hmong mother and countless aunties and uncles. I am from the swirling and sharp, colorful stitch work that depicts generations of history. I am from a language that I cannot speak well and am told to learn more.

            I am from adventures of worldwide journeys and battling dragons to real tales of human life, from little stuffed animals to over-sized state fair prizes. I am from rice and boiled chicken, noodles in curry broth to pizza, spaghetti and casserole.

            I am  from large gatherings of family whose names I don’t recall. From them, bright smiles or concerned looks with encouragements and cautioning meant to be helpful to me.

            I am from piles of shoes by the front door, from nagging my brother to finish his homework. I am from photos of faces far away or long ago, from faded snapshots of my parents and their 80’s style.

            I am from the harsh or gentle jangle of  beads, bells, coins and constant chatter throughout the River center Hmong New Year. I am from Thanksgiving and Christmas with my brothers, sisters and many little feet running around .

            I am from “what do you want to be in the future?”, from “are you busy right now?” and “be prepared for the future”. I am from living up to expectations and trying to find out where I’m headed.

            I am from freshly cut grass and the minty smell of toothpaste in the morning. From quiet nights at home to boisterous chatter of extended family gatherings. I am from the news on NPR radio to the music from my headphones.

            I am from a crab-apple tree that blossoms in purple-pink petals in spring and bitter mini-apples in fall, from spirited fish that actively glide past the glass. I am from an earth with both uncertainty and opportunities.