I am from America,
While my parents are from China.
I am from picking up after my dog,
And playing tug-of-war with him.

I am from playing violin,
Enjoying the music coming from it,
And letting others enjoy it
By playing in concerts.

I am from swimming,
Splashing in the pool,
Training for meets,
And competing, too.

I am from karate,
Sparring other people,
Learning self-defense techniques,
And getting stronger every day.

I am from conserving water, paper, and time,
Recycling and reusing,
And picking up trash
After inconsiderate litterers.

I am from helping others,
Making get-well bags for long-term patients in hospitals
And donating time, socks, and canned food
To the homeless shelters and charities.

I am from procrastination,
Saving projects for the last minute,
Waiting for the deadline,
Rushing to finish and perfecting everything.

I am from my teachers-good and bad;
I am from my friends and my family.
But most of all,
I am from myself.