I  am from “be home at dark” and “go play outside,”

blistering summer days spent with friends,

running and laughter until dark.

I am from “work first play later” and a “go get it” attitude,

biking in the morning before the sun revealed itself,

minimum wage and eight hour shifts for a summer.

I am from “no oil changes in the garage” and “that doesn't look right,”

a self-taught worker in the garage,

nights spent under leaking engines, and unagreeable bolts.

I am from “get those grades up” and “fulfill your potential,”

a street smart kid in a book smart world,

never feeling like the students around me.

I am from February 3rd 2006 “I’ll see you soon” and “we’ll be ok,”

my brothers third birthday and a day burned into my memory,

unsure of what was to come.

I am from “Congratulations” and “What a great day,”

a wedding that happened after a sudden engagement,

10 years of struggle over.

I am from years of  “public school isn’t for you” and “you’re staying where you are,”

trying to leave LCL and rejoin my friends at AHS,

finally getting to transfer after two and a half years of convincing.

I am from these quotes,  the stories, the friends, and the experiences,

enjoying good experiences, and learning to be better from the negative ones

I am from these quotes, the quotes that shaped me.