I am from a town of 2,849

outside of a city with population 1.568 million,

where people choose pride over character.

Moved from a small town to another

in a state far from home,

leaving my family behind and thinking the world is going to end.

Meeting new people

experiencing a new culture that goes beyond backgrounds,

creating new relationships with people that changed my life.

Getting used to being the new kid at school

getting picked on for cheering for the teams that were not Wisconsin based,

never thinking I will belong like an outcast.

Without saying goodbye to who I am

and eight years later,

I am still me, always.

Shining blue eyes

golden blonde hair with a tint a brown,

a contagious smile.

I am from a town of 2,849

outside of a city with population of 1.568 million,

where people take pride over character.