“Who made you who you are today?” 

“Erin, Wisconsin.” I get blank stares.

White picket fences,

windy roads,

white winters.

My intense experiences against the world.

Small,

separated,

secluded.

My cheeks blush against the world.

Snakes,

squirrels,

and snails fill the grass.

My grown bravery against the world.

“Who are your role models?”

More blank stares, this time from me.

“If you put in the work, you get the reward,” says Mom.

School,

softball,

socially sufficient.

Who I wish to become.

“Treat others how you wish to be treated,” says Dad.

Family,

friends,

foes.

Who I respect the most.

“Everything happens for a reason,” says I.

Mistakes, 

misfortune,

misinterpretations.

Who I continually learn from.

“Where will you be in ten years?”

No stares this time.

Expectations met, 

experiences topped,

endless opportunities.

Internal and external motivation.

Caring,

comforting,

complete.

A ranch style home for five and a large backyard.

White picket fences,

windy roads,

white winters.

The ultimate American dream.