I am from hair beads, from Just for me relaxer kits and babosa. 

 I am from the duplex house in Dorchester, from the crowded tables and sofas which filled the air with too much noise, but that’s fine because my family's presence brought me joy.

I am from cesaria, having to greet everyone in the room because if not that would be disrespectful. From long last names, like my father, Nataniel Alfredo Coreia Pereira and my mother Maria de Fatima Orte Vaz Da Costa. Leaving me as Mayra Nataly Da Costa Pereira, my family's name.

I am from weekend movie nights and cooking for all because I wouldn't dare cook for only myself. Unless I was feeling rebellious. From remembering to study because nha faturu es importante and remembering to eat batata ku lete because that was a requirement for growing strong and healthy. 

 I’m from three hour creole masses which was alway a pass for me but my mother wouldn’t allow it because we needed to gracia a deus every Sunday. 

I'm from both the United States and Cabo Verde, I am a mixture of these two countries, I am both chicken lasagna and cachupa. 

From the stories about my grandfather who people believed made a deal with a demon because he had money, but in reality worked extremely hard to run his business and provide for his family. From the protective jewels and jewelry of my grandmothers, the conta di ojo which is glued to my neck and ready to protect and warn me when in danger. From taking candy from my family's shop in Cape Verde which has been around for forty years. 

I am from scattered photographs around my house, constantly seeing familiar and unfamiliar faces longing to be planted in frames until there’s no space left to be hung on my family wall.