I am from a fight to stand out
and from a twin brother
winning yelling matches about who gets to use the microwave first.
I am from matching my brother in grade school:
red polo, khaki pants, black sneakers.
I am fighting to separate myself
and find myself.
I am from a family who still eats together
a friend group that my brother participates in
I am from a fight for independence.

I am from a life-changing injury,
having to learn all my friends names over, over, and over
I am from missing months of school and a silent room
where it is TOO painful to look at lights.
I am from perseverance of four concussions
and becoming who I am now:
a fighter.

I am from the thrill of friendship
and laughs.
I am from having food fights in McDonald’s,
not thinking about what will happen later.
I am from bonds that will last forever
and that gave me a second family.