Please find below our introductory poems, based on the George Ella Lyon poem Where I’m From. The poems are presented in alphabetical order based on the author’s last name.

Hatem Alsaidi

I am from a corner store from Arizona and a chocolate bar 

I am from the big brick building 

I am from the pine cones and the acorns in every street 

I am from where drinking tea after every meal 

And generosity is a must in every person 

from Asem 

and Ahmed and Alsaidi. 

I am from religious rituals  and to always thank god for what you have in life 

From “ never give up”

and “always have hope for the future.”

I am from waking up everyday in Dawn to start my first prayer of the day 

I’m from Yemen from hanith and roasted chicken 

From where my parents grow up together not knowing they meant for each other, the time they had their first child 

And the time  my father decided to leave for America to shape a better future for his family 

I am from the books of photos stored in every cabinet from childhood memories to graduation moments.

***

Younis Alzubeiri

I am from a camera, 

from a Canon and Nikon.

I am from the Empire State, where the night is the beginning of the day.

I am from the daffodils, where they bloom like hope, 

the lavender that smells like the gates of heaven,

I am from seeing the good in all the bad, 

and loving each other unconditionally. 

From Amina Alassari, 

and Abdulwahab Alzubeiri and Jalal Alassari. 

I am from the slightly stubborn,

And slightly short tempered.

From looking under the pillow for money after a lost tooth,

And watching movies every Friday night. 

I am from the crescent moon and full greens. 

I’m from Brooklyn, and Yemen,

from pizza to aseed.

From the time my father moved to America after he graduated high school, 

To my mother moving here when she was 4,

and my uncle raising me like he was his own son since he was 13. 

I am from that 6 story apartment where I was raised and got the cops called on us multiple times by racist neighbors for making noise like any normal two-year-old would.

***

Daisy Bernabe-Duarte

I am from art, 

from play dough and paint.

I am from the smell of hot chocolate. 

I am from the rain,

the grass. 

I am from loud living rooms 

and play fighting, 

from Ivette 

and Eduardo 

and Bernabe-Duarte. 

I am from the chaos

and love,

from you’re strong 

and you’re beautiful. 

I am from Jesus. 

I’m from Puerto Rico and Portugal, 

from chocolate, salami, and pernil,

from the beaches in Portugal 

and the warmth in my mother’s hugs 

and the smile from my father’s face.

I am from the hall of memories 

And cherished mementos.

***

 Matthew Davis

I am from a microphone,

from poetry and lyrics.

I am from the brownstone building on the corner.

I am from the blossoming flower,

the cherry blossom.

I am from the traditional Valencia cake on every birthday,

and the constant drama regarding which flavor is the best,

from Eva Leon

and Maria Leon and Heidi Cheong.

I am from a Spanglish-speaking family

and the party all night family.

From being taught family over everything

and your family will be in your corner while you pursue theatre.

I am from believing in Jesus Christ as my lord.

I’m from the depths of Brooklyn as well as the tropical island, Puerto Rico 

where there is always a pot of Arroz con gandules or barbecue ribs waiting for me. 

From the mischievous tales of Camilla leaving Dorothy with her bestie, Amber,

the getting caught by mom and dad hanging out,

and the hilarious stories about Grandma Maria chasing Uncle Michael with the infamous whiffle bat.

I am from many places,

like the huge painting in my living room that reminds me that nothing is just handed to you; everything has to be worked for,

To the memories and expectations passed to me that express all the people I have that’ll support me in my goals to being an actor that breaks barriers for future generations.

***

Kelly Estrella

I am from a rose gold Macbook 2019, 

From CeraVe SA cream and Burt’s Bees rosewater toner.

I am from a small apartment with three rooms, toasty heaters, loud-partying-upstairs neighbors, and worshiping praises that fills God’s Temple every morning.

I am from the True Cinnamon tree, lavender, jojoba oil, 

the ginger, eucalyptus flower, water droplets on a leaf. 

I am from matching PJ’s on Christmas Eve 

and vibrate chuckles, from Kayro, and Kenia, and Estrella.

I am from the “avoid conflict at all times” 

and “treat others with respect.”

From being told, “you were born in a golden cradle.”

and “you have a nice smile that could brighten up my day.”

I am from Pentecostal, Evangelical, or non-denominational Christianity. 

I’m from the Washington Heights Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan and Dominican, Filipino, Haitian, Spaniards roots, sweet plantains, and lime juice with granite brown sugar.

From the mother who lost a child on her birthday,

 January 17, 2013, 

and she cried until she knew it was time to let go.

I am from a 5-star Punta Cana resort, competing in a Poetry contest in Okinawa and Tokyo,

from dipping my toes in the sand as I sipped my Pina colada and finally extended my hands to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

***

Azalea Francois Brown

I am from Brooklyn where a Bacon Egg & Cheese is home, from Arizona’s and Tropical Fantasy’s .
I am from the Big House On The Block With A lot Of Broken Dreams . I am from the Green Grass & the Big Flower Beds
I am from Honey & Lemon Cures All Sickness
and An Attitude That Can Kill ,
from Natashia and Marsh and Brown Francois, I am from the We Want Better For You A Life We Didn’t Have
and The Don’t Take Life For Granted
From Those Who Don’t Listen Must Feel
and Money Doesn’t Grow On Trees.
I am from Prayers Before We Eat, Before We Sleep & When We Wake
I’m from New York, East Indian With A Full Caribbean Background
Oxtail & BreadFruit
From the Two Young High School Students protection at its finest to creating a young bloom the
First Female Grandchild
and the 4 Oldest Sisters Who all gave birth in August.
I am from Achievement Pictures on the walls to the recital pictures on the Big Window ledge
I Am The Miracle Child For Both Of My Parents.

***

 Infinity Gilyard

I am from a PINK aesthetic universe, 

from Vaseline and Lotion.

I am from the projects where the elevators are full of piss. The place where you have to look over your shoulders before you walking in.

I am from the ground you know where tulips blossoms

with the natural spring colors.

I am from a foster system that allows kids to feel abandoned

and left out, 

from Lorraine

and Harry and Artlethia.

I am from the do as I say

and not as I do.

From the your head is so big

and your body is too slim.

I am from the go to church on Sundays

and get drunk or go crazy on Saturdays. 

Everyone is distant and not even holidays can fill the gaps in.

I’m from Brooklyn, New York, 

where we eat ravioli in a can or cups of noodles for dinner.

From the crack epidemic, 

the red eyes and carried around crack pipe, 

and the family where all my siblings can say they were in the foster system.

I am from Brownsville where we stand as one and fight those who go against us.

***
 Wasikul Islam

I am from honeybuns and oatmeal pies in corner delis,

from Little Debbie’s and Drake’s.

I am from the brownstone that looks like every other brownstone in NYC squished together.

I am from the prickles of a flower,

the rose that grew from concrete.

I am from where we will drink tea after breakfast to have a nice morning

and make jokes when things are serious,

from Shammi

and Anmm and Mohaimanul.

I am from the religious

and make sacrifices for the greater good.

From “being patient is key”  

and “never be selfish where it’ll hurt others.”

I am from the prayers that happen 5 times a day and wanting peace

I’m from Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, and my family is from Bangladesh

where they eat rice and chicken for almost every meal.

From the time my older brother used to walk me to elementary school with him holding my hand,

the time where we almost got jumped for beating some kids at a basketball game,

and the time my parents had to constantly work hard for my brother and I to have a childhood to look back at and not regret anything.

I am from the picture surrounded by my brother’s awards on a dusty shelf

but I am the child that will grow up to be the person my parents can say they are truly proud of.

***

Sebastian Karreth De Miguel

I am from airplane, 

from Airbus and Boeing.

I am from the Mediterranean Sea… slow, calm and rosemary air.

I am from the wine, 

the stews

I am from the garden feasts

and together everywhere, 

from Frutos

and and Lola and Carmen. 

I am from the loud laughter

and long nights.

From you’re not alone

and como dios manda.

I am from San Lorenzo

as he makes his way to the cathedral.

I’m from Munich with Spanish roots, 

huevos fritos and weisswurscht,

from the hot car rides to Huesca in the Opel, 

the summers at the lake, 

and Paco on the couch. 

I am from Garmisch where the snow covers my face and from Huesca where wine and marching bands fill the air.

***

Sonia Loja

I am from a small country with a large diversity,

from the potato and rice plantation.

I am from the mountains, where the winds in the morning made me shiver.

I am from the pine, and eucalyptus trees, the natural plants that my grandmother used as medicine.

I am from “if you live at my home you have to follow my rules”

and “come to eat now, I won’t call you twice,”

from, Carlos, Maria, and Wilmer.

I am from the “respect others to be respected”

and always assume your responsibilities.

I am from “the best inheritance I can leave you is education”

and always give your 100%, even if there is only a 1% chance.

I am from a Catholic background, where Christmas is one of the celebrations.

I from Tambo, Cuenca, Ecuador, a small town where you can ask your neighbors for a cup of sugar or salt if necessary. 

I from a family where potato and cheese cannot be missing in a soup plate.

From my father who had to emigrate to the United States when I was six-months-old, looking for better opportunities for our family. And my mother who was always there for my brother and me.

I am from the big picture in my parent’s room, a photograph that portrays my childhood. From the video recording where my brother and I showed my father our adventures.

***
Daniel Martinez

I am from the Dominican Republic where rice and beans is ordinary food,

from Carolina and Goya. 

I am from the small houses made of wood, crafted by our own hands.

I am from the caoba trees.

The tall green trees delineate our country’s nature.

I am from where “mentor” (Vicks Vapor Rubs) cures all sickness 

and where hospitality is in our DNA,

From Julia and Rudy Martinez.

I am from religious and military men 

and from the gossiping.

From “never look a gifted horse in its teeth” 

And “I want you to accomplish what I couldn’t accomplish.”

I am from the church services four times a week

I am from ”repent from your sins because the coming of the Lord is close.”

I’m from the vibrant and electric Dyckman, 

From pastelitos to majarete and plátanos con salami. 

From the moment my grandfather took my grandma when she was only fifteen.

My father one out of nine siblings 

and six of those nine deceased. 

I am from the hallway in my home full of our family’s worst and best memories. 

I am the youngest among all. 

I am my parents final product.

***

Ciara Mcfield

I am from bowls of rice, 

from Goya and Carolina.

I am from the building placed a little bit behind from the buildings next to it, like a frenum between gapped teeth. 

I am from the spider plant, 

with wild leaves sprouting in every direction. 

I am from lime and salt mixed together to defeat my stomach aches, 

and crooked pinky fingers,

From Erica and Thomas

and Maria Lantigua.

I am from loud speakers and great cookers,

From always have faith to be kind.

I am from the Christian Church, although I have left it. 

I am from New York but my family springs from Dominican Republic and Honduras,

from arroz con pollo to enchiladas,

From my grandfather feeling love at first sight

to my grandmother’s sister accompanying on their first dates, 

and from the love they shared even after their recent death.

I am from graduation, vacation, just for fun pictures framed and placed on the walls in my living room.

***

Isaah Medina

I am from the cup that is half empty, 

from Baccarat and Rogoska.

I am from the cold room in a warm home, sisters running around, where every door leads to a smile.

I am from the Hemlock, 

and the chocolate opal.

I am from “Text me when you’re there”

and vehement love,

from Hortencia

and Genesis and Sarah. 

I am from the loud, wild and proud ones

and strong, beautiful independent women.

From if you keep making that face it’ll get stuck,

you’re the man of the house, so look out for your sisters.

I am from spirituality and superstition. 

Where our soul guides us through this journey of information through time.

I’m from the Dominican Republic, 

Where the sancocho fills the air and the mangu, your stomach.

From the family where the sisters are more responsible and stronger than their older brother, 

the family that stays up until midnight just to be the first to say happy birthday, 

and the mother who has gone hungry making sure her children are fed.  

I am from Brooklyn, where my childhood ended. Where the world was cold

and my loved ones kept me warm.

***

 Amna Naseer

I am from brown wooden bowls that round out at the sides, 

from the Vatican and bamboo.

I am from the small red house where your feet glide across the cold wooden floor.

I am from the tall sugar maple tree, 

the emphatic fruits of the summer

I am from taco Tuesdays 

and brown eyes, 

from Alayna 

and Sidra and Hira. 

I am from the puzzle builders who stay up late nights trying to complete them and nail biters.

From ”always try to achieve the impossible” 

and “snitches get stitches.”

I am from praying my five daily prayers. 

From waking up at sunrise and ending off my day with the last prayer after sunset. 

To the late hot Ramadan nights while fasting.

I’m from loud Brooklyn and a small village in Pakistan, 

from lentils and curry.

From the time my younger brother was born and I learned the meaning of truly appreciating my mother, 

the hardships she faced and sacrifices she made to raise a family of six, and the time my father left his family behind at the age of twelve to find a better life for those he loved. 

I am from a box of photographs at the top of the shelf and the home movies at my aunt’s house  

as these pieces of our childhood I hold very close to my heart.

I am from the road of success that my parents paved for me!

***

Yi Wendy Ng Liang

I am from Venezuela where corn and plantains would include in each meal,

 from Goya and Tostones.

I am from the small white house with some dormancy trees.

I am from the daisy tree,

the tropical plants that bear white flowers.

I am from where tea can provide a healthier life  

and a severe attitude, from Waihung  

and Bifeng and Ng Liang.

I am from the religious

 and better life for next generations.

From “never give up so easily”

and “time is gold.”

I am from the prayers with joss sticks.

I’m from heaven fulfill with delicious foods and the products factory of the world,

moon cake and rice cake.

From the young female decided to move to Venezuela,

the countryside lady want a brighter future,

and the birth  date of my elder brother was the date of my zodiac sign start.

I am from my brother’s left side, and the picture was hanging on the wall to represent our best moment.

I am a daughter with a lot of dreams to archive.

***

Georgina Paez

I am from a hardcover book,

from the holy bible and my journal.

I am from the city that never sleeps, where the night time makes me feel the most alive.

I am from the plant I’ve nurtured since I can remember,

the pothos plant.

I am from a family that buys a cake for every birthday

and won’t hesitate for a second to make a sacrifice for one another,

from Cruz Maria 

and Antonio and Linet Paez.

I am from the leaving your food in the fridge, but then not finding it later,

and finding your sibling wearing your things.

From being told I talk a lot,

and that I’m not alone in this world.

I am from accepting Jesus Christ as my savior, and aiming to be the best version of myself for him.

I’m from the Dominican Republic, where the beaches are breathtaking and crystal clear,

where we never grow tired of eating rice and chicken.

From the family where the grandmother is almost 90 years old, yet makes sure to live every second of her life as if it were her last,

the family that supports each other through thick and thin,

and the older siblings that make sure to set an amazing example for the younger ones.

I am from the Bronx, where my family moved when I was only four, in order for my siblings and I to dream big, since my parents couldn’t. 

***

Keven Pena

I am from a cloud, 

from Himalayan salt and cane sugar.

I am from the the apartment that doesn’t sleep on Christmas.

I am from the Helianthus annus, 

the sunflower that we can eat its seeds all day.

I am from the place where we pray before eating our food

and let the younger ones pray for us, 

from Oswald

and Anthony and Darwin. 

I am from the the house where we clean every Sunday

and don’t eat meat certain days,

from respect your elders

and go to college to be successful.

I am from a Christian background

I’m from Dominican Republic, 

mangu and yuca.

From the avocado tree in my grandma’s backyard, 

the carvings we made on it as kids, 

and the huge painting in my aunt’s house. 

I am from the countryside in a house made by my grandparents in their teens.

***

Elizabeth Pena Santana

I am from a mortar and pestle,

 from Riceland rice and Goya beans.

I am from the apartment with loud Spanish music playing in Washington Heights.

I am from the Dominican oregano we use in our seasoning,

the plants we keep by our windows.   

I am from where we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve and eat leftovers on the 25th,

and ask for blessings from our elders, “sion tio” and “sion tia” we say and they say ”Dios te bendiga.”

From my mother Angela Santana

and Rene Santana and Eduviges Rodriguez. 

I am from the home where we always cook extra in case anyone comes unexpectedly, 

and always help each other out no matter what.

From “respect your elders,”

and “always work hard.”

I am from both Catholic and Christian background. 

I’m from the little island called the Dominican Republic.

Mangu and sancocho are two of our known dishes. 

From the mangos in my Grandpa’s farm,

to the avocado trees he grew for me and my cousins, 

and then my Uncle’s farm filled with trees and trees of plantains.

I am from my grandparents’ yellow little house in Tamboril, Santiago. 

***

Mellina Rios

I am from the place where the rain is well known,

from Jarritos and Fritos.

I am from a household where spicy foods are eaten.

I am from the bright orange flower, the Cempasuchil,

the representation for a celebration of life.

I am from if you don’t wear any footwear around the house you will get sick

and respect for others is most important

from Elias and Arcenia and Angelina. 

I am from hardworking and caring parents 

And from anything is possible.

From “you have to do better than us,”

and “remember where you come from.”

I am from believing that God has always something planned for us.

They believe that something always occurs for a reason

and faith should always be with us.

I’m from Manhattan and a small town from Mexico, 

from bacon, egg and cheese, and tamales.

From the moment mother felt happiness once again,

the time grandfather was able to travel and get to see his kids,

and the moment father lost the person that taught him many lessons.

I am from a household where you will find a picture of every special moment hanging on the walls.

I am the daughter of two immigrant parents that see a bright future and many opportunities to come.

***

Ariana Ruiz

_{^{I am from an energetic household that is filled with the smell of coffee}} 

_{^{from Cafe Bustelo and Dunkin.}}   

_{^{I am from the most loving yet filled apartment,}}

_{^{with my mom, three brothers, and four pets.}} 

_{^{I am from the bright sun and}} 

_{^{the dandelions that blow in the wind.}} 

_{^{I am from “Coffee’s ready” every morning,}}

_{^{homemade birthday cakes,}}  

_{^{and brown eyes and big cheesy smiles,}} 

_{^{from Anna and Doris and Kathy Hernandez.}}  

_{^{I am from the hardworking family members}}

_{^{and it’s never too late to go to college.}}

_{^{From “try your best, never give up”}} 

_{^{and “See you later alligator … In a while crocodile.”}}  

_{^{I am from believing in what you think is right and}} 

_{^{accepting people for who they truly are.}}   

_{^{The lack of religion but following our hearts}}

_{^{and making sure our voices are heard.}} 

_{^{I’m from Puerto Rico but half my family born in America,}}

_{^{But never forgetting our true Hispanic roots.}}

_{^{From chicken, rice, and beans.}}

_{^{From the time my parents met at 16 on the street my whole family grew up on,}}

_{^{the love that didn’t work out because of old thoughts and toxicity,}} 

_{^{and the time my mother truly blossomed into her own person years later.}}

_{^{I am from family photos on the wall with family quotes surrounding them.}}

_{^{Our photo albums in our closet in a big bin that go back to the 80s,}}

_{^{And albums that once belonged to passed family members,}}

_{^{As love and laughs sweep through our home.}}

***

Tenzin Seldon

I am from tea made with butter

from mac tea and Amul.

I am from the people with Red Cheeks due to the Cold weather.

I am from the Beautiful scenery of rivers, 

the highest plateau in the world

I am from “killing a little bug would be considered a sin”

and short in height, 

from Kalsang and Ngawaang and Tenzin.

I am from the dancers

and carpet designer.

From “others before self”

and “believe in Karma.”

I am from Dalai Lama’s Follower.

“Peace and compassion will lead you to be successful.”

I’m from Tibet but left the country at a very young age, from tsampa and Dumplings.

From the time my dad told me and my sister about the story of escaping the Chinese authority,

the dreadful times that they had to go through for us to have better lives, 

and the time where my mom came to the United States to work hard for us. 

I am from the picture next to my bed and picture of me and my sister holding our dog that is missed.

***

Sheiqkel Talbert

I am from hair grease,

from blue magic and beyond.

I am from the island which looks like paradise when the sun rises, where nature resides.

I am from the rose petals,

the rose which fell from the sky.

I am from parties

and arguments,

from Tarah

and Bronson and Pamela.

I am from the anger

and patience,

From always be kind

and always be generous.

I am from Catholicism to other denominations of Christianity

To be better than what the world is and represents.

I’m from Roseau, Dominica and my family the same

Where bakes and fish cakes is one of many delights,

From the beatings from a loved one and the world,

the beatings which showed me who I am,

and the love of my mother.

I am from pictures up in the closet of my life before,

The true happiness they showed, and the true happiness that is to come.