I come from...

First I really wanted to thank Zalika for today's class and to thank everyone who shared. This exercise really challenged me and to be honest, I didn't read my writing in class because I was terrified. As some people have already said, it really helped me to realize all of the different places that the students in our classrooms will be coming from and the need for patience. It also helped me to realize how incredibly naive it would be to expect them to open up to you before you gain their trust and they feel that they are in a safe space. Depending on the student and their personal background, experiences and personality, this could be 5 minutes for some and never for others.

So going back to the fact that I was so emotional and scared during this exercise really got me thinking, and what I realized on the way home was that this had a lot more to do with my own fears and insecurities than anything else. This is really hard for me but I decided that I would like to share what I wrote...

I come from open desert skies and sun 360 days a year.
I come from rivers with bridges but no water and wearing open-toed Birkenstocks every day, even in winter.
I come from take out food, microwave dinners and pizza on Christmas Eve.
I come from summers in the swimming pool and family road trips to LA to visit my grandparents (although all I wanted to do was go to Disneyland).
I come from a house with 11 cats, 1 dog and two fish tanks
I come from taking out all my toys at the same time, playing with my sister for hours on end and then leaving them strewn around the house just to drive my mom crazy.
I come from love and silence.
I come from hard work and I'll be there for you as long as I don't have to work.
I come from follow your dreams but keep your feet on the ground.
I come from straight A's and always striving to be the best.
I come from being afraid to make mistakes and always trying SO SO hard to please everyone.
I come from loyal, loving friends.
I come from wanting to change the world but being afraid of stepping on people's toes.
I come from passionate, talented, supportive and loving women.
I come from confusion and shame.
I come from "Do you have a boyfriend?", "Well, not exactly."
I come from "Mom, I told you she's my partner, not my friend."
I come from translating my life and thoughts into three languages.
I come from constantly defining myself and giving explanations.
I come from a love that makes it all worth it.
I come from indecision and uncertainty about the future.