Where I'm From ...

I am from a city people identify as violence,

To living in Mexico with my dad when I was younger.

I am from a house living with five people,

To now only having three people live there.

From being in a family that has problems everyday.

I am from a father who was deported several times,

And I having heart problems because of this.

I am from being in the hospital many times

To having up to three surgeries.

I am from learning about life with a ball at my feet,

To getting concussions because of falling.

From dancing with big heavy dresses,

To traveling to other places to perform.

I am from being the youngest child,

And having my parents relying on me for everything.

I am from a mother being diagnosed with breast cancer,

To asking my first question with swollen eyes, “Is she gonna die..?”

And having those scary days where she wouldn’t wake up.

From my brother and sister telling me that she is in the hospital,

And from having tears rolling down my eyes scared to lose my queen.

I am from having a mother that would do anything to feed and shelter her family,

To no longer being able to do anything but survive.

I am from asking myself “Will I be successful?”

To having people doubt me everyday saying that I won’t make it.

I am from entering a new high school not knowing anyone,

To struggling with classes.

From not caring about school,

To meeting someone who taught me that it will pay off in the future.

I am from always being judged by my past,

To people not noticing how much of a change I have made.

I am from loving and being around kids with all my heart,

To becoming a pediatrician in the future.

I am from falling in love more than once,

And being scared to be heartbroken again,

To meeting someone who has accepted my flaws

And supported me in every step I take.

I am from going to church every Sunday,

to build up and renew my faith.

I am curious about what is coming up,

And already deciding what college I want to go to.

I am from having excellent grades,

To showing my parents that I deserve many things.

I am from having and setting high expectations,

To proving people wrong,

And showing them that I CAN do it.

I am from getting my nails done once a month,

To spend and reflect time with myself.

I am from having confidence that I will make it far,

But I just need the support and reminders.

I am from not living the easy life,

But I do believe that:

Everything

Happens

For

A

Reason.

I am Jailene.

And this is my life.