The world is filled with different people, cultures, values, scents, and religions which all originate from oneself. Each and every person comes from a place that represents who they are or reminds them of their past in a positive or negative way. I’ve originated from several vivid neighborhoods that have shaped me into who I am today and each one is a symbol of something special.

Maple Street, an area so small, fairly similar to a spaced out building. My first residence, where I spent most, if not all of my childhood, was located in the city of Auburn. Auburn is a small city of many in New York that is overwhelmed with thousands of new faces, some strange and some familiar. Scents of freshly fallen rain fill the crisp air occasionally on the weekdays. On bright Saturday afternoons, there is the clear and appetizing aroma of juicy burgers being cooked to perfection on the neighbors’ grills and the lively sound of young children happily playing. Playful screams and belches of laughter spread all the way down the long yet calm street while dogs barked aloud, as if they were having a competition on who was the loudest. Those who lived around me greeted one another each and everyday while fetching the mail from the tall and bright-eyed mailman. Morning conversations spanned every well built porch that was accompanied by newly bought outside furniture including wooden brown rocking chairs and swings that creaked as loud as an old basement door with each movement. Everyday after all the kids departed from the big yellow school bus that reeked of gas exhaust, we would all meet at a designated person’s house to play. Games of tag or hide and go seek would occupy us until the vibrant street lights popped on at each end of the hard tar road, as if they were our alarm clocks, telling us it was time to go back home into our homes, one packed next to the other like sardines in a package. Residing here on Maple Street has taught me how to appreciate those around me and enjoy the new adventures that I was taken through on a daily basis.

Now, my current neighborhood is very different from before. Here, the beautiful scenery is filled with huge, leafy, healthy trees that almost enclose my view of the crystal clear lake that accompanies my bedroom window from across the busy street. During silent nights, the quietness is always disturbed by the screeching cries and howls from the unidentified animals coming from out back. In the daytime, loud cars, trucks and buses pass by as they all heavily rush into town. The frosty, dewy mornings begin with the feeling of swarms of gnats and the sunrise so bright that the light shines through any curtain, illuminating every room in the house. As I wait on school days for the bus to arrive down my long, narrow curvy driveway occupied with the faded tune of the rowdy chipmunks, and mellow, flute-like chirping birds searching for food, my neighbors greet me in a pleasant way as they head off to work in their cars. Living in such a tranquil and calmed neighborhood like mine has shown me how relaxation and nature plays a big part of my everyday life. Where I lived before and where I live now has also made me into who I am now as a person due to the fact that I am a more quiet and laid back individual than others may be.

Some areas and places in certain towns and cities may be described as unpleasant or they don’t satisfy one’s desires. Although that may be true, both of my neighborhoods that I’ve resided in have positively enhanced and influenced my childhood and developing young adult years of life. All in all, my community has helped define my current position in life and has left many unforgettable memories for me to keep forever.