I could have been anyone.
I could have been born in California and picked up skateboarding and punk rock at a young age. I could have been tan and sat on the beach all summer, partying and adventuring late into the night.
I could have been born in Detroit, and been addicted to four different drugs, sleeping with whoever I happened to come across in my stupor. I could have been tattooed and pierced and poor, satisfying my desires any way possible.
I could have been born on a farm back east, and had gnarled calloused hands from the farm work I started doing at a young age. I could have been in a devout Christian family who said grace over every meal that they harvested themselves.
I could have been born in New York, and gifted with intelligence and ambition, becoming a 4.0 honors student, excelling in high school and college, becoming successful monetarily from my excellent job. I could think back to my childhood and realize I never had fun.
I could have been born in the suburbs of Illinois and hung out with my troupe of friends whenever possible, coming home only when necessary. I could look to the past and remember the amazing fun times that I had, but realize my family was never really that important.
I could have been born in Massachusetts and devoted my life to sports. My beer-loving father could push me into as many activities as he could, and my parents could cheer me on at sporting events, but they would never see the things I did behind everyone’s back.
I could have been anyone.
But I’m not anyone.
I could have been born in a town in Western Washington and spent most of my time with my parents,who care about me more than anything, and when I looked back I could remember that my friends were always important but I could never give them enough time. I could become a smart student and get into a good college. I could pick up a guitar, teach myself, and form a small band that could get repressed by my mother who could think I was wasting my time. I could fall in love with all the wrong people and some of the right, and be myself as often as possible.
I could, and I did. This is me, and this is where I come from.
I could have been anyone.
But I am me.



