I'm Here Because

I'm here because of people. Lots of them in every creed, color and denomination. I'm here because of this room, these opinions and the drive to have more of them. I'm here for a job. I'm here for New York.

I was born half way around the world. In Manila. I was no more foreign there then I was when I was born here. My birth parents were Italian and Filipino. I didn't look every other child. I was the lightest of the group and even had curly hair.

When I was adopted I found the same difference. Cloudy Manchester, England hadn't know a Filipino that wasn't a housekeeper or gardener. Tiny Rochester New York hadn't known a Filipino at all. I am diversity.

Most people can't even tell what I am. Except for New York. In New York, I'm one of many. My opinion is not a lone voice in a solo of peoples, rather a chorus in much vaster skyline that is the City.

I'm here just for that. I'm here to find voice that echoes that isn't my own. We're all here for that. Even Lifelong New Yorkers acknowledge this city may be unbearable at times, but its home to the fullest extent. Home is where we the voice resonates. Where an opinion may not go agreed upon but acknowledged in the broader sense. Home is New York. Hopefully for a long time.