Memoir
College Essay
Things
By: Delilah Mateo
I’ve been to unfamiliar places,
where strangers became “family.”
I have been to hospitals
sometimes to say hello
but many to say goodbye.
I have faced pain time after time
yet I still found myself testing my limits.
I lost faith and hope.
I lost family and those that meant the most.
I found new dreams and strength.
I’ve seen the eyes of someone that broke.
I was the one everyone expected not to change.
I heard judgements and hurtful comments
but still stayed true to who I was.
I’ve said things that I learned to regret.
I held many secrets but didn’t like the weight on my shoulders.
Many times I didn’t listen to advice
only to wish I had.
But only once I was happier than I have ever imagined
only to lose it sooner than I had hoped.
​
Where I’m From
By: Delilah Mateo
I am from campfires
From tents and sleeping bags
I am from the Maple Leafs
(Loud and proud)
I am from the creeks
Whose water cooled me
On hot summer days
I’m from white mountain ice-cream makers and warm smiles
From Rick and Liz
And Tracy
I’m from the laughter and love at big family reunions
And please and thank you’s
From you’ll always have family and be true to yourself
I’m from early Sunday services
With singing to the one that created us
And verses I’ll always remember
I’m from the land of the free and the home of the brave
Fire pizzas and corn on the cobs
From the birthday May baskets and my grandpa chasing after me
The purple glass my mother collects
From crooked picture frames on grandma’s walls
I am from big dreams
And moments to never forget
From the never ending family tree.