Even if you are from the same neighborhood as someone else, you might still be coming from different places. Where you are from is a complicated question and it elicits complicated, but interesting and thought-provoking responses. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Marcelo Maccagnan | Musician / Bassist / Composer

I am originally from Brazil. I grew up there and moved to the US when I was 20 years old for college. I think as a musician, growing up in Brazil I was able to experience a very big amount of musical genres. I grew up listening to American/British classics like Carpenters, Tears for Fears, Queen, ABBA because of my mom, but at the same time, I was constantly exposed to Brazilian music and was also able to absorb a lot of that language. Read more>> 

Kana Nakada | Dancer & Choreographer

I was born and raised in Okinawa, Japan. Growing up in a traditional Okinawan household as the youngest of four siblings, my father always told us “Don’t be afraid to be alone, always do what you think is right.” That could be why, I always had no resistance to express my own thoughts and be open to different perspectives. Read more>>

Pilar Zurita | Tattoo Artist

I’m from Pilas, a very small town in Spain. When I was a child I had a lot of interest in art, I was always drawing. My two aunts raised me while my parents were working; they used to embroider shawls and we spent many hours together, painting, drawing… and they always encouraged my creativity, along with my parents.  Read more>>

Dean Yasharian | Chef / Restaurant Owner

My upbringing and background had a great impact on me as a person as well as a chef, connecting me with the land, farming, hunting and nature. Both of my parents and their families are from Northeast Pennsylvania. When I was born, we moved to the Southern Tier of New York State for my fathers work as dairy farmer.  Read more>>

Nick Kartes | Gaffer

Almost as unassuming a place as you could be from and be involved in filmmaking. Indianapolis Indiana Yall! My story is somewhat interesting of a path and also somewhat common in that sometimes filmmaking runs in the family… Read more>>

Trevor Rain | Rapper / Recording artist

I’m from San Diego, California . I grew up in a small town just 40 minutes outside the city called Ramona. The way I grew up was good but bad at times too with a dysfunctional and toxic family that took a huge toll on my mental health at a young age. Read more>>

Wisdom Washington | Artist & Forever a Student

I am born and raised in California, specifically the Bay Area. I grew up half in Richmond and Hercules, and the rest further inland towards the delta. I would say that where I come from and how I was raised has been integral to how I am today and how I look at the world. Read more>>

Chloe Anderson | Actress/Singer/Songwrit

I am from a small town called Big Bear. My parents had me young and divorced while I was still young. Then I lived full time with my awesome mom. I’m also the oldest sibling. It was pretty hard growing up with divorced parents, but sadly that’s how most families are now. Read more>>

Tim Cruz | Feature Film Director & Photographer

Moving from Manila to New York at the age of eight marked the beginning of a journey that profoundly shaped both my personal and professional identity. In the bustle of the city, my family, like many immigrants, embraced the ethos of hard work and resilience.  Read more>>

Samantha Ettus | Bestselling author and Jewish Activist

I was raised by parents who made me believe I could be anything and a mother who was unafraid to use her voice for justice. I spent most of my childhood on the tennis court as a competitive junior player, and in many ways all of this prepared me for the challenging work I am doing today. Read more>>

Kagan Okudan | Art Director and CGI Lighting Artist

I hail from Turkey’s captivating Mediterranean coast, where the blend of sun, sea, and ancient history shaped my appreciation for nature and curiosity about the world. Surrounded by the echoes of civilizations past, including Romans, Byzantine, Seljuks, and Ottomans influences, I grew up immersed in a rich cultural tapestry that fueled my passion for art and technology.  Read more>>

Laila Contractor | Integrative Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. My father came to this country from India at a time where there was a shortage of physicians in the US due to the Vietnam war. During our many trips to India, I used to shadow my grandfather who was a Family Physician.  Read more>>

Bring Da Smack Podcast | Podcast Host – Community Network

Big Al: I was a military brat so we moved constantly but when my father retired I started HS in Decatur Ga. Decatur raised me in believing in myself and showing self-confidence in all endeavors. My parents instilled in me to be myself and my children showed me it’s alright to show my emotions and not keep things bottled up. Read more>>

Coby Brown | Music maker and writer.

I grew up in Boston, which was a a great city to learn on. It’s beautiful and you can walk in any direction to tons of history and culture, yet it’s small enough to feel manageable. When I was little, my family used to spend weekends just exploring it all.  Read more>>

Rats In The Attic | Social Podcasting

We both grew up in Moreno Valley California. Our background was in the local music scene which brought us together. Now we share a common goal and are hosting a podcast in the same city listening to stories from guests who come from all over So Cal to tell theirs. Read more>>

Christan & Ethan Romero &Bueno | Musician

We both grew up in Glendale, CA which is a suburb in Los Angeles. We both have Hispanic backgrounds that definitely had all kinds of music from Spanish 80’s rock to Hip-Hop and so much more.  Read more>>