Home

Weeks ago in school we talked about a person's domicile. A domicile is basically a legal term for someones' home or the place that someone has substantial contact with. Most people in class did not think twice about where this place was for them; but for me on the other hand, it was a relatively difficult topic. Looking back throughout the years, I have called 5 different places home: I was born in Puerto Rico; moved to Clare, MI when I was 10; moved to Grand Rapids, MI for my undergraduate career; my parents moved to Lakeland, Fl my second year of undergrad; and finally when I graduated undergrad I moved to Indianapolis, IN to began law school. After all these places I have lived in, loved in, grown in, it was hard for me to decide where my domicile and home was.

So I ask myself and I ask you, what is home? Where is your home? And what does home mean to you? I have been thinking about this for weeks and have finally come to a conclusion; home for me is not just one place, home is many places for many different reasons. For me home has become more than just a geographical place; for me, people have become my home and the places where I found myself will always be home. Puerto Rico, sadly has simply become the place I was born. Clare is still my home. I grew up there, had my first kiss there, got in a lot of trouble there, and began developing my own personality and ways of thinking there. Grand Rapids will always be my home: there I grew into the woman I am today by joining organizations, getting jobs and internships, and after changing my major many times, finding the career that I was meant for. Lakeland is my home simply because of the people there. My parents, my sister, and others there make this home for my heart. I feel tranquil and at peace when I am there and feel so much love I sometime don't know what to do with. And finally, Indy is slowly becoming my home. I have started to grow there and fully become an adult. I have met people there that make me happy and who share common goals and interest. My heart is spread amongst many places and I love that. I can go many places and the slighted smile from someone can make me feel at home.

So the topic of home is a complex question that every individual faces. But for me, it is many places and will most likely change multiple times throughout the years. But I consider myself so lucky. I can hop in my car or in a plane, choose a place and go, and feel at home. 

Today I leave Lakeland after spending a week with family. I get sad every time but then my friends find a way to smile and make me feel home again.