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.

Deborah Bay | Photographic Artist

I’m almost a native Houstonian, coming here from Cleveland, Ohio, when I was three months old. My grandparents were starting a plant nursery in the Heights, and my parents came to help out. After graduating from Waltrip High School I spent time in Austin, earning degrees from The University of Texas and returned to Houston in the 1990s. My first career was in journalism, influenced by my mother, who loved words (and books). My second career as a photographic artist was influenced by my father, who loved pictures (and was into photography and watercolor). Read more>>

Wood Fancher Anthony | Artist

I was born and raised in Houston, TX to a Mexican mother from Zacatecas, Mexico and an Anglo American father from East Texas. My Father’s family did not completely approve of his marriage to a Mexican. Because of this, I was raised exclusively by my mother, all of her sisters and maternal grandmother in a Mexican household. I have spent my entire life surrounded by my mother’s family and robust Mexican culture. Throughout my life, I have been on countless trips to visit family in Zacatecas, Mexico. I have always been moved by the richness of my mother’s culture. From a young age I was exposed to a vastly different ways of life, ideas and customs. My experiences have had a profound impact me; they shaped who I am as a person, as an artist and solidified my love for Mexico. Read more>>

Courtney Price | Children’s Event Planner

I was born and raised in Houston, Texas and I enjoy everything about our city! Houston is such a melting pot of diversity and it shows in the areas of art, entertainment and dining. Another huge appeal about Houston, we have hidden spots around town that are cultural gems and expose us to foreign traditon, food, and experiences. I feel the diversity impacted who I am today because I have an openness and willness to learn about people, places and things that are different than me. Any given weekend I may be dining at a Greek restaurant, taking in the sights at an Italian heritage festival, sitting at a Nigerian food tasting, crashing a local dive in Eado or snapping photos at new art installation at Discovery Green. There is always a new experience waiting and it makes me more of a well rounded individual to be a part of it all. Read more>>

Xochitezca Alejandra Tapia | Educator & Primera Palabra

I was born in Mexico. My birthplace is Mexico City, however, I was raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco. My home background is loving parents with a solid discipline and love for the people. My mother was the greatest role model in terms of caring for the community. I went to college to earn a college degree in teaching and later a couple of postgraduate programs. My roots and culture are a living force that drives me to assist my blood community in all possible ways. I strongly believe that a strong Hispanic community is built on the love for and understanding of its own ancestry and culture, thus the importance of educating my community in these values, among others. I have a clear understanding of the vision to empower the ones around me, and I enjoy working and being around people. Read more>>