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.

Marcus Muhd | Prod. MNGR, Director

I’m from the south east side of Houston, TX, a neighborhood called Sunny Side. I was an only child, and we moved to another south east Houston neighborhood called South Park, nicknamed “the Dead End” because it was the where Martin Luther King Blvd ran out. The apartments were named The Orleans at that time. It sounds like what it was, the ghetto, but I had no idea about any of that. My father was there and it was pure happiness to me as it should have been. When my parents split and the relationship between my father and I eventually went cold, I later vowed to never intentionally bring a child into the world without being prepared to commit to it and the mother 100%, and to never start anything without 100% commitment to completing it. So, in any business or activity I start, it’s a locomotive. Trains are a very serious and intent form of transportation. They mean business and are not made to take frequent stops. If they did, they wouldn’t serve their purpose and reach their destinations. Once you’re on it, you’re on it. It doesn’t take short-cuts. You’re free to jump off if you want to, but don’t think you won’t have any self-inflicted consequences for that. I’ve found myself working with some jumpers at times. They cause confusion and disturb the morale of the trip when they jump. So, I’ve gotten better at recognizing those type of would-be passengers ahead of time. People who are real about what they want to do should look at it like this. Those who are interested in the trip should be absolutely sure you want to board and have it thought out. Nobody’s going to fault you if decide to pass on the ride, and you’re upfront about it. That’s the respectable way to be. If you decide to take the ride, you gotta get onboard before it leaves the station. I have never taken an actual train before but I’m sure the passengers are super excited at the end of the journey to their destination. It definitely is when you have accomplished your vision. There is nothing like finally seeing in reality what was only an idea in the mind back at the loading dock. Maybe the most important part is the journey itself because of what it makes out of you to accomplish it. Read more>>

Olamide Afolabi | Technical Project Manager

I’m a first-generation Nigerian American; my family moved to the States when I was young. I had a pretty standard Nigerian-American upbringing, I would say. When we first moved to America, I was bullied in school. Why? Cause kids are just a little mean and I had an accent, haha. This experience and a strict home life turned me into a hard person. I spent many years pretty much living on the defense – I was straight-up mean to everyone, I can’t even lie. At some point in life, I got tired of being described as mean and having to live on the defense and pushing everyone away. My natural disposition is to be kind, giving, and cheerful so being tough and mean was just draining. My experience with being hurt and my kind-hearted (but strict!) parents taught me kindness and the importance of supporting and helping people. Read more>>

The Drakes Andrea and Eugene | Filmmakers and Photographers

Eugene: My background is in graphic design, theater acting, and assistant director. I started as a photographer in 2008 and later worked at an editorial fashion magazine. Simultaneously, I started covering real-life events. I’ve always enjoyed storytelling and have used different mediums during different times of my life. My experience in theater trained my ability to tell a story and connect with an audience. In the magazine, great mentors taught me how to direct models and poses. My graphic design degree educated me in composition. Working in real-life events has prepared me to be flexible and keep the focus on the main characters of the story we are capturing. I believe every experience in life helps us navigate it with different perspectives. My mission is to continue exploring hobbies and passions that allow me to broaden my views. Read more>>

Areyelle McGee | Entrepreneur

I’m from New Orleans, Louisiana. I was raised by my educated well rounded mother with the help of my grandmother and great grandmother. My upbringing and background has taught me to not make any excuses, that anything I wanted out of life was achievable. I’ve watched my mother achieve so much and still be a great mom. Read more>>

Carla Gover | Kentucky Songstress, Dancer, and Inspiring Educator

I am from coal country in eastern Kentucky, and my family has lived in this part of the world for 8 generations. You can’t be from Appalachia without it being a major part of your identity, even if it winds up just being the thing that you are trying to hide or rebel against. The media stereotypes and stigma about our culture are so pervasive, and as someone who performs traditional Appalachian music and dance, it has also become part of my life’s work to help shift the narrative about what it means to be from this place. I want folks to get their stories about Kentucky from Kentuckians rather than Hollywood. And I especially want Kentuckians to stop internalizing the dark stereotypes about our region and embrace a more true and nuanced version of our identity. Read more>>