I Am From: Students Celebrate Identity Through Poetry

Year 2 to 6 students have been exploring their identities through the I Am From poetry project, reflecting on their childhood, culture, family, memories and personal experiences through creative writing.

Introduced by Primary EAL Specialist Teacher Sarah Guinon, the project encourages students to celebrate who they are. Inspired by the work of poet Gary R. Gray Jr., I Am From poems paint a picture of a person's childhood, culture and unique life story. 

Students were free to write with no language restrictions or word counts. 

Sarah said, “These poems offer a wonderful window into who my students are, where they come from and the childhoods they are actively living. These students carry cultures and value systems quite different from my own. It serves as a gentle check on my own perspective, reminding me to keep an open mind and honour the many different ways there are to grow up."

"The goal now is to see these identity projects take root across other parts of the school through collaboration", she added. 

Sarah's message to students is simple:

“It is a beautiful thing to be completely, fully yourself. Your background makes our school community richer, brighter and infinitely better. Don't be shy about who you are. Share it proudly!”

Here is an example of an I Am From poem written by a Year 4 student, reflecting on family, culture and the experiences that have shaped his identity.

Beijing, China - Year 4 student

我来自中国首都，北京海淀。 

我来自像饺子皮中的饺子馅一样生长在爸爸妈妈的拥抱。 

我来自像巧克力一样甜米的人间。 

我来自在冬天里那个在爸爸妈妈后面一直燃烧着温暖的火焰的壁炉旁边。 

我来自太阳的怀抱中，太阳给我们的美好生活，他总是美好的两者，给我们温暖。 

我来自太阳光，太阳让我坚持我相信它是每个人的希望，是每个人的鼓励。 

我来自那场火山爆发，让地球有了新的时代。 

我来自每个人对我的忠诚，对我的期望，值得感谢每个人，也是他们应得的。 

谢谢大家 

English translation via Google Translate

I come from Haidian, Beijing, the capital of China. 

I come from growing up wrapped tightly in my parents' embrace, just like the filling inside a dumpling skin. 

I come from a world as sweet as chocolate. 

I come from beside the fireplace in winter, where a warm flame always burns behind my mother and father. 

I come from the embrace of the sun and the beautiful life it gives us—always a beautiful presence, bringing us warmth. 

I come from the sunlight, which keeps me holding onto my belief that it is hope for everyone, and encouragement for all. 

I come from that volcanic eruption that brought a new era to the Earth. 

I come from the loyalty and expectations everyone has for me—a gratitude I owe to each person, and one they truly deserve. 

Thank you, everyone.