Write a short story (600 – 1000 words) that describes your sense of home; write about the values and the stories that you use to connect yourself to, and to identify your sense of home.

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It’s a dark morning, the sunroof is covered in snow and the light of day can’t break through the clouds. Today is Christmas morning, and I am ten. I run from my bedroom and join my sister in waking up my parents. My dad makes himself tea and grabs the newspaper. My family spends the first few minutes of their morning going about routines. I sit and wait patiently by the tree, more excited about what my family members have given each other than what I will receive. I’m joined by them shortly after, and we start handing gifts to each other. My mom selects the order in which gifts are opened, making sure nobody feels left out. She announces who each gift is for, and who it’s from. We’re always surprised with each gift opened, and show outward expressions of gratitude. After that my mom and sister start making breakfast; it’s always eggs, toast, hash browns and bacon. When that’s over we spent the day watching T.V., going for walks, and just spending time together.

It’s now July, and I am sixteen years-old. My family is waiting in the hot Florida sun at Port Canaveral. We’re waiting for the green light to board the cruise ship. It will be touring around the Caribbean, stopping seven times along the way. My sister and I are joking with each other to pass the time. My parents are patiently waiting, and double-checking that all our luggage is present, and that all the necessary travel documents are accounted for. Eventually we’re allowed on the ship. My sister and I eagerly want to begin exploring every inch, so as to not miss a single thing. My dad reminds us that we should visit our rooms first, then check the dining room so we know where to go. My family travels as a unit, it’s a routine we started since I was born. After traveling the ship for a while we group up for the muster drill (in case the ship begins to capsize). Over the course of the cruise we wander around the ports, dine, and go to various events as a family. When we get to the airport I cannot  wait to be home, somewhere everything makes sense, and things are predictable. A place where the norms don’t feel foreign, and there aren’t flags everywhere reminding me that I’m not home (*cough* America *cough*).

Despite the fact that now my sister has moved away from home, and created one for herself. Even though I spend more time doing homework, and going to school, than I do with my mom and dad. I still feel at home in British Columbia, surrounded by family. The mountains provide me with a sense of security. The familiar streets and bus routes make me feel that I’m not lost. The frequent mixture of cloud-high buildings, and parks with lush trees combining nature and industry gives me a sense of connection to the environment. Being in the house where I’ve lived for all my years, though they may be few, it creates a history for me. Home for me is familiar, though things may change and people with them, I can count on certain things to be constant. My house to remain the same (for now), and my family to stick together despite geographical distance. My home will certainly change in the future, as my life changes, and environments shift. Home for me is, and will be, anywhere I feel welcome, or where I feel like I belong. Anywhere my goals and aspirations lead me, though it will take time to settle in, will become my home. My concept of home isn’t static, it changes with time, and as families grow and shrink. It’s not a place, but a feeling of being loved and loving those who you’re with; not wanting to be anywhere else.

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Works cited:

Beck, Julie. “The Psychology of Home: Why Where You Live Means So Much.” The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 30 Dec. 2011. Web. 5 June 2015.

“Greenest City 2020 Action Plan.” Greenest City 2020 Action Plan. Web. 5 June 2015.