These days, when people ask me where I'm from, I often say California. The answer used to be Vietnam, but looking back, out of all the places I've lived, California has been the kindest to me. And what is home if not kind?

I came into myself here in California. It was my home, my joy, my pain. Nothing in life stays the same, but one thing is certain: I will forever regard the state of California as the most beautiful place on Earth. I love her with all my heart.