Victoria Week 8: Home is home

 Even though we are still very young and have a lot of growing up to do in the upcoming years, I still find myself reminiscing on my childhood. For example, when I visit my house in North Carolina, I often pass by places that impacted my childhood and who I am now. 

My old dance studio: Even though I quit dancing here many years ago, I grew up at Stage Door Dance and spent most of my childhood days here. I gained so much from my old dance studio and met amazing people. I haven’t visited this place in a while, but it is a 2-minute drive from my house in North Carolina, so I often see it when visiting and reflect on the many experiences I had here, starting from when I was as little as two years old. Even though I might have quit, the lessons and experiences I gained from this place will stick with me throughout my life. As my former dance teacher and owner of Stage Door Dance came out with a book this year, she mentioned my name and family and how dedicated we were to the studio. 

My old school: I have not gone to my old school since my last day there; however, this place holds many memories. I grew up here, too, as I attended that school from kindergarten until 7th grade. The friends I made there, I grew up with, and whenever I go to North Carolina, I always make sure to visit them. I cherish every moment spent with them. 

My bedroom: I could not have written this blog without mentioning my bedroom. As silly as it might sound, my bedroom in North Carolina is still painted the way it was when I was a baby. I decided to keep it that way since I live here now, and there isn’t much of a point in changing it. I love being in that room as it feels like home to me. 

My house: Finally, my home. Of course. My house in North Carolina fills up the most space of my childhood. Since we did not sell my house, I often go back to visit, and staying there feels like I am a young child again. Countless memories of my childhood are there, whether it’s my parents hosting 100 people over at my house for holiday parties, eagerly anticipating my dad’s arrival home from work every night, hosting birthday celebrations in my bonus room, making music videos with my siblings, and many more, I never had one bad day there. 

Even though I love Florida and often say I rather FL than NC, the truth is that North Carolina is home. Even though I built so many new friendships here with endless memories, the memories from where anyone grew up will always stick with them. Home is home. 

Do you ever look back on your life when you were a child?