I moved to New York City and worried I'd be homesick. Then, my sister and best friend became my neighbors.

"As the oldest of three sisters who grew up with two nurturing parents and involved grandparents nearby, my home and family mean everything to me. My family has always been my rock: from attending my first Pride parade with me when I came out as queer in high school to having my entire family drive six hours each way to move me in when I went to college."

"Following in my parents' footsteps, who also met and started their life together in the city, all of my childhood birthday trips and summers in college spent working in Brooklyn led up to the moment I finally got offered my dream job as a sex educator in New York. I knew nothing was going to get in between me and my dream, and yet the reality sank in that moving would change what my immediate sense of family would look like."

I was raised in a close, connected family that encouraged pursuing dreams. As the oldest of three sisters, two nurturing parents and involved grandparents made home central. Family supported coming out at Pride and drove long distances to help move for college. Ambition led to moving to New York for a dream job as a sex educator, following parental footsteps. Leaving felt difficult despite proximity; concerns included missing daily routines, late-night talks, and the home's oaky cinnamon smell. Eventually neighbors included my sister and best friends, and a new, local sense of family formed.

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