The vibrant piraguero carts complement the rainbow streets of Viejo San Juan. I chase my cousins down the cobbled stone streets, unprepared for the impossible task of choosing a flavor. My mom insists that I avoid staining my clothes with coconut. Regardless, I’ll risk it with parcha.

Sara, Age 18
Heights Libraries - Lee Road

The warm smell of dough, cheese, and meat fill the kitchen on Christmas morning. Every year my family comes together and creates raviolis from scratch. I've always been the dough thinner, running it through the machine watching it expand. They give me responsibility, connecting me with my family.

Marchesa, Age 18
Cuyahoga County Public Library - Beachwood

On my second day of school in a new country, I sat alone, drowning in unfamiliar sounds. My teacher walked me to the corner store and the cool blast of freezer air smothered my face. I reached for a bright red Angry Birds popsicle. “Glida,” she said, pointing. The sticky red juices taste like home.

Charlotte, Age 18
Cuyahoga County Public Library - Orange