Even my earliest of memories revolves around food; I remember happily eating a rice ball with my mom in a park. Coming from a military family background, as well as having a Japanese mother, I’ve been accustomed to eating various sorts of cuisines from around the world, and am always open minded about trying new foods. Growing up, I never really ate ‘American’ foods. I had never even heard of a Zaxby’s or Waffle House until I moved here.

My mom is from Okinawa, Japan, which I consider to be one of my favorite places on Earth. It’s the home to anime, sumo wrestling, and strange TV shows, but most importantly, amazing food. There are no words to describe how incredible, nor how deep my love for it is. I am convinced that nothing in the U.S. will ever compare to the deliciousness of Japanese snacks and desserts. My life has revolved around staple foods such as rice, noodle dishes, natto(fermented soybeans), miso soup, etc., and would always bring homemade bento boxes to school with me.

My family also lived in Germany, which introduced to me to foods I now love, such as Schnitzel(fried pork), Belgian waffles, Kinder chocolate, and even cultured my habit of putting mayo on everything. Whenever my dad was deployed, he would always bring back his favorite staple foods from each country, and my mom would regularly incorporate it into our own meals.

To this day, the thought of trying new foods excites me, and everywhere I go, it seems like a new quest to find the most delicious local cuisine in the area. It’s gateway into other cultures, as well a way in which to bond with others, and I personally consider food to be one of the greatest joys in life.