Learning about spatial poetry was super cool—I’ve never heard of it before this week. I’m currently teaching abroad in Italy for the month of January and recently went to Rome. I saw this map inside a store that inspired my spatial poetry vision below.
The map asked tourists to complete a fun activity where they mark on the map the place they’re from. Marking the map was first instinct at first, but scrolling through the map in my camera roll later made me realize how many places I think of as home! In particular, the map reminds me of when people ask “where is home for you,” which is what I titled this small piece. Below is a description of the map poetry in more detail:
My home (Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania): This is the first place I marked on my map! I’ve lived here for the majority of my life, and my small town is something I’ll never forget. It’s so different from the busy city I’m surrounded in for college, but it holds an equally strong place in my heart.
Original home (Brooklyn, New York): When my parent immigrated to America, they first found home in New York! It’s here that they found a community of other immigrants hoping to find work, and I lived in New York for much of my childhood whilst they found a living. I visit New York quite often since part of my family still lives here!
Family home (Fuzhou, China): My parents are originally from Fuzhou in China. I’ve visited once in 2018 for three months. My identity largely involves of my Chinese heritage, and I’m hoping to visit my family’s home with my parents and brother once I graduate college!
Second home (Cambridge, Massachusetts): I’m a sophomore, so I’ve only been in Massachusetts for 1.5 years, but it’s quickly become my second home. I love the friends, experiences, and academic communities I’ve found here (including PLIX! 
)
Summer home (Washington, DC): I spent last summer in Washington, DC interning at a citizen science/public health organization. It was an amazing experience and what ultimately convinced me to pursue science communication. I loved it so much I’m returning this summer, which I’m beyond excited for!
Host home (Pistoia, Italy): I lived with a host family for this month of January because I’m teaching microbiology abroad. This is my first time doing large traveling on my own, and the first time I’ve been to Europe. I was very nervous, but I’m so lucky that my host family was welcoming, kind, and overwhelmingly supportive. Their house quickly gave me the same support as my other homes!
Future home (UK): For summer 2026, I’m hoping to study or intern abroad in the UK as part of one of MIT’s programs!
Home means so much more than a physical place (or one place!) for people, which is what I’m hoping this encompasses :))
