Sarisa's Personal Essays

Baan Thra Phra This one possession of ours has been in my family for over sixty years. It could easily sell for millions today, yet it is priceless. It brings us together, yet it has caused endless family drama and estrangements. This possession is our property in Bangkok. At the entrance stands large gates with a fence that surrounds the (insert area when I remember to ask my mom)sqft of property. I always hated opening up the gates. They were heavy, and the locks needed to be clicked just right. The gate leads to a driveway, scattered by plumerias— my favorite flower as it reminds me of this house. We park our cars next to a small garden, where stood a sandbox that I frequented as a kid. Before the front entrance of the house itself is a bricked walkway, covered by trees. The bricks have become uneven, and it’s a common sight to see me trip over them.  To the right is a grass lawn. There used to be a swing set, but I don’t remember when it was gone. To the left are more trees, a ...

             Rachawan and Boonsin are my parents. I am an only child. That’s my family.                Lisa and Tobias are my parents. I am not an only child. That’s my family.  In America, Thailand, or anywhere else in the world, my family consists of me, my dad, and my mom. My mom, Rachawan, was born in the heart of Bangkok and has lived a life I am only jealous of; she met Princess Diana and drove around in her own BMW at the age of 20. When I’m 20 and in college, I’ll call to tell her the grass was extra green that day. When I’m 20, I’ll call my dad asking what’s wrong with my car. Boonsin, my dad, is no short of the dads randomly revealing the most insane stories. From famous bass players to Netflix directors, my dad knows about everyone in every industry.  My extended family all lives in Thailand. Growing up, there has always been a sense of isolation: it has always just been us three. ...