When I think of play what comes to mind is the outdoors- getting stuck in thick mud on the beach, climbing trees, hide and go seek in the grass, and secret hideouts beneath bushes. Often the games I would play with my brother or friends were elaborate, ongoing role plays- we would be feuding sorcerers or magical princesses, mother and naughty children, space traveling animals, or doctor and patient.

I moved to Germany when I was about four years old. I don't remember much of the United States before then, just some important events, like birthdays and such. Most of my childhood memories were formed in Germany, so it is really the place I think of when I reflect on growing up. My mom wanted both me and my younger brother to learn German, so she put us both into a German kindergarden. 

My childhood experience of play meant games, laughter, a time to have fun.  I used to play with almost any toy given and may have given me an even better pasttime because I was an only child. To this day I enjoy almost any game I play. I associate the word play to only good memories. I remember playing during recess in the schools yard and seeing all the kids doing all sorts of games. One game I used to really enjoy was jump rope and I remember the songs we used to sing while jumping. Overall I remember really good times during childhood play. 

I have always loved to play. I remember when I was younger, my favorite game was "Let's Pretend". My friends and I would pretend that we were stuck on an island, we were movie stars and we lived in mansions, or we would reenact our favorite movie scenes. We would always come up with crazy scenarios. The more crazy, the better.

Who wants to play house?

“I do”

When I was in kindergarten I thought being a boy is cool, so I always played together with boys instead of girls. I tried to pee standing upright, I loved playing with swords and guns and never loved Barbies or puppies, and I thought fighting is a symbol of coolness. So when I would fight other boys with my wooden sword, thinking I was a hero or something. It was dumb but fun. Later on, as I aged I realized being a boy is not as cool as I thought. Though I still don't like Barbies, I start playing together with more girls instead of boys. It wasn't until high school that I finally find it comfortable being a normal girl, and now I loved being a female.