When I think of food, the first thing I think of is happiness: memories of my family and friends eating, chatting, and laughing together flash through my head. In particular, I am drawn back to a birthday dinner for my dad. I can almost taste all of the mouthwatering cuisine we ordered: juicy steak, creamy pasta, crispy crab bites, and refreshing raspberry lemonade. But the thing I truly remember most is how my family – my mom, dad, and sister – formed an even closer bond that evening. My sister was laughing so hard her hands were shaking, causing her to spill her lemonade. Instead of yelling, my parents just laughed. It made me realize that even though we may make mistakes, those with whom we eat will forgive us for them.

Out of the estimated 1,025,109.8 words in the English language, my favorite is “food.” It’s not because I love food (although I really do love to eat); it’s because of the impact food has had historically and culturally, as well as the way it helps forge lasting memories. Food is a unifier, a common ground for people across the globe. Without it, we wouldn’t be where we are today (literally).

Every culture has different foods that they eat on a daily basis, yet the one thing that all cultures have in common is that the foods they eat bring them together. It makes them who they are. It will always amaze me that food, a necessity for individual survival, plays a greater role than just sustenance: its roles are multifaceted in enhancing our lives culturally and mentally while helping forge lasting memories.