The author, an immigrant who arrived in Silicon Valley over 20 years ago with only a suitcase and a dream, has witnessed the growth and innovation of the Bay Area. They express pride in being part of this community and have seen firsthand the impact of technological advancements on the world. When Silicon Valley Bank collapsed, the author and their company SingleStore's CEO felt that the negative narrative surrounding it was unfair to the people and innovations coming out of the area. Instead, they chose to focus on the resilience and innovation spirit of Silicon Valley, emphasizing its unique ability to turn problems into opportunities through creativity and resourcefulness. The author wrote a full-page ad for the Wall Street Journal, titled "Silicon Valley is not a location," highlighting the idea that it is an emotion, a melting pot of innovation, and a place where dreams come true.