Challenges, empowerment, feminism Marianna Poletti Reyes

Wake up, shots fired.

Go out, be kidnapped.

Buy food… there’s none.

A rich country that evolved into a third world country in the blink of an eye. Venezuela, that’s where I lost my childhood innocence. Forced to grow up, forced to take actions. You cannot do much in effect of the danger and insecurity you have there. My heart aches, all the experiences, love, culture and family, I slowly say goodbye to as Pandora’s box continues to open in the country I once knew and loved. I came to the United States knowing nothing and wanting everything; I was seven. The language: difficult to understand. The people: misunderstanding. Me: misunderstood.

Switching schools about four times made it hard to maintain stable friendships. Overcoming the obstacles that came upon me in elementary and middle school I made it my goal to work hard and be the greatest at everything that came my way. It wasn’t until my sophomore year in high school where I found my true home. I joined yearbook that year, probably one of the best decisions I had made in my life. Meeting the friends I knew I’d have for a lifetime, and an adviser whom helped me escape from the wrath and led me into the path of living a positive life.

Throughout junior year, I stumbled down...