Recipient of the Top 100 Women Awards
Returning to my homeland after nearly a decade has been an incredibly meaningful experience for me. I want this post to be more than just a professional reflection; I want it to be personal, reaching out to anyone who might be losing faith in themselves, struggling with confidence, or considering giving up. It is okay to feel this way; I have been there many times, especially as a young immigrant.
I am from Talara, Peru, born into a humble yet profoundly loving and caring family. The true wealth of my life lies in the faith instilled in me by my parents during my upbringing.
Leaving my homeland at the age of 16 changed everything drastically. Being an immigrant presents immense challenges: a new language, culture, climate, routine, people - everything is different. Suddenly, my path seemed unclear, but I refused to stop dreaming. Despite having "nothing" materially, I was abundantly rich in the love of my parents and the strength of my faith.
There were days when I felt utterly lost, unsure of what to do, where to start, how to start, or where to go. But through prayer, I asked God for strength, guidance, and clarity while diligently pursuing my studies and working hard with integrity and ethics as my parents advised me every day. This advice was ingrained in my heart, leading me to meet inspirational leaders and take me to amazing places in life.
To anyone reading this, if you are feeling emotionally fragile, I understand because I have been there. But please, never lose sight of your spiritual strength; it will illuminate even the darkest days and fortify you when you feel weakest.
After almost a decade, I returned to my homeland as a wife, mother, trilingual mental health professional and activist, health educator, and author. I was invited to address a room full of remarkable leaders from Peru and around the world at the Congress of the Republic on a topic I am deeply passionate about - Mental Health and advocating for changes to be implemented, especially in the early stages of life. Mental Health shouldn't only be addressed in times of danger but at the earliest stages of our lives. I will share more about these projects as I go.
Additionally, I was nominated for the TOP 100 Women Awards by women from different parts of my country and the world. This experience allowed me to meet amazing women working for a better future and opened many doors to the changes I would love to see in our world. Simultaneously establish valuable connections and cultivate a strong network for future endeavors. I am completely inspired by every single project I was able to witness. I am proud to share that I was honored as one of the recipients!
To anyone feeling disheartened today, keep striving to become the person you aspire to be because the world needs you! Your story is the inspiration many are thirsty to hear tomorrow, and I can say that because I have experienced that with my current students and their testimonies of how I am impacting their lives and inspiring them to be better. That is what life is all about. I am far from perfection, but if I can impact at least one life and make a difference in them, this journey has been worthwhile.
Don't let one blurry chapter define your story. Remember to cherish the journey, not just the destination.
Do not lose your faith!
Be humble, kind and genuine.
Do not ever forget to be grateful for the good and the bad.
Embrace every single emotion. There is so much power in each one of them.
Do not stop dreaming; therefore, take breaks, but do not ever quit.
Never forget where you come from and never lose sight of where you want to go.
Transform your pain into Power!
