Journey of Resilience: From Venezuela to the Unknown

Mariana Caicedo
School of Technology


In 2017, at the age of 22, I found myself standing at a crossroads, faced with an agonizing choice: to leave behind my beloved Venezuela. My country, once a vibrant and thriving place, had fallen on hard times. Access to even the most basic necessities, such as food, soap, and toilet paper, had become a daily struggle. Sleepless nights were filled with anxious contemplation, pondering the risks and uncertainties of my decision. Would I ever see my family again? Would this journey be worth it? The weight of my choice bore heavily upon me, yet, after seeking counsel from my parents, I embraced the decision to seek brighter opportunities elsewhere.

I can still vividly recall the day of my departure, a warm and humid day where the sun's rays intensified the earthy aroma of the soil. The idea of embarking on a three-day solo journey to Uruguay, armed with only $100, filled me with a profound sense of fear. However, my resolve had solidified, and there was no turning back. As I prepared to say my farewells to my parents and sister, I desperately attempted to hold back the tears. We exchanged our last goodbyes before I boarded the bus that would transport me to my first destination in Boa Vista, Brazil. The hugs I shared with my sister and father were heartfelt and tight, and the taste of salty tears on their cheeks created a bittersweet sensory backdrop to that pivotal moment in my life, yet I struggled to keep my emotions in check. Still, I clung to the idea of staying strong.

Then, in a twist of fate, my mother chose to accompany me onto the bus. She was there to assist with my belongings, but as she spoke words of caution and love, her voice trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes. Her parting words—"Be careful. You'll always have a home in Venezuela if you want to return."—were laced with emotion, and in that moment, we both let our tears flow freely. I realized that this was not just a farewell; it was a momentous goodbye to my home, family, friends, and the life I had built in Venezuela.

As the bus pulled away from the embrace of my loved ones, my heart ached, and I watched through misted windows as they receded into the distance. Worn seats, the hum of the engine, and the faint scent of gasoline hung in the air. My journey was underway, propelled by an unwavering determination to explore the unknown. The lady seated next to me offered words of reassurance to my mother, saying, "Don't worry, she won't be alone." Her words would prove prophetic, as I was about to discover.

The 24-hour journey to Boa Vista passed like a blur, and in that short span, I formed bonds with fellow travelers who, like me, were in search of new horizons. Our group was a mosaic of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life stories. Each conversation unveiled new layers of understanding, and the camaraderie that blossomed was a heartwarming surprise. I found myself sharing laughter and tales of our dreams and ambitions.

As I gazed out of the window, I was greeted by the breathtaking vista of the Gran Sabana. The crisp scent of fresh grass and the sight of Roraima looming on the horizon stirred a deep sense of awe. At that moment, amidst the beauty of the landscape and the camaraderie of newfound friends, I felt reassured that I had made the right decision. The fear and uncertainty of the past days gave way to excitement for the future. I marveled at the wealth of experiences that lay ahead, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in my 22-year-old self, for I had taken that courageous first step into the unknown.