*

If I could sit face-to-face with my younger self, I would hold her tight and tell her, “You’re wonderful!” I would give her a hug that runs through her entire bloodstream and thus awakens each absent-minded neuron, each sad hormone, and each organ silenced due to stress.

I would ask that woman to have hope and not to let herself be overwhelmed by the situation. I’d cry out to her with her experiences. One day, she may tell them, and she will finally be able to smile.

I would take a bit of madness from that young Sandra, to allow her to continue dreaming even more. And I would tell her to never forget that you can always achieve what you want, as long as you are still alive.

*
*

A native of Colombia, Sandra Milena Cadena Neira writes: “I came to the U.S. looking for the opportunity to stay alive. I was forced to flee my country of origin because I was exercising my profession as a journalist and spokesperson for democracy.” Her son was born in Brooklyn. She studies at the Family Health Centers at NYU Langone. Her teacher is Louise Lessard and Lena Jaffe is the education and workforce coordinator.