Affirmations that I made the right choice migrating to Colombia.

Perfect imperfection

Yesterday, I found myself having a very pleasant conversation with a new teacher at my branch of ASW. Usually, the experience of working as an ambassador gives you frequent exposure to curiosity and a plethora of questions, as people are usually so sweet and willing to learn. As he proceeded to ask questions about my country, the conversation gradually turned towards the direction of how we spent our vacation. Now, as I reflect upon that conversation, it helped affirm so much for me, recognizing my evolving identity.

I am a proud citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, and the essence of the Caribbean runs deeply within my veins. I started explaining to him, the things that I miss about my country such as my culture, religion (Hinduism), food, and honestly that list could be endless! Going back home for the first time after migrating was truly an indescribable experience. My sister, brother-in-law, mom and nephew came to pick me up at the airport and one of my core memories that I cherish is driving home after my flight, with the windows down, reggae music in the background while finally being able to speak again in English Creole. Spending the Christmas vacation at home, celebrating like a “Trini” as we call our nationality in short, was a refreshing feeling that I needed so badly at that moment.

The conversation also allowed me to express some things that I felt but didn’t actually say to anyone else until that moment. There were many points in my vacation that I also felt home- sickness towards Colombia. In many ways, I have voluntarily evolved or perhaps been “colombianized” because I am in love with Bogotá, my friends, my experiences, my job and my beloved colleagues – and I know it’s not just me. I have met many other foreigners, not just ASW ambassadors that share the same sentiments that I do, subsequent to migrating here. There is something so special about Colombia – maybe it’s the art, expression, culture, people, or even a mixture of all the aforementioned, but it just has a way of stealing your heart and making a place for itself in your soul. I am a proud Trinidadian. The sea, sun and sand will always be my safe space, but now, I can express that home is wherever the heart is!

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