This entry is part of the Miami Migration Short Essay Contest. The program, created by Cátedra Vargas Llosa, was designed to engage young people in South Florida in the art of writing while reflecting on their migration experiences.

I’m Gabriela Alcala, a 15-year-old girl that wants to show the people that Moving to another country is not just about changing the place where you live. It’s about leaving behind your house, the history of your family, and everything you know. My story begins in Colombia, a beautiful country full of life and welcoming people, but also where my family and I live surrounded by violence and fear. Armed groups made life dangerous every day, and families like mine never felt safe.

In 2008, everything changed for us when my grandparents’ farm was burned down by a group of armed men. They threatened to kill my family, and from then on, life was never the same. We lost not only our land and the animals, but also our sense of peace. Over time, things only got worse. Relatives disappeared or were killed, and every day we felt insecure. After many years of living this way, we finally decided to leave. In 2022, we came to the United States. I was only 11 years old, excited but also nervous about what awaited me.

Starting school here was one of the most difficult parts. I sat in class without understanding a word on my first day in fifth grade. I felt ashamed and alone. That day I realized that learning English was my biggest challenge. At first, it seemed impossible, but gradually, I began to understand more. Every word I learned gave me confidence. Over time, I made friends, started participating in classes, and saw that new doors opened for me.

Adapting to life in the United States was not only about then language, but also about the culture. In Colombia, we were very close to the neighbors and family. Traditions and community meant everything. Here, life felt much faster, and people seemed more independent. At first, the difference made us feel out of place. But after, we learned to mix both cultures. We celebrate Colombian traditions at home while enjoying the American ones.

Although life here was not how you see it on television. It given us opportunities that we could never have had in Colombia. My parents were able to find better jobs, and we finally felt safe. Education became our new hope, and I understood that if I worked hard, I could build a better future.

Migration has been a journey full of challenges, but also full of lessons. I have learned to adapt to overcome difficult times, and how important the family unit is. Above all, it has shown me that even when life feels scary or uncertain, there is always an opportunity to start over.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here. God has always been there even in the worse moments. I know that the sacrifices my family made were not easy, but they gave me a new life full of hope and opportunities. The changed from Colombia to United States will always be part of who I am. It has made me someone stronger and inspires me to continue working hard for the future I want to build.