Vulnerability

There are many adjectives to describe the life and feelings of an immigrant, but today I will focus on one in particular: vulnerability. Moving to a new country is accompanied by fears, expectations, and anxieties. Regardless of the reason for changing address, there are feelings that are common to almost everyone. We have many doubts that represent insecurity in the face of the unknown: “Will people understand me in another language? Will I find a good place to live? Will I be able to get a driver’s license? Will I get a good job? Will I get used to the climate?” Deep down, the fact that we are in a place with different rules and customs is often a “façade”, an excuse to justify our fears. I believe that, behind all of this, what weighs most heavily is the lack of a support network, the absence of family and friends who we have always been able to turn to in difficult times. Even though we have internet and easy access to means of communication, it is not the same as having the “live” support of those we love. Sometimes you think that, because you have acquaintances somewhere, they will certainly help and support you in times of need, but don’t be fooled, they may be the first to turn their backs on you (“create unicorns, but don’t create expectations”, as a friend used to say). In our culture (maybe among Latinos as a whole?), we are considered “warm”, but in my experience this is true more for the good times, parties and get-togethers, not necessarily for the bad times. When help is really needed, all that’s left is family, and a few very loyal friends. And over time this can take its toll, we become needy, the longing hurts. On this difficult journey, however, when we least expect it, people genuinely interested in helping appear, of different nationalities. People we often know very little about, but who are endowed with empathy and do everything in their power to help us, whether with tips, a contact, or a ride. Simple gestures, but which mean a lot, and which make us believe in better days, in great friendships and in a warmer reality, especially for the cold days in North America.