Natalia, 20 year old tourism student
Chapter 1. Barcelona
“Just be yourself. Surely, you are brilliant”.
Born in Barcelona in the year 2000, closing the century, Natalia is 20 years old. I met her by the beach on an early Sunday morning. We had both woken up to watch the sunrise, so of course, such a coincidence led me to crave for her to be part of my series.
We sat close to the shore, where we could listen to the sound of the waves crushing. It was 7:30 am. We seemed to have the whole beach to ourselves, the only early birds awake at those unseemly hours in the morning. Nana, as she invited me to call her, was wearing a cute bucket hat she had made herself. She told me she had recently started her own company, selling handmade recycled hats and bags. You could feel her passion and excitement through her sparkling brown eyes.
We talked for over an hour. She was keen and willing to answer my questions. They made her think and reflect on certain aspects she had never considered. A big and genuine smile illuminated her face throughout our encounter.
How are you, really? Right now I have a feeling of uncertainty, but it’s a positive one. I’m curious to know what’s coming next. The global pandemic was a life-changing experience. Since March, everything that has happened has led me to better myself. I’m currently searching for new challenges, discovering my path in life. I am happy and very fortunate.
What does being strong mean to you? Being strong means being able to live your battles by your own means. It’s up to you to believe in your internal strength. It’s there and you have to trust it. Of course, I believe you have to accept constructive criticism, but other than that, don’t let anyone’s opinions pull you down. Today’s society is very negative and pessimistic. That’s why being strong is about fighting for your dreams, holding on to your hopes and ambitions.
What are you most thankful for? Lockdown has made me realise the importance of those little things that add up to make life as memorable as it is. I’m thankful for those around me. My family and friends. I’m also thankful for my desire to create new things, my appetite and eagerness to give things back to this world. I no longer rush through my day to day. I’ve learnt to value things more and to be present.
What has been your biggest mistake so far in life and what did you learn from it? When I chose what degree I would be studying. I rushed it. “I have to study something”, I thought to myself. Instead of taking the time to find my way around and analysing my surroundings, I chose a study just to not be left behind. At the same time, that rushed decision has led me to where I am now. Sometimes bad decisions make you discover things you didn’t know about yourself before. Studying something I don’t like has drawn me to find what I do enjoy. The lesson I take from my mistake is that I have to slow down before making big decisions.
What are the 3 things you value most about a person? Someone who takes care of his own, someone who’s humble and someone with character who’s not afraid to show him or herself without a mask. I believe it’s key in life to be yourself and to have your own essence. I admire those who dare to show themselves just as they are.
Where do you find meaning in your life? In my passion for dancing. It’s where I feel safest. It’s my form of expression and I use it to connect with others through art. Facing society as it is structured nowadays is a challenge for me. Dance is a bridge to my inner self, it allows me to penetrate beneath the surface. It’s a way of escaping the mundane. It helps me be happy.
Fill in the blank: I feel loved when ______. I feel loved when I feel the person next to me gets involved in my life. When he/she pays attention. When the other person puts him/herself in your shoes to fully understand you. You cry and he cries. At the same time, I feel loved when I sense that I’m included in the other person’s life. They make space for me to be part of them.
Where do you go when everything is falling apart? My summer home in Colonia St.Jordi, near Barcelona. I wish I had a piece of that house in the city. It just brings back so many good memories. I also love to go to the sea, just sit by the beach peacefully.
What is your biggest fear? Failure and feeling alone. I fear letting down the ones I love the most. Hurting them. But I encourage myself by being positive. I believe that if you fight with all of your might, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. And besides, in every failure lies an opportunity to learn.
Proceed to the next character in Chapter 1
