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Two cultures, one family
I consider myself a person that believes that family is one of the most important things in life. My mom is Colombian and my dad Ecuadorian, even though they come from the same continent, there cultural lives have been different. I have learned how to convey with this kind of situation my whole life and it has been an amazing experience. The traditions in Colombia are very different from the ones in Ecuador. I have experienced all of them, and I love how my parents try mixing both of their cultures in each tradition. Colombian celebrations such as "El Día de las Velitas", has been one of the many traditions that my Ecuadorian family and I have had the opportunity to share, thanks to my mom. Learning the coexistence amongst both of these cultures and their adaptation, has become a blessing for me. Most of the time, I thought how hard it must be for my mom to live in a distinct country. Although along the years, I realized the degree in which these differences united my family. My mom and dad, have always implemented the idea of learning from each other. This has created a sense of curiosity in my family, and I believe that this has helped built in the person I am today. We are very tight, and I am grateful for the support they have provided. I’ve acquired my love for culture and the world itself since I was very young and I thank my parents for this.
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Who am I?
"Who am I?” is the hardest and the most repetitive question that I ask myself. I can not really describe my complex personality. Sometimes I think, “I know who I am”, but that is not true. I don’t know everything about me… yet. Although, I can fairly say I know what I enjoy in life. I am passionate about meaning, it sounds weird, but I want to be a person that the world is in need of. I want to give meaning to my life, and transmit that to the whole world. I am passionate on the change I can do in this world, and the change every human can do. Some of the things I have learned about myself, comes from the many experiences i’ve had regarding my passion. Understanding the reality of a developing country like Ecuador, has opened my eyes to understand what the world really is. Little boys working in the streets without any education guaranteed, levels of corruption that had lead in to political disasters, freedom of speech banned, and many more devastations. Ecuador might have many social problems, but I am grateful to have the opportunity to be raised here. It has teach me about diversity and what it provides to the world. For me culture is something that can go beyond anything, it is a beautiful thing that everybody should embrace.The coexistence within a culture and nature, is what I like to call my favorite type of art and one of the many ways in which diversity can bring a positive change to the world. I have understand, how incredible it is to emerge into a different culture, from my parents distinctions, and to the many opportunities that have crossed my life path. Culture is part of my biggest passion, it has provided meaning to my life. Through this, my desire to transmit the importance of culture in this world, grows every day. My love for culture, has helped me embrace the many things I like to do. I love learning about the world and human beings. I’ve had the opportunity to fulfill this curiosity of mine, through many cultural immersions and community service. Helping the community, is a very important factor in my life. I am one of those persons, who is open to any situation that requires any kind of help. I see myself as a person to whether with small or big projects, I am always in search of a more equitable world for all human beings. Many of the opportunities i've had, have help me understand what I truly enjoy in life, and the little things that may help in the future, to answer the rigorous question of, "Who am I?”.
I am passionate about the world I live on, the many experiences I have lived, and will live in the future.
I am passionate about the world I live on, the many experiences I have lived, and will live in the future.
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Working in Beyond Lagartococha
Since I was part of the project Beyond Lagartococha, I feel that I have found my true-self. The coexistence with a culture different from mine and the connection with the Amazonian environment, has helped me understand my passions. Working along with the Secoya Tribe has been the best experience in my life. I have shared amazing moments with my peers and the Secoyas. The trips to Mañoko, have been surreal, I have learned about the Amazon and how the Secoyas live within the area.I feel lucky to be part of this project, it has taught me so much about the world and the Secoyas. It has created an impact in my life by perceiving the improvement in the education of the Secoya children. As a team, we worked very hard for several years, by raising funds. It has been hard and tiring, but we are all inspired by the idea that the people of Mañoko, deserve an education and other needs. The most incredible part of working with Beyond Lagartocha, is the mutual help the team members and the tribe, has shared. Being around such an enriching culture taught me so much in life. The idea that the Secoya understood each of their differences inspired me to understand the world from that perspective. The name "Beyond Lagartococha", has brought significance into my life. After working very hard for this community, I feel like I went beyond my abilities to help the world. I went through a river, and I believe enough in myself to know that I am capable of moving beyond this limited world. This experience made me realize what makes me happy even though I might be very young. It made me the person I am today and I am proud of that.
Feel free to contact me via: valentinamantilla14@gmail.com