Borders

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Here I am, in the immigration line, waiting for my turn, and as I look around, thoughts about borders invade my mind deeply. Borders are not just geographical lines on a map; to me, they are symbols of change and evolution in our lives. I stand at the threshold of change today. One page in my book is closing, and another one is opening: a new career, a new world, a new civilization to discover. This transition is infinitely more than physical movement; it is entering the unknown, and exposure to new things which will feed my mind and soul.

Although borders present themselves as dividing lines, they also open doors to new opportunities. And as I stand here in line, I feel that I am crossing more than just a geographical space. I am crossing the boundaries between two different worlds, two realities that, though separate, intersect at the crossing of my being: the world of the known and the world of the unknown. Through this border crossing, I feel being inside an inner war, a battle of identities, between what I am and what I will become. Not only do boundaries delineate nations; but they also form my identity, constructed from what the experience of the journey has consisted of.

The environment here, filled with uncertainty, makes me reflect on the power of borders. They are not just limits; they are also spaces where new cultures, languages, and ways of being are created. People on the borders, like me, experience constant transformation, a blending of worlds, and a rich fusion of customs that intertwine. As I walk toward the other side, I feel that crossing this border will not dilute who I am; on the contrary, it will enrich me, and make me stronger, deeper, and more complete.

I can’t help but feel a mix of fear and fascination. The unknown is so frightening. The unknown of what's to come, how I'll be treated, what will be done to me in this new place. But in the middle of that uncertainty, there's also a desperate need for freedom, for fresh starts, for the hope of finding safety. Emotions get entangled, and within this chaos of emotions, I know that in stepping across this door, I am not just walking away from what I have known, but I am walking towards something else, something which, being a bit unsure, has the potential to transform me, to make me grow.

And here, as I wait, I feel that I am part of that process, that even though I don’t know what lies ahead, I am walking toward a new horizon that will transform me in ways I do not fully understand yet.

Hello! I’m Martha Navarro, a proud Colombian who made the leap to Canada in 2020. As an immigrant, I’ve navigated the ups and downs of starting anew in a foreign land, facing challenges that many of us know all too well. This blog is my little corner of the internet where I share my experiences, insights, and stories. I believe that while the immigrant journey can be tough, it also brings us together in unexpected ways. Through my words, I hope to connect with others who may be feeling isolated or overwhelmed. You're not alone—we share a bond that transcends borders. Join me as we explore the immigrant experience, celebrate our resilience, and find comfort in our shared stories. Together, we can create a supportive community where we uplift each other and remind ourselves that we are all connected.

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