Growing up in Brazil, my life followed a predictable pattern. From the age of five until I was seventeen, I attended a small Christian bilingual school, followed by extracurricular activities and weekend rituals. It was a comfortable existence, albeit one confined within the boundaries of routine and tradition.
Weekdays were structured around school, which ran from 8 am to 4 pm, while weekends were filled with Korean school, ceramics classes, visits to my grandmother's house, and church on Sundays. It was a life lived within the confines of familiar routines, shielded within an invisible bubble.
Even as life brought changes, such as moving from Brazil to the US and from Florida to New Jersey, I found myself inevitably slipping back into the same cycle. It wasn't until college that I was finally able to break free from this repetitive pattern and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
The turning point came during my sophomore year when I enrolled in an entrepreneurship class. It was a decision that would alter my perspective on life profoundly. Until then, I had assumed that my path was predetermined – to major in Kinesiology and pursue a career in either Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy. However, as I delved into the world of entrepreneurship, I realized that there were countless other paths waiting to be explored.
Stepping out of my comfort zone opened my eyes to a world of possibilities, but it also brought with it a sense of uncertainty. For the first time, I found myself navigating uncharted territory, confronting new challenges, and questioning long-held beliefs. It was a daunting yet exhilarating experience – a journey of self-discovery that would reshape my identity and redefine my aspirations.
As I ventured into unfamiliar territory, I was forced to confront aspects of myself that I had long ignored. It was a process that required me to unlearn old habits, challenge ingrained thought patterns, and reassess my values. While it was often uncomfortable and painful, it was also incredibly liberating.
Through trial and error, I began to discover who I truly was – not the person shaped by societal expectations or familial pressures, but the authentic self waiting to be uncovered beneath the surface. It was a journey marked by moments of self-doubt and self-discovery, but through it all, I remained steadfast in my commitment to authenticity.
Today, as I continue to navigate the complexities of life, I am filled with a sense of liberation and self-assurance. I am no longer bound by the constraints of routine or tradition, but instead embrace the fluidity of life and the endless possibilities it presents.
While my journey of self-discovery is far from over, I am grateful for the opportunity to have embarked on this transformative experience. I am no longer the person I once was, but rather a version of myself that is more resilient, adaptable, and authentic.
In breaking free from the confines of routine, I have discovered the true essence of who I am – a person capable of embracing change, confronting challenges, and embracing the beauty of life in all its complexity. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
