My name is Claudia. I’m 18 years old and I live in Curicó, Chile.
Breaking Walls has been one of the greatest experiences in my life. I don’t have words enough to describe how important and especial this program is for me. However, I will make an effort because I want you to know the way I feel.
Before going to Santiago I started to have a lot of expectations about the Summit. I decided to stop thinking about it due to personally I believe that’s not a good option in life. When you expect too much, it’s probable you will get disappointed. It’s better when you just enjoy and live in the moment. Therefore, I went to Santiago just expecting have a great time.
Since day one everything was amazing. I had a mix of feelings. I was excited and at the same time scared. There were a lot of people completely different than me. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able talk with them or not. I wanted to tell them about myself but also listen about their lives. The big problem was I thought they weren’t going to understand me because my English wasn’t good enough. Moreover, I believed as they were from other countries we would not have things in common.
I was wrong, 100% wrong. I realized we are not that different as I used to believe. Yes, we are from different parts of the world. Yes, our cultures are different. Yes, most of us don’t speak English as native language. Yes, our skin is different, our eyes are different, our hair is different, and our size is different. So what? Is that a problem? Not at all. I realized we are practically the same. In spite of all the differences among us, we have a lot in common. We want to create changes, we believe the world can be better and we need to start now. Not even language is an impediment to communicate. Sometimes dancing, music, noises or gestures can express more than words.
I spent two weeks with incredible people, each one of them is especial in a different way. Every person that was part of the Summit has something to show and also to teach. They are powerful, talented, sensitive, unique, funny, empathic. I could be counting qualities the entire day but that’s not the point of this.
Everything I learnt in two weeks is impressive. They taught us about leadership, the right to be ourselves, how to improve our writings, I learnt more about my country – it’s never enough-, among other things. I’m really sociable and extroverted. However, I don’t “open” myself with everyone. I can talk a lot but I don’t mention topics that make me sad or make me feel regretful. I like seeing people laughing and put a smile on their faces, for this reason I prefer talking about happy things or do something funny. Surprisingly I opened my mind and my heart – from my point of view – they did, too. I don’t trust people easily, but this time I did it, without hesitation. How could I not? I believe we are connected and the energy of this group is enriching in addition to inspiring. I trust them, I love them and I already miss them.
Breaking Walls is not just a group or program. It’s a family. My family. I could not be more grateful for being a Breaking Walls artist.