Transformations: From Imposter Syndrome to New Horizons
A Personal Journey through Challenges, Education, and Cultural Exploration
It's been over a year since I last penned a blog entry here, and boy, what a rollercoaster it's been. I'm excited to share the highlights of my journey, which has taken me through self-doubt, academia, cultural exploration, and even a brand new role. Join me as I reflect on a year of transformative experiences.
Confronting Imposter Syndrome
One of the most challenging aspects of this year has been the recurring battle with imposter syndrome. That nagging little voice inside your head can be relentless, but I've learned to silence it, especially in the face of adversity. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant threat to Carishina, my travel-based business. I had taken the leap to make it my full-time gig in December 2019, which turned out to be a bold move. When the pandemic struck in March 2020, I found myself questioning the future of Carishina. However, I didn't give up. Alongside Hilda Labrada Gore, the host of the Ancestral Wisdom Tour, we pivoted our approach and successfully produced a captivating documentary during a time of travel restrictions.
Back to School
In the summer of 2021, I embarked on to pursue the next level of my academic studies. I was admitted as a candidate for a Master of Arts in Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at NYU. This decision posed many challenges in jungling care for my daughters, work and school. Especially when I realized I was surrounded by Gen Z peers. I was 35 at the time, and the reality of the generational shift hit me. I embraced the experience wholeheartedly and learned tons of interesting and admirable nuances about GenZrs and established important friendships and solidified new perspectives. It turned out to be a wise move for my career, providing me with a new perspective and the chance to strongly contribute to decolonizing work.
Ecuadorian American Cultural Center
I'm thrilled to announce that I am now the inaugural General Manager at the Ecuadorian American Cultural Center. While I may not consider myself an Ecuador expert just yet, this role is a testament to the hard work I've put into my career over the past six years. The center's mission and its programs will undoubtedly provide exciting opportunities for the future.
Documentary Endeavors
Creating a documentary is no small feat, and it was a beautiful yet challenging journey. The "Ancestral Wisdom: Ecuador Documentary featuring Holistic Hilda" was a labor of love that took three years to complete. It allowed me to explore and share profound cultural insights.
Global Travels
My year also included exciting travels to Guatemala, Germany, Ecuador (twice), and Spain. Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts where I'll delve deeper into these extraordinary experiences.
In conclusion, the past couple of years has been a whirlwind of self-discovery, education, and exploration. I've learned to silence the voice of doubt and embrace new opportunities with open arms. From pursuing higher education to taking on a leadership role and creating a documentary, it's been a year of growth and transformation. Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey. There's much more to come, so stay tuned!
