A Journey from Caracas to the World
Mariana Atencio, a renowned journalist, begins her TEDx talk by taking us back to her childhood in Caracas, Venezuela. Growing up in a city filled with magic and wonder, her parents wanted her to experience the world beyond. At just seven years old, she and her sister were sent to a summer camp in Brainerd, Minnesota. This was far from the Miami or Orlando she had dreamt of. Instead, they found themselves in a place where they were seen as “the others,” different from the blonde-haired, blue-eyed kids around them. This experience, although challenging, taught Mariana the importance of embracing different cultures and learning from them.
Embracing Differences
Mariana’s journey of understanding differences continued when she was sent to Wallingford, Connecticut, for her senior year of high school. Expecting an American high school experience straight out of “Saved by the Bell,” she was instead paired with a Muslim roommate from Bahrain named Fatima. Initially disappointed, Mariana admits her selfishness and inability to empathize with Fatima’s situation. This realization came later, during a talent show, when Mariana’s unique offering of a dance class made her feel special and valued. This moment sparked a deeper understanding of the importance of recognizing and embracing what makes each of us unique.
The Power of Empathy
Returning to Venezuela, Mariana’s newfound appreciation for different cultures and languages inspired her to become a journalist. She wanted to change the narrative about people from regions often labeled as “the others.” However, the political climate in Venezuela, with increasing censorship, forced her to leave for the United States in 2008. Here, she covered significant events like the historic election of President Barack Obama and the 2016 election of Donald Trump. These experiences highlighted the persistent divisions and prejudices in society, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding.
Personal Challenges and Growth
Mariana’s most profound lesson in empathy and resilience came from a personal tragedy. In 2014, her sister was involved in a severe car accident, resulting in significant physical disabilities. Witnessing how people perceived her sister solely based on her wheelchair, Mariana understood the pain of being judged and labeled. Her sister’s journey of recovery taught Mariana the importance of redefining oneself beyond societal perceptions.
Celebrating Our Differences
In concluding her talk, Mariana urges the audience to embrace and celebrate their differences. She encourages everyone to look at what makes them unique and take pride in it. By sharing our stories and listening to others, we can break down the barriers of “us” versus “them.” Mariana’s journey, from a young girl in Venezuela to a journalist in the United States, underscores the power of empathy, resilience, and the celebration of our unique traits.
Mariana Atencio’s talk is a powerful reminder that our differences are what make us special. By understanding and embracing these differences, we can build a more inclusive and empathetic world. Let us celebrate our quirks and uniqueness, for they are what make us wonderfully human.