This poem, originally written in Spanish and Italian and translated into English, is dedicated to all my friends, who have been an inexplicable support in all senses of my life. I could not be here without them because my friends are always reminding me that I am doing great. Samantha, who is featuring me in the picture, is one of my biggest friends, who I made here at Wesleyan. I remember that the first time I met Samantha was in an acting class, where I was amazed by her because she did not have any fear of speaking with an accent; in fact, she was loud, and when people did not understand her, she would say it again but in Spanish.

Original Version

La costumbre de hacer todo sola 

Non chiedere aiuto a nessuno

Por miedo 

Per paura di essere giudicati

Por miedo al qué dirán 

Per paura della dipendenza

Siempre estuve sola aunque todos me rodearan

Finché non ti ho visto e mi hai offerto aiuto

No me juzgaste por ser diferente 

E non volevi niente in cambio

En cambio, me ofreciste tu amistad 

Un’amicizia che è durata ed è rimasta forte

De la distancia

Delle differenze

Del idioma 

Perché non solo ho ottenuto un’amicizia ma

Un tesoro 

El que obtiene un amigo

Obtiene un tesoro

Chi trova un amico

Trova  un tesoro.

English Version

The habit of doing everything alone,

Not asking anyone for help,

Out of fear,

Fear of being judged,

Fear of what people might say,

Fear of becoming dependent,

I was always alone, even when surrounded by others,

Until I saw you, and you offered to help me,

You didn’t judge me for being different,

And you didn’t want anything in return,

Instead, you offered me your friendship,

A friendship that has lasted and stayed strong,

Despite the distance,

Despite the differences,

Despite the language,

Because I didn’t just gain a friendship,

I gained a treasure,

Whoever finds a friend,

Finds a treasure.