Many of us can recall a time when we found ourselves pretty much alone in the world – perhaps after having moved to a new city with neither family nor friends, or to a new country with brand new sights, disorienting customs, and unfamiliar language. These sorts of beginnings can be filled with a complicated mix of excitement, nagging anxiety, alluring challenge, and profound loneliness. Over time, we hope, we find our way, forge a path, and nestle in. Along the way we may gain deep appreciation for what it means to be truly connected in this life to people we care about, as we hear from Aleida Benitez.
Aleida Benitez lives with her family in Providence and teaches Spanish at the Gordon School in East Providence.