KidSpirit

A Mile in My Shoes: Let's Keep Walking

Reality and PerceptionGlobal Beat

Morning, afternoon, and night are times for new experiences and adventures of learning. For me, a typical day is a common weekday following our routines. In my community of Coronel Oviedo, in the heart of Paraguay, 24 hours in my life is full of different activities. From the time I wake up until I go to sleep, I’m ready for a new day of joy acquiring knowledge or skills through experiences.

After eating breakfast, I go to school, where I have classes the whole morning. I go to a public school near my house. There I share most of my time with my classmates and friends. It is common, when you find a friend, to greet by kissing on both cheeks and giving a big hug. Paraguayans are known for being very affectionate.

In the afternoon, especially during summer, drinking terere (a traditional Paraguayan drink) with friends is very common. Terere is considered a friendship drink because everyone drinks in circles or with someone else. This is the time when friends trust each other and share their feelings. I have realized that listening to others is the key to knowing how people are feeling and why they act the way they act. You never know how their day is going and if they need a hug, or some terere with a good friend who can be there and just listen.

I remember once a friend said many bad things about another friend that we have in common, and I felt upset because I thought she was wrong, but I didn't stop her, I was just there. Maybe it was wrong and I should have said something, but I didn´t. Instead I started to listen more carefully and stop judging.

I've realized how our view of the world changes when we are faced with new information that contradicts the reality we thought we knew, and since then I have learned to never judge anyone. I have become more respectful towards others, and I have started to understand people more. I´ve learned that you should never jump to conclusions because you do not know what obstacles people are facing. Those experiences helped me to be a better person and taught me how to put myself in others’ shoes.

At night, I go to my dance academy, where I practice classical ballet and our Paraguayan dances. My teacher shows us techniques, exercises, and traditional Paraguayan dances. Usually, I do my homework or study for exams after finishing my classes. At the end of the day when I am in my bed, I think about my day, feeling grateful to God for everything I have.

This is a normal day in my life, doing what I like, learning, and sharing with people. I try to take advantage of every moment of my day. I think each day is an opportunity to grow and learn something new. Would you like to have an adventure in my shoes?

Jazmin Medina Palacios is 16 years old and lives in Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay. In her free time she likes to read books and hang out with family and friends. Jazmin is a dance student and her dream is to become a great dancer.

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Art by Jaden Flach, Brooklyn

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Art by Jaden Flach, Brooklyn