Finding Light
Wendy**Title: Finding Light** In "Finding Light," we follow Reina, a fifteen-year-old girl who navigates the tumultuous waters of her new life in modern-day New York after crossing the border alone. A survivor of her tumultuous past, Reina grapples with the weight of her trauma and the suffocating fear of deportation. As she sits in her classroom, the clock ticking ominously, she feels like an outsider in a world that constantly shifts around her. Reina's skepticism grows as she encounters a group of older teens who promise a sense of belonging, yet whispers of their dark realities echo in her mind. She’s drawn in by their camaraderie but remains haunted by stories of violence and manipulation that could entrap her. Amidst the noise, Ms. Ramirez, the school social worker, becomes a lifeline, guiding Reina toward healing and self-discovery. Through a support group and newfound friendships, she learns to express herself and confront her fears. Gradually, Reina reclaims her agency, choosing knowledge over temptation and hope over despair. As graduation approaches, she stands proud, clutching her diploma, a symbol of her resilience and newfound light. With the approval of her citizenship application, Reina embraces her future, determined to uplift others like her, embodying the strength she fought so hard to discover.
