Dear Young Explorer | Traneka Southwell

Dear Young Explorer,

Come here (gestures for you to come here and give me a hug). I just want to give you a big hug and tell you that everything is going to be alright. With my eyes closed and arms wrapped around you tightly, I’m visualizing the possibilities. I’m visualizing your future travels and I must say: the future is so bright!  Although this time is uncertain, I hope that you’re keeping your spirits up and knowing that your time will come. 

I know that we never thought that we’d be here but here we are. There is light at the end of the tunnel, however. I await the day that we see you abroad laughing until you can’t laugh anymore.  Just maybe, you’ll make some sense of this crazy time as you’re exploring the beautiful world around you. The world that many have probably told you is not as kind, or not as accepting. I’m here to tell you, the world is a lot more beautiful than you can ever imagine. There’s an entire world out there waiting for your input, waiting for someone like you to come and shake up things! They’re ready for your perspective, ready for your “sauce!” 

When you cross those waters, you too will see that a casual conversation with a stranger can change YOUR life. Furthermore, it will leave you forever changed, maybe even breathless and you will have that “I can’t believe I’m here” moment. From late night talks, walking arm in arm with a friend, to taking naps on the beach (oh, was that just me?) to doing yoga barefoot in the greenest park you’ve ever seen in your life! You’ll never be the same. Life as you know it will be thought of more critically. I look forward to seeing the day that you stretch your own paradigm to the limit. There’s so much to look forward to!

Global awareness, cultural awareness, and cultural sensitivity are just a few things that you will gain. I know as for me, my life completely changed when I was living abroad! There’s nothing more beautiful than meeting someone who doesn’t speak the same language as you but you understand them. There’s no greater feeling than not feeling social terror. I will never forget someone asking me: What did you like most about living in Spain? I said: Freedom. I have never felt so free. Have you ever felt free? A freedom that shook you to your core? A freedom that you never felt in your own country? Well, get ready to feel freedom. Your time will come and when it comes, it will be glorious and I can’t wait to see it!

All of the greats ventured off to new lands: James Baldwin and Josephine Baker just to name a couple. As we wait this thing out, I’m confident that one day you too will change the face of the world and be mentioned amongst the greats. Again, I’m waiting to see you soar. Your time will come! Sending love and light to you during these trying times.

Traneka Southwell

Creator, Melanin Madrid