The Heartfelt Conflict of a Young Venezuelan in America

A Distant Perspective

Miah Sanchez, a 22-year-old from Florida, embodies the emotional turmoil many young Venezuelans face while living abroad. Born in the U.S. but raised in the U.K., she now finds herself in a constant battle of emotions, feeling a connection to her roots while worrying for family members still situated in Venezuela. The ongoing crisis in her home country shapes her reality in profound ways.

Family on Edge

Miah’s extended family in Venezuela live under circumstances fraught with anxiety. Reports from her relatives detail nightmarish scenarios: “insanely long” queues at stores, where panic buying has become a common sight. “My aunt is genuinely scared,” Miah recounts, reflecting her concern for those she loves. The daily grind of securing basic necessities like bread has turned into a struggle, painting a grim picture of life back home.

Celebrations with a Side of Anxiety

Although political change has brought a glimmer of hope—specifically the departure of Nicolás Maduro—Miah grapples with a bittersweet sense of joy. “I am happy Maduro’s gone, but I feel torn and conflicted,” she explains, revealing her apprehension about the American political landscape. Her wariness of Donald Trump stems from his perceived ulterior motives regarding Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. Miah fears that external powers might exploit the ongoing instability to weaken Venezuela further.

The Deep Connection to Venezuela

Despite the turmoil, Miah’s heart pulls her towards her homeland. “I feel like Venezuela just feels like home to me,” she shares, painting a vivid portrait of her emotional ties to the country. The warmth of the people, the richness of the culture, and the joyous vibrancy of the food are all elements she deeply cherishes. “No matter where you go, you meet a Venezuelan person; they are just so warm,” she adds, emphasizing the hospitality that defines her culture.

A Cultural Pride

Miah’s passion for Venezuelan culture shines through her words. She laments that external perceptions often overlook the beauty and resilience of her homeland. “Our culture is so beautiful, and it’s a shame that people don’t get to see that,” she says, revealing a desire not just to return home, but to bring the richness of her culture to the world stage. In her mind, Venezuelans are more than mere statistics; they represent a vibrant community steeped in history and warmth.

A Yearning for Home

Ultimately, the underlying theme of Miah’s story is a profound yearning to reconnect with her family. “I feel desperate to go back and see my family in Venezuela,” she articulates, capturing the anguish of diasporic existence. The distance isn’t just geographic; it’s an emotional chasm filled with worry, love, and an ever-present urge to bridge the gap between her American life and her Venezuelan roots.

Through Miah’s experiences, we gain insight into the complexities faced by many young Venezuelans abroad—caught between a world of opportunity and the longing for home amidst a backdrop of crisis.