My name is Maria Lucero and I have lived in Rome for seven years. I came from Colombia together with my son, who was only ten years old at the time. Moving to another country is a huge challenge. Everything-the language, the documents, the house-seems like a mountain to climb. In the beginning I often asked myself: how will I understand and be understood?

I always had a strong character, tempered by life, and that thread of hope that never left me. So, I rolled up my sleeves and started walking, step by step. It was in those first steps that I encountered an open door: Scalabrini House 634.

A relative, who was taking driver’s education classes there, told me about it. “They help migrant people,” he told me. And I needed everything: guidance, legal support, a roof, a starting point.

When I first came in, there were no ready-made solutions. But there was something even more important: listening, welcoming, real attention. And that concrete network was set in motion to accompany me.

Years have passed. My son has grown up, so have I.

Today I work in the care sector, and I recently became a partner in my cooperative.

Now I am the one who takes care of others.

My dream of starting over came true. But it did not stop there.

Because every time I see that spark of hope ignite in someone’s eyes, I feel that my dream continues, multiplies, expands.

And yes, I still have many dreams to fulfill.

Because the courage to start again … never ends.