The Stories of People I’ve Met
Written by Melissa Álvarez
Thumbnail & Banner Drawing by Mariale Moro
Each of us carries a quiet library of stories, truths learned through adversity and joy, and lessons passed down in unexpected moments. These stories aren’t just recollections; they’re lessons, reminders of what we should hold close, what we can release, and, most importantly, what it means to live fully.
Eddie’s Story
"Nothing is forever. Nothing is for sure."
Someone very special to me shared a story that begins with loss, a painful reminder of life’s uncertainty. His mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and lost her battle. His father was an athlete, healthy and strong, the kind of person Eddie thought would be around forever. But within two years of losing his mother, Eddie lost his father as well. “He was a big, tough guy. I never imagined him getting sick.” In these moments, Eddie learned a truth that no one tells you: life is fragile, and no bond, no matter how strong, is permanent. This is a reminder to hold close what matters, to cherish those you love, and to live without assumptions. “Whatever happens,” he says, “it is up to us to make the best of it.”
"There are millions of stories out there that show us what real challenges are in life."
As a boy, Eddie met someone who showed him what resilience looks like. This man, a guest speaker at his school, had nubs for hands and feet but still managed to run marathons. “I was so overwhelmed by his courage,” he remembers. Meeting someone who had endured so much with such determination changed Eddie’s perspective on life’s challenges. He realised that there are countless stories like this, people facing difficulties most can’t even imagine, and each story has the power to teach us something invaluable. “They are so inspiring,” Eddie says, “and they work to keep me grounded in the understanding of how lucky so many people are in life and how important it is for us to help each other.” His words remind me to look beyond ourselves, to recognise the courage in others, and to find strength and humility in knowing that, even in struggle, we are not alone.
"Talk to someone. Find someone who can listen and support you."
Eddie’s years of reflection have led him to one of the simplest, yet most profound lessons: don’t face life alone. “Talk to someone,” he says, “find someone who can listen and support you.” He’s seen how isolating life can feel, especially after losing his parents, and he knows that true connection can be healing. In a world where many struggle with loneliness, Eddie’s advice speaks directly to students: find someone who listens without judgment. He reminds us that there’s strength in reaching out and that in tough times, letting someone else in can be life-changing. Lean on others, knowing that this vulnerability is, in itself, an act of resilience.
Jelena’s Story
"Losing someone changed my perspective to see what’s important and what’s not."
Losing her brother made her see what truly matters. “It crystallises things worth fighting for,” she says. She learned to separate what deserves her patience from what doesn’t and to understand the importance of letting go as well as holding on. “People feel obligated to stay, to be there for others,” she says, yet sometimes, the greatest kindness is to release burdens that aren’t truly ours to carry. Her words are a gentle reminder to be mindful of where you place your heart and energy, and remember that some things, even some people, are best left behind with peace.
"I fell asleep in the car by the ocean, the waves bringing me back to focus."
Jelena remembers the night she parked her car by the ocean, exhausted from work and studies, trying to balance life as an international student in Hawaii. The soft rhythm of the waves filled the car, surrounding her in calm. At that moment, she saw that the world around her, the ocean, the quiet, the simplicity of breath, held beauty and peace that she could carry with her. “The ocean, the trees, the air we breathe,” she says. “The blessings are already here, each day.”
For Jelena, this moment by the sea became a lesson: beauty is outside, waiting for us to notice it, not in grand achievements but in the small blessings surrounding us. Peace doesn’t need to be looked for in places far away from us. The beauty of life is already there, waiting to be felt.
Photo by Sara Živaljević
"Learn to listen"
Over time, Jelena discovered a profound lesson in listening. “Learn to listen,” she says. “I’m not there to pretend to listen just to be able to have my turn. I’m here to focus on them and give them a bit of my peace.” For her, listening is a gift of presence, where she can focus on the other person without the noise of her own thoughts. She has come to appreciate a small, genuine circle of friends, explaining, “I don’t need a huge group of people listening to me, only a small group.” Real listening is a form of kindness, a way to show up fully for someone and to give them the quiet comfort of being heard.
Patty’s Story
"The lesson I learned was from leaving my home, my family, and my town to move to a Great Metropolis like Mexico City."
Patty left her hometown with little more than a dream and the hope of a new life. “I left without knowing anyone, without financial support, without family to help,” she recalls. Moving to Mexico City, a sprawling metropolis, she came alone, accompanied only by her profession as a lawyer, her savings, and her dreams of expanding her academic, cultural, and professional horizons. “It may seem easier today, but 27 years ago, this was an enormous challenge for a woman.” Despite the fear and uncertainty, Patty found strength in her purpose, choosing not to let fear and prejudice paralyse her. “Academic preparation is essential for shaping the precious stone that emerges when we nurture our being,” she says. For students, her journey is a reminder to face their challenges head-on, to keep moving forward, “even with fear, even without motivation.” In her words, there is a persistent belief that “No one said it would be easy, but everyone knows it will be worth it in the end.”
Photo by Valeria Márquez
"My understanding of what truly matters in life came with the passing of my father."
At 18, Patty faced a loss that would redefine her life. She had been close to her father, especially in the last years of his life, and his passing really impacted her. “Going through that loss taught me how essential the people around us are,” she says. This experience, followed by other family losses, shaped her, making her more “human, sensitive, empathetic, and connected to others’ emotions.” Patty came to understand that the boundless energy of love between parents, siblings, and family is “the basic fuel that moves the minds and hearts of human beings.” To her, life’s essence lies in the people we love and who love us. “The most important things in life are the people who love us and those whom we love,” she says. It is a language “universal, timeless, and infinite,” one that transcends everything else.
"My advice to students who feel overwhelmed or discouraged is to connect with their inner selves."
Patty encourages students to look inward for the answers they seek. “Look within, because that is where you’ll find the answers you need,” she says. “We are all made of stardust, and we can shine once we become aware of our own light.” She believes that moments of darkness are temporary, reminding them that “the darkest moment is always just before dawn.” Patty explains that each person has both “light and shadows, and which side we feed depends on us.” She advises students to embrace every stage of life, learning, studying, working, travelling, and enjoying life. “If life gives you lemons (or bitter moments), get a beer and enjoy a good Michelada,” she says with a smile, (this is a joke, not an encouragement to drink). Above all, she encourages them to live in the present, “because the past has brought you here, the future is still uncertain, and the present is the only thing that is 100% real.” And if despair should arrive, she offers simple wisdom: “Welcome it, give it a warm hug, and then say goodbye with a smile, telling it’s welcome to visit anytime, but you won’t give it a place to stay.”
Photo from Jaime Perez’s Book The Vacant Space
Jaime’s Story
"Losing my mother to cancer at the age of 65 has changed how I want to live my life."
For Jaime, his mother’s passing was a turning point, a sudden reminder of how fragile life truly is. “The precious gift of life can be taken away in the blink of an eye,” he reflects. Losing her made him feel that time is not something to waste. Now, he has a drive to make the most of each day, to let nothing he values slip away. “If you wait too long to start the race, you might not get a chance to cross the finish line.” Jaime’s lesson for students is clear: hold nothing back, start now, and take every step with intention. In each moment, he reminds us, there is a chance to fully live, a chance not to be wasted.
"I didn’t go to college immediately after high school."
Jaime’s life didn’t follow the usual timeline. He waited to attend college until he felt ready, starting at 29. “I ended up acquiring a bachelor’s and a master’s degree,” he shares, knowing that this path, though unconventional, was right for him. “Everybody has their own timeline for accomplishing things. Do things at your comfort pace.” Jaime’s story is a reminder that life’s timing is individual, that each journey is unique, and that what matters is not rushing, but staying true to oneself. For students who feel pressured by expectations, his words are a reminder to set your own pace and be confident in your own path.
"Being overwhelmed or discouraged is temporary."
Jaime’s journey has taught him that even the hardest challenges are temporary. He understands that hardships and setbacks are part of any meaningful pursuit, and they are, in their own way, part of the reward. His message for students is simple yet powerful: hold on, keep moving, and know that the struggle will pass. Even when the path feels long, his words remind us that there is light on the other side of persistence.
I am writing this for you as much as I am writing it for myself. I share these stories because, like you, I am learning, too. As students, we are often overwhelmed by the expectations of what we need to achieve, and by the pressure to be more and do more. But these stories show us that life is about more than accomplishments. I invite you to pause, to breathe, and to remember that it’s okay to take our time. I hope that, in their words, you’ll find the strength to keep moving forward, and perhaps even the peace to embrace where you are right now.