"My story in Colors"

Frederica Barbini

My self-portrait collage is based on a visual journey, mirroring my move from
Italy to America, a transition marked by resilience and growth. After relocating with
my family for work obligations, I found myself in a disorienting new world, trying to
find my footing in a new country. The adjustment phase was a challenging
experience for me, shadowed in darkness and represented here by somber tones of
black and blue. Colors such as these conveyed my feelings of isolation, loneliness,
and displacement, also brought about by online classes that hindered my integration
into university life. I had no friends, and certainly, I would have not made them
through a screen. I was spending all my days at home attending lectures and doing
nothing, while my sister was enjoying going to high school and was already making
friends. I had no reason to stay, and I had suddenly turned my life upside down.

Through the use of powerful pictures and meaningful words, I showed how
much my mind was affected when I was going through this tough time. The collage
helped me release my feelings and show how hard it was for me during that time.
But even though it was tough, I found a little bit of hope. I was determined to keep
going and find a way to make things better for myself.

As the narrative unfolds, vibrant colors burst forth, representing a brighter
chapter to come. In fact, I did not let anything discourage me; Instead, I started
writing my new life from scratch. Once we finally got back to college in person, I
immersed myself in American-type of life, meeting new people, and engaging in
various activities. This transition marked the beginning of a transformative period,

during which I embraced new experiences, nurtured connections, and pursued
hidden passions, fostering resilience and self-discovery along the way. I was finally
able to find a reason to stay and make the best of this extraordinary opportunity I
was given.

The juxtaposition of dark and light within the collage reflects the dichotomy of
my experience: the challenges endured and the triumphs achieved. Each element,
from the images to the text, tells a story of resilience, resilience that enabled me to
overcome adversity and thrive in my new environment; It enabled me to navigate the
complexities of transition and emerge stronger on the other side. Through
perseverance and an unwavering commitment to growth, I transformed hardship into
opportunity, finding joy, purpose, and fulfillment in the process.

Ultimately, my self-portrait collage serves as a testament to the transformative
power of resilience: a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there exists the
potential for growth, renewal, and the pursuit of happiness. My journey from
darkness to light is not just a personal narrative but a universal tale of human
resilience and the capacity to overcome adversity in pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.