by Melissa Costa
- USA / Brazil -

They pruned his moments
They impeded his destiny
His boyish smile was hidden many times
But hopes are renewing, like a new dawn each day
And he shall take care of the sprout
In order to give life flowers and fruit.
- Milton Nascimento, A Student’s Heart

I cannot remember how many times I slammed the door as a response to my anger and frustration during my teenage years. I was searching for the answer to the universal question: Who am I? During my adolescence, many of my friends faced the same problems. Some of them took the wrong path; unfortunately, I haven’t heard from them since.