Letter to Boston

Dear Boston,

It has been about 18 months since I left Boston after living there for about 15 years.  I owe so much to Boston and the entire state of Massachusetts.  The time I spent there really made me who I am today professionally.  It was where I found my calling and really developed my voice.  I found a family of friends and colleagues there who nurtured and supported me.  I met extraordinary people who inspired me.

Puerto Rico is my patria, my homeland, but Boston was my training ground. The accumulation of all my experiences in Massachusetts have served me well.  After leaving Oiste, I really had no idea what I was going to do next. My identity had been so embedded with my work that I was at a loss as to who I was post Oiste and what I could do. It was one of the most difficult experiences of my life – reinventing myself.

I owe so much to Oiste and I still have unfulfilled dreams. I know I could have done more and done a lot of things better. I can say that I gave it my best and made my decisions based on what I thought was just. There were times where I failed and times when it was really hard but in general, the life experience outweighed the difficult moments.

I wanted to write to you because many people come and go in Boston and there may be a feeling of resentment towards those of us who leave, even if temporary. I want to let you know that I don’t forget you, that I treasure what I learned from you and put it into good practice helping other people in other places.

I am now in Amman, Jordan. Who would have known?! I would have never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be here - even less working here on issues of democracy, civic engagement, good governance and advocacy. I couldn’t have done this without you, what I learned from you. I feel as though I am transferring all of my learning’s to people who really need it and possibly making a good impact at the end. Being here, particularly in this moment in time, in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, where civic engagement is busing…and to be able to contribute just a little bit is amazing.

For about a year I was working on developing a capacity building program for City Councilors in the City of Amman. The people I was working with were truly amazing and had a wonderful vision for true democracy: a local government that displayed good governance, transparency, accountability and civic engagement.

Prior to that, I helped design a training for Iraqi municipal elected officials funded by UNHABITAT. I recently watched a promo video of the training and it was so inspiring to hear that the participants had learned so much and that I was able to contribute to building a stronger democracy in cities across Iraq.

However, the most powerful experience happened just a few days ago. I had the honor and privilege of training a few Syrian activists on community organizing.  Talk about a humbling experience. Although we spoke a different language and our cultural background is so different, I could see in their eyes that sparkle - that undeniable, unshakable, entrenched passion for justice. I felt at home.

As you can see, I am learning so much…about Arab and Jordanian culture and society, about Jordanian politics…and I’ve met such extraordinary people who are truly making a difference here. I’ve been able to appreciate the amazing hospitality and generosity of the Jordanian people and experience their wonderful sense of humor. I have seen first hand the extraordinary power of networking, particularly from Jordanian women who are masters of the art of networking. I’ve made wonderful friends who have invited me to their homes and introduced me to their beautiful families. I’ve learned about the beauty of Islam and experienced the connectedness that is forged during Ramadan.

None of this would have happened without you.

On a personal level, much has happened in the 18 months, which has definitely changed me. I am not the same person I was when I left. There has been a lot of loss in my life lately, which has really made me appreciate what I have much more.  I feel as though I have aged in during my time here yet I know I have been so fortunate and blessed…often times not deserving of the things I have been able to have in my life - most importantly, my wonderful husband and beautiful daughter.

I don’t know where the road will take me after this. Regardless if I come back to settle to Boston, I want you to know how much I appreciate and acknowledge what you have meant in my life and the ripple effect you have created through countless people in other places. I am only one example of that ripple effect.

To the Latino community in particular, words simply cannot express my sense of gratitude. Even the worst enemies, my worst critics, made me stronger and a better person. Accountability is key to ensuring that things are doing right and I cannot be an exception to that rule. I had so much fun dancing, eating, and laughing with you all. The memories are countless and wonderful. Saying ‘I miss you’ doesn’t even come close to how I feel about having left. You are such a strong community and I am so proud to have been a part of you and serve for so many years. It was an honor.

I read about you every day, either through El Mundo or The Boston Globe, through friends’ emails, twitter and Facebook, I am always following what is going on.  Just know that even though I am far away, I am thinking of you all the time and appreciating the learning’s that you have given me. No matter where this path leads me, I will always have that in embedded in my soul.

With all my heart, thank you.

Giovanna