I put a flag over my shoulders and walked in my black t-shirt and jean shorts
My hair in a ponytail to let the breeze soothe my neck
ID and water bottle in a small backpack
Hopes and a sense of purpose as a flashlight as I walked on
I haven’t looked at myself in that photo in some time
That Ana from 2014, believed differently
Fought differently
Dreamed differently
She was frozen in time through someone’s lens
For a while, her hope dragged her
Hurt her
And frozen in time, her vision perished
But her ideas only evolved
I look back at that photo today, and I wonder about freedom
Freedom to stand
Freedom to move on
Freedom to evolve
Freedom to defend
And freedom to protect
I am no less Venezuelan if I take longer to process
I am not complicit if I hold on to my words
Cowardice lives far away from discretion
My country hurts
And I hurt with it
A flag over my shoulders to cover that aspect of my identity
Hair high in a ponytail to let things flow
My evolving ideas in a backpack–they go where I go
I don’t need to fight the same way for my fight to be valid
Start with a Story 
Thank you, so much!
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I have followed the headlines for the past few days with concern,but know little about the whole situation. Thank you for your photos and perspective. YOU will always be a part of your history as well as your journey, Prayers for all and for a peaceful path towards freedom.
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This is such a strong, passionate piece. I really like how you used the photograph as a starting point to consider past and present and to share your reflections and convictions.
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