Marla Díaz

Vincent van Gogh once wrote in one of his many letters to his brother: “If I am worth anything later, I am worth something now. For wheat is wheat, even if people think it is grass in the beginning.”

I know. Why have I decided to quote a dead artist who was only able to sell one painting from the more than 860 ones he made throughout his entire life? Well, evidently it isn’t because of his great success in business, right? But actually, it’s because despite suffering from depression, van Gogh managed to turn his troubles into something beautiful; which is precisely why now he’s one of the best known artists in the world.

I believe that this is something we all should do: make the most of our problems. It’s the magic of turning a stain into the chance of creating a new masterpiece, and turning a threat into a business opportunity.

Now, I’m a student, and I’m aware I can look like grass right now, but I know I am wheat. I may not have a lot of experience, but I have potential. I’m an investment in the sheer sense of the word. Once I set my mind to something, I will carry it out. Here I may add, as well: I believe that if you’re doing something, you should do it right or not at all. This might sound harsh, but something I’m certain about is that it is mediocrity that’s stopping my country from becoming the important economic player it has the potential of being.

Finally, I am a listener as I am a reader: I’m always up for new book recommendations and discussions, too! I know there’s always something new to learn from people, and that people can always learn something new. This is why I don’t see people as necessarily being good or bad, but as having the potential to be good.

If you enjoy art, reading, listening intently, learning, and finally, trust in the potential people have, I would love to have you as part of my network.