When I moved to Brazil, I did not just leave behind my old apartment. I also left behind my community in Washington, DC. Being a part of my community makes me feel good because I have other people around to help me and share experiences with. I am also able to help other people. That can mean giving directions to a stranger, throwing away trash on the street or even becoming friends with neighbors and the people at my school and work. Who is a part of your community?
When I got to Brazil I joined a new community. For the first few weeks, I only knew the people I worked with and the people who worked at the bakery where I get breakfast every morning. Eventually, I started to go more places and make new friends.
Before the coronavirus outbreak, I went to soccer games with my family. Do you have a favorite sports team? In our city there are two teams, Atletico and Cruzeiro. Atletico has a black and white uniform and Cruzeiro has a blue uniform. There is a big rivalry between Atletico and Cruzeiro. When I wear a soccer jersey for the team I like the best, Atletico, it feels like my community grows bigger instantly! People I do not know at all will shout to me from across the street or come up to me to talk about the team.
