The first time I had to give my opinion in English at school at my new American school, I froze. My Italian flowed naturally off my tongue at home, full of gestures and laughter, but English felt incomplete. I could feel my accent and every hesitation like a spotlight on my insecurities. My mind was repeating multiple times what I wanted to say. Always trying to find or form the correct words to express myself. I wanted to be understood, to belong, but I felt trapped in my own head by overthinking. It was the first of many experiences that would teach me how language shapes identity, resilience, and connection. I grew up surrounded by a chorus of languages: Italian and Portuguese at home with family and friends and English, French, Spanish, and German at school and through movies and media. Speaking six languages was never a choice, but it was simply the air I breathed, the way my world expanded beyond one culture or one way of thinking. But for all the richness it gave me, language did not always feel like a gift. Sometimes, it was a challenge, especially when I became an international student in the United States. Arriving in a country where English was the only language spoken outside of the classroom was overwhelming. I had studied English, but living it, working in it, and thinking in it were entirely different. Simple tasks such as ordering food, explaining myself to a teacher, and even making friends suddenly felt like balancing on a tightrope. I worried my accent or limited vocabulary in certain situations would make others underestimate me. There were moments of frustration when I wanted to retreat into silence, wishing words would come more easily. Yet, those challenges pushed me to grow. Each conversation I navigated and each misunderstanding I clarified, became a small triumph that strengthened my confidence, not just in English, but in myself. Being multilingual has also made me a bridge between cultures. I have translated for peers, mediated misunderstandings, and explained cultural nuances. It can be exhausting, but it also taught me empathy, patience, and creative problem-solving. I learned to listen deeply, to read between the lines, and to appreciate that communication is more than words. It is connection, understanding, and trust. This perspective now guides my academic and career ambitions. As an undergraduate student studying psychology, I am fascinated by how language, culture, and identity influence human development. I plan to continue my studies in graduate school and become a child therapist, helping children and families from diverse backgrounds who may feel invisible because of language barriers. My Italian roots, combined with the challenges and triumphs of learning to live fully in English, give me insight and empathy that I hope to pass on to others. Learning to navigate between Italian and English has taught me that communication is not about perfection but about connection. It has shaped my resilience, curiosity, and ambition. It has prepared me to lead with understanding in every space I enter. My multilingual identity is not an obstacle I overcome, but it is a lens through which I see the world and the foundation for the impact I hope to make.