It was March 8th, 2019.  It seemed like any other typical Thursday afternoon- as normal as they got in Venezuela; and although the country's political situation has been chaotic since the start of the Chavez regime, the tension had only increased exponentially since January. When the clock struck 5 in the afternoon, the whole nation plunged into darkness- disturbing the life of 31 million Venezuelans who had no idea about the hardships they were yet to face.

Venezuela is a land of contrasts and disparities of all sorts, where even its citizens have a hard time truly understanding what is going on sometimes. In the midst of a week-long blackout that affected the whole country, you could find Venezuela's higher class playing tennis and relaxing by the pool in country clubs. The difference in realities that Venezuelans face gives way to misconceptions about the situation in the country.

I will confess: being Venezuelan is exhausting. It is difficult to say goodbye to friends and family members who are leaving Venezuela forever. Yes, there is corruption, instability, a terrible government, a lack of food and basic resources, and constant blackouts, but I am proud to be Venezuelan. But you should remember all the great things that make Venezuela incredible.

Mexico and Venezuela. Different in culture, yet so similar in politics. Up until 2018, I lived in Venezuela my whole life. My family decided to move to Mexico City from Caracas due to Nicolas Maduro’s dictatorial rule. That same year, Lopez Obrador was elected to be Mexico’s president. Mexico’s Obrador is now following the steps of Venezuela Maduro’s. The former is slowly letting Mexico fall into a similar crisis as the latter.