"The Coat That Changed Everything: A Journey of Kindness and Support"

As this year draws to a close, I find myself (for some reason) revisiting a memory from many years ago—a memory that’s been on my mind lately. It is just a reflection on something I learned and how it’s shaped me (no hard feelings :).

I was 20, visiting my dad in the U.S., and his wife had kindly lent me a coat for a wedding I was attending in Denver, Colorado. My dear friend Kari, who had been my roommate in college, was getting married, and since I was from northern Argentina, I didn’t have anything warm enough for a winter wedding in Denver. What I didn’t realize at the time was that the coat she lent me was a designer piece—expensive, elegant, and not something I could easily replace.

Somehow, during the wedding, the coat got misplaced in the wardrobe. When I finally returned home, I came back with a different coat—a black one that looked nearly identical. At least, I thought it did. The moment my dad’s wife saw it, she pointed out that it wasn’t hers. “This one’s cheaper,” she said. My stomach dropped. I was paralyzed with panic. I called Kari, who was on her honeymoon, and we both reached out to the wedding party, trying to track down the missing coat. But it was gone.

That whole experience stayed with me, mostly because of how terrible I felt. The guilt, the shame, the sense of helplessness—. I didn’t have enough money to replace the coat, and I could’ve called my mom, but I didn’t want to burden her. I told myself this was my mess to fix. My dad, who could’ve easily helped, didn’t step in. I felt like I was alone and had no support.

This year has been a time of personal growth and self-discovery, it’s also been a period of understanding more deeply who I am and what truly matters. Professionally and personally, I’ve faced challenges and changes that have pushed me to reflect, evolve, and learn in ways I didn’t expect. But what has meant the most has been the support I’ve found in the people around me—those who’ve shown up in ways I never anticipated. The love, the encouragement, the simple presence of friends who have become my family… it has meant everything.

In particular, I’ve been reminded this year of how powerful the smallest gestures of kindness and understanding can be. Whether in words or actions, it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference. I’ve learned firsthand the importance of showing up for each other and choosing compassion. And as I move into the new year, I carry that lesson with me. We never truly know what others are facing, and sometimes, the simplest act of kindness can change everything.

Sometimes, friends are the family we choose, and I am endlessly grateful for those around me I am lucky to call friends.

Happy New Year!