Living away from home is an experience that blends freedom and challenge. To those who have never gone through it, it may seem like mere independence, but in practice, it means carrying the weight of responsibilities every single day. There are bills to pay, decisions to make, work and studies that never let up, along with the building of personal and professional projects that demand dedication and energy. It’s facing the world without the safety net that family provides, and often feeling the loneliness of not having someone nearby to defend or support you.
This journey requires courage. It’s not easy to deal with humiliation, injustice, and people who take advantage when they think no one is watching. Yet, living away from home also reveals a strength you may not even realize you have: the ability to endure, to stay firm, and to build your own story.
There are moments when the world feels cruel, but there are also points of light — institutions that offer support, like the Military Police and the Municipal Guard, who are present in times of misfortune, and friends, even if few, who show up when they’re needed most. These sources of support, along with small gestures of respect and solidarity, remind us that not everything is malice. Gratitude for these presences is a fuel that helps you keep going.
In the end, living away from home is about learning to reinvent yourself. It’s tough, but it’s also an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and proving to yourself that you can face the world and remain standing. Loneliness exists, but it doesn’t define who you are. What defines you is your strength to get through each day, even when it feels impossible, and your ability to recognize and value those who, even if few, show up in the hardest moments.
Jacilene Arruda