Discovering Me

At seven years old, Amaya’s world shifts dramatically when she and her Jamaican mother move from bustling New York City to the quieter suburbs of Virginia. It’s a fresh start but one fraught with questions of belonging. Surrounded by Spanish speakers, Amaya quickly becomes fluent in the language, yet feels out of place among the Black community at school, who see her as different, and the Hispanic peers who view her with cautious curiosity. Amid this cultural tug of war, a darker secret shadows Amaya’s young life: the abuse she suffers at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend. Fearful and silent, she retreats into books, art, and the isolation of her bedroom, uncertain if anyone would believe her story. When the truth finally surfaces, Amaya embarks on a journey to reclaim her voice and identity. Through therapy, newfound friendships, and a deeper exploration of her Jamaican heritage, she begins to see that she isn’t limited by the labels others place on her. In this moving tale of resilience, Discovering Me follows Amaya’s struggle to stand at the crossroads of culture, trauma, and self-discovery—and to emerge stronger than ever before. It’s a story about finding hope in the darkest corners and learning that true belonging starts from within.