I am Teriza, a member of the Yaris group in Palabek Refugee Settlement. War took both of my parents, and from that day my life changed completely. I now live with my uncle, who cares for me with kindness, but the absence of my parents has been a heavy weight I carry every day. For a long time, grief and fear shaped how I saw myself and my future. Painful memories would return, and I often felt isolated—like no one could really understand what was happening inside me.
Joining Dance+Therapy became a turning point. In the sessions, I found a safe space to breathe, move, and express what I could not put into words. I met others carrying their own invisible wounds, and little by little I felt less alone. Healing did not come all at once, but week by week I learned simple ways to steady myself. When I feel overwhelmed, I pause and take three deep breaths, and that small practice helps me find calm again.
Today, I choose to keep building a life with hope and purpose. I want to honor my parents by living in a way that would make them proud, and I want to encourage other young people not to give up when life feels unbearable. I have seen how a safe, supportive space can change what feels possible for a person’s mental well-being. Dance+Therapy gave me belonging when I felt alone, strength when I felt weak, and hope when I could not see past the pain.
