Nathalie Gabrielle Ardón Arias, a passionate Costa Rican with bold dreams, joined KDIS this spring 2024 semester as a Master of Public Management student. Driven by her boundless curiosity for diverse cultures, Nathalie has crossed borders, not merely as a tourist, but as a professional and now as a dedicated student. In the spring of 2018, she faced a turning point in her life when she decided to set off on an adventure on the other side of the world: doing social service in a German Kindergarten. Little did she know that she would have to face the biggest obstacle of her journey, a life lesson she carries with her today.

During her time in Berlin, Nathalie suffered an injury to her vocal cords, as a result of an unexpected blow to her throat. Initially dismissing it as a common illness, she soon found herself unable to produce any sound, which deeply unsettled her. The situation worsened when doctors notified her that they could not find a permanent solution. Beyond the physical cost, there were other significant impacts on her life: the inability to advocate for herself, to communicate effectively, and being discriminated against left her feeling frustrated and powerless. It was at this moment that she understood the necessity of relying on others, recognizing that seeking assistance was the next crucial step forward. Amidst the despair and under the care of the German health service and some friends, Nathalie found hope. The doctors offered her an experimental surgery that provided a temporary solution to her damaged vocal cords. This marked the beginning of a challenging two-year rehabilitation path, during which she had to relearn how to use her vocal cords and reclaim the tone of her voice.

From using a microphone in work meetings to confidently defending her thesis without assistance, Nathalie's progress was beyond remarkable. What could have been viewed as an unfortunate tragic accident instead, she embraced it as a powerful learning experience. The challenges she encountered, away from her family and her support network, led her to build a strong inner resilience, which guided her to move forward. This experience also underscored the importance of gratitude, as she learned to cherish the simple joys and privileges of life that she had previously taken for granted. Additionally, she learned that it's okay to lean on friends, family, and professionals during times of need and that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a display of strength and humility. Perhaps most importantly, Nathalie learned the importance of self-advocacy, as she endured the challenges that this accident had on her life. She discovered the power of speaking up for herself, asserting her needs, and advocating for her well-being, empowering herself in the process.

Today, several years after the accident, Nathalie pursues her goals with determination, doing a master's degree in South Korea—an aspiration she held even before she lost her voice. She actively participates in KDIS activities, which led her to become involved with the Voice of KDIS club, a space where participants can reflect and practice public speaking. In one of the club's meetings, the importance of public speaking and the need to develop that skill as a professional was discussed. This analysis impacted Nathalie, as she felt it was necessary to recognize the importance of being able to speak and communicate with others. Thus, she emphasized that public speaking goes beyond solely words—it begins with the privilege of being able to make sounds, articulate thoughts, and be heard.

Nathalie's story serves as a lesson for everyone about the power of resilience, gratitude, and self-advocacy in the face of adversity. Her story serves as an inspiration to all who face challenges, reminding us that within every struggle in life lies an opportunity for growth and renewal.