BIO

My name is Leisar Garcia. I’m from Guatemala, and I lived there for 17 years. During that time, I went to school, helped my mother clean the house, washed my clothes, and collected firewood so my mother could cook. I also spent a lot of time having fun with my siblings and discovering new things with whatever was around us. The most fun part was playing soccer after school with my friends. When the day came to leave everything behind, everything felt exciting at first. But when I said goodbye to everyone, I started to feel empty. On the bus, traveling alone, I cried all night until I eventually fell asleep.

 

The journey was very difficult, and I often wondered if I would make it. The first month was especially hard — dealing with immigration, adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and understanding the laws of this country. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I enrolled in a high school called Escuela Popular, even though I didn’t speak the language and didn’t know anyone. I dropped out during the pandemic because I didn’t have the support from my family to continue studying. A year later, I made the decision to become independent. I quit my job and returned to school.

 

When I went back, I enrolled in art classes and discovered that drawing and painting came naturally to me. Since then, thanks to the people who have believed in me, I haven’t stopped creating art. I use it to express my feelings and to represent the Indigenous people of Guatemala.