Literature has always been a big part of my life. As a little girl visiting my grandmothers office was one of my favorite things to do. Inside, she had a library filled with hundreds and hundreds of books, where in the center sitting on an antique table was a typewriter. I often would close my eyes and press on whatever letter my intuition told me to, using up all her paper and ink with no care in the world. My grandmother was the one who introduced me to reading, from a young age she encouraged me to read and the power behind it. When I moved to the United States I hated reading. Being new to English made understanding what I was reading all the more difficult, a wave of frustration surrounded me after having to translate every word. As time went on instead of reading the words, I found more comfort in writing them. I’ve never felt as comfortable speaking as I have when writing. When I write it’s just me, my pen, and the page where I am free from any judgement and I can create my own space. As my love for deep conversations and unique perspectives grew, I found sometimes it was easier to write about my thoughts. One Step Onwards is a collection of my thoughts, experiences, and perspectives aimed towards the hope of encouraging meaningful and open-minded conversation’s where opinions are both celebrated and respected.