Living Abroad A Migration Story W/Astrid Morillo

In this week's episode we are talking about migration and living abroad. My guest today is Astrid Morillo Pulchan, a Venezuelan educator, media host, and advocate who has transformed her journey of migration into a powerful mission of empowerment.

She has a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics & Physics Education (with honors) from the Rafael Maria Baralt University, Zulia in Venezuela and a Master degree in University education (1st semester approved).

In this conversation, we explore Astrid’s courageous journey; from her life in Venezuela to rebuilding in Trinidad and Tobago, the challenges of migration, and her ongoing mission to uplift and empower others to thrive far from home.

Astrid talks about working in PDVSA (Petroles de Venezuela (Petroleum Company) which was her dream with lots of perks. She was happy, building her career, living a middle class lifestyle and thriving. During that period she was able to travel back and forth to T&T learning English and exploring life. 

After her father passed away, her life and financial situation changed because he was the main breadwinner of the family who was working with Petrocaribe. 

To survive she pushed herself to focus on her studies and became a top student scoring the highest in her subjects. She obtained a Scholarship to attend the University and worked and study for five years to get her degree. She graduated with honors. 

Astrid spoke about the climate and the deterioration of things happening on the island of Venezuela, which made her family decide to move to T&T.  

She spoke about the immigration process and not being able to enter the Country at first, they were deported. However the second time around they were prepared and was successful.  

We spoke about how Astrid had to settle into life in Trinidad. For the first few years, she worked a bit but was feeling unfulfilled, because she was a career woman, with a full active life.  

She then spoke about the trigger which made her decide to take back her life. So she started entering pageants, modeling and attended events to integrate into life in T&T. Which gave her back her spark and her confidence. 

We spoke about her TV Show La Voz Latina and the intent to showcase her Venezuela's people. To showcase their talents, giftings and ability; to show another perspective and change the narrative of immigrants and foreigners in the island.  

We spoke about the view of immigrants not just in the Caribbean but around the world. Astrid said not everyone should be viewed in the same light as what is portrayed in some new cycles.  

We chat about Astrid's journey from Venezuela to Trinidad and what she is most proud of. Which is translating free courses from English to Spanish for Venezuela's to learn and improve themselves, to find work. 

Astrid's advice for persons who want to migrate and live abroad is first to research, get the knowledge get the information. Try to integrate into society, build the right connections, start a group if you can, network and make friends. Put yourself out there. 

We spoke about the power of networking and how it can open connections and opportunities for development and growth. Her advice to foreigners is "follow your dreams, don't stop, follow your goals, do what you love". 

She said to find your light and trust in God, because your help comes form above, All that you want to achieve you can achieve, through discipline perseverance and being consistent.