Ask for help!

Hi! My name is Aqueene Wilson. I was born in Curaçao and moved to the Netherlands when I

was 19. Initially to study dance in education, but I ended up getting a bachelor’s degree in

Arts & Culture at Erasmus University. I moved back to Curaçao and work as a professional

Photographer & communication artist.

Enough

My time in the Netherlands was a mixture of ups and downs, but the last few years were

pretty hard on me. I was definitely not financially stable; I was sick all the time and the search

for a home of my own was harder than expected. And as much as my reasons to migrate were

influenced by structural, cultural and circumstantial factors, I also had to question the role I

played in my own suffering. So I said ‘enough is enough, I want to be happy again’ and 4

months later I arrived at Hato, Curaçao with 2 big suitcases, ready for a new beginning.

Relearn

This was a pretty badass move. I solely came with a plan to rebuild my life from scratch but

nothing else. Like I went from living in a studio, working, cooking and doing everything by

myself, to almost the complete opposite; I had no job, I went to live with my mom, I didn’t even

have a driver’s license. So the first few months, I really had to relearn how to be dependent

again. To not be my own provider but to be provided for. To find my worth amidst doing

housework and not tie my identity to money or work outside the house.

Shame

I definitely felt some shame in the beginning, but surely but slowly, I got used to contributing

to a household in a different manner, such as housework performed through cooking and doing

the dishes. And now, fast forward, I am developing new work for my first exhibition on the

island, I got my driver’s license and drive around the island for work and creative opportunities,

and I am meeting new & interesting people. So I guess. I can finally say that I am slowly settling

comfortably 13 months in.

Tips for moving back home:

• Ask for help! Moving is such a big thing – doing it alone is very exhaustive and unnecessary.

• Honor your need for a social life. It can be difficult to meet new people if you spend most days at home. So find ways tolet people know that you want to expand your circle. I did that in a simple instagram post.

• Ease your way into your transition. If it takes a year to settle in, then so be it. There is no rush.

Stay in contact?

Follow me on Instagram: @aqueene_wilson