Maria Fernanda Zamora
After fleeing Nicaragua, senior Maria Fernanda Zamora found her voice at Notre Dame, and with it, the power to turn her fear into purpose:
“Oppression in my homeland of Nicaragua taught me to hide, but Notre Dame showed me that my voice could roar with purpose.
“When I arrived at Notre Dame, I carried that struggle with me. I had to balance helping my parents and little brothers acclimate to the U.S. while adjusting to my new life in college. But Notre Dame quickly embraced me — not just as a student, but as a person, created and loved by God, with a story, a voice, and a heart yearning to make a difference.
“My story, once marked by fear, is now defined by hope.”
Advent is a time to remember the risks that Mary and Joseph endured, both when they found out that Mary was with child and later when they fled to Egypt in the face of ongoing threats of violence. Even in the darkest moments when all seems lost, the one thing we must hold onto is hope. It is through prayer and reflection that we find the courage to keep moving forward, trusting that God has a purpose in the most challenging times
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Thank you for fearlessly speaking out & up with courage, dear Maria Fernanda.
You are a powerful witness to me & to many others, I am sure. And you will get even stronger with God’s grace and the many who love & admire you…
Sister Maureen
These stories bring hope to my heart. Thank you. Love this young woman.
Very inspiring story – I am glad that you (and your family) found peace and hope through your journey.
Maria, Thank you for Sharing, That was Beautiful….Happy Holidays to you and your family….Go IRISH!!!!
Beautifully said!
Wow. Awesome. Thank you Maria❗️
ND ‘72
Thank you for your voice to protect women and justice to all with prayer.
ND forever ☘️
Wonderful…prayers for your continued success fighting for the justice, hope and peace Christ implores us to seek out in our world.
Beautiful story, thank you for sharing! Courage is a superpower!!!
Maria,
In the opening shot of San Juan del Sur your story struck home.
We had a condominium in La Talangera.
We too had no option but to leave our special place as the violence was just too much.
I wish you and all of your family God’s mercies and graces and for the eventual ability for your return.
Wow !!!
I needed that today.
Thank you
GOD ✝️ BLESS
GO ☘️ IRISH
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story.
Your courage is so inspiring to me, Maria. Your message of hope is perfect for our Advent prayer
God Bless you and your family! So happy to be part of your family, now united through Our Lady of the lake!
Maria,
Your journey is one of courage and hope. Thank you for sharing your story of overcoming the odds.
Marc Radi, Notre Dame 1988
What a heartwarming story. You are a brave woman Maria. May God bless you and your beautiful roommate. Merry Christmas!
God bless you and thank you for your wonderful story
Maria, thank you for shedding light on the injustices faced by the Nicaraguan people. As a fellow Nicaraguan and Notre Dame alumna, your story filled me with pride, seeing how bravely you open up about it and find that there is always purpose in adversity. God bless you and your family. Viva Nicaragua and GO IRISH!
Hola!
I hope you and your family feel welcome and safe at ND and in the US. I had the pleasure and privilege of visiting Nicaragua four times in my career with Habitat for Humanity. It is a beautiful place filled with caring, hardworking, hospitable people. I pray for freedom and peace.
Thanks for sharing your story.