From Nicaragua to New Beginnings: Lindsey Tercero's Story of Grit and Grace

At just 17, Lindsey Tercero has already lived a story worth telling. A recent graduate of Fort Pierce Central High School and a Bella Healing Hearts Foundation scholarship recipient, Lindsey immigrated from Nicaragua during her sophomore year — arriving with limited English and an unshakeable determination to build a new life. In this heart-to-heart conversation, she opens up about founding her school's first Spanish National Honor Society chapter, serving as FBLA president, losing her father at age eight, navigating her mother's return to Nicaragua for medical care, and finding "family of the heart" in unexpected places. Lindsey shares her love of literature (1984 by George Orwell), her senior quote from Dostoevsky's White Nights, and her big dream of becoming an immigration or real estate attorney. This fall, she begins her Associate of Arts at Indian River State College — and she's just getting started.

Chapter Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome & introducing Lindsey, a Bella Healing Hearts scholarship recipient

02:30 — Immigrating from Nicaragua and building a new life in Port St. Lucie

05:15 — Founding her school's first Spanish National Honor Society chapter

08:40 — Finishing her AA and dreams of Florida Atlantic or Florida State

11:20 — Losing her father at age eight — grief that arrives in its own time

17:00 — Her mother's health, her return to Nicaragua, and finding "family of the heart"

22:45 — Georgette's Four C's: Contemplation, Community, Counseling, Contribution

25:10 — Big dreams: law school and a future in immigration or real estate law

28:30 — A word to her generation — and to the adults who doubt them

31:00 — Closing questions: favorite book, mentors, and a heart-to-heart with her dad