Cynthia Wilkinson
1. What is the best thing about being your age?
The best thing about being my age is that I don’t take crap anymore. I know who I am, what I want, and what I don’t. I have the confidence to set boundaries and focus on what truly matters—whether it’s pursuing my goals or standing by my family.
2. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is definitely being able to build a life for myself in Switzerland. Moving to a new country is never easy, but I managed to settle here, find a job that I truly love, and create a home that feels like my own. More than just the material aspects, I’ve built a life surrounded by a family that means everything to me. It’s the combination of personal and professional fulfilment that makes me proud—being able to feel grounded, supported, and genuinely happy with the life I’ve created.
3. What's your favourite thing you have checked off your bucket list?
I don’t really keep a formal bucket list—I’m not the type to plan too far ahead like that. But if I had one, living in Europe would definitely be on it. It’s something I’ve always dreamed about, and being able to actually make it happen has been incredibly fulfilling.
4. What is a trait you are most proud of?
If I had to pick one trait I’m most proud of, it would be my ability to adapt. Ten years ago, I would’ve never imagined myself living in Switzerland, speaking French every day, working in a school in such a beautiful place, and building a life from scratch. I’ve met people who now feel like family, created a home I love, and most importantly, I have a daughter who is everything I ever dreamed of, and a partner who’s always by my side. Being able to embrace so much change and still feel grounded—that’s something I’m really proud of.
5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’m learning to give myself the same love and attention I’ve always given to others. For a long time, I put everyone else first, often without realizing how much I was neglecting my own needs. If I could change one thing, it would be to naturally treat myself with more kindness, patience, and care—without feeling guilty about it. I’m working on setting healthier boundaries, listening to myself more, and understanding that taking care of myself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
7. What is your most treasured possession?
Definitely my family: my daughter Olivia and my husband Federico.
8. What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear has always been leaving my daughter too soon, especially because of my family history. My mom battled breast cancer at 42 and ovarian cancer later, from which she died at just 55. Because of that, I took a generic test and I tested positive for the BRCA1 gene, which is a mutation which increases the risk of breast cancer to about 65%, and ovarian cancer to around 44%.
The medical advice was clear but tough: to reduce these risks, I needed to have my ovaries and breasts removed. I started with my ovaries, which triggered a sudden menopause with symptoms that are hard to fully describe—hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, and more. Later, I had a double mastectomy. Losing my breasts was incredibly difficult emotionally—it felt like a true amputation.
But despite all this, I chose to face my fear. Removing those ticking time bombs gives me a better chance of staying here for my family. It’s been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but also one of the most empowering.
To anyone with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, my advice is: get generic tested. Testing can provide critical information that could save your life. Don’t wait—knowing is power, and early action can make all the difference.
9. What do you most value in your friends?
My friends have always been a big part of my life. When I lived in Argentina, they were part of my everyday life. Moving away made it hard to keep that same level of closeness. Along the way, I lost touch with some, grew closer to others, and made few but amazing new friends. And most important, some of them have become sisters to me. No matter how long it’s been since we last talked—whether it’s a month or more—it always feels like we just spoke yesterday.
10. What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t put so much energy into people who won’t return it. It’s not about being selfish—it’s about being smart with the energy you have.
12. What is your motto or favourite quote?
“By not putting yourself first, you show others you come second.”
13. Additional thoughts for younger women....
Menopause can come sooner than you expect, so it’s important to be prepared. Even more than that, be ready to advocate for yourself—your symptoms matter, and you deserve support and proper care.
