Mais uma vez alguém decidiu me fazer perguntas sobre essa experiência de intercâmbio. E mais uma vez eu partilho uma resposta aqui no blog. Desta vez não tem tradução. Só quero ser lido por quem é curioso, quem tem brilho no olhar, espírito inquieto e coração apaixonado!
"How did your career lead you to study abroad in the U.S. as an undergraduate student?"
My career did not lead me to study abroad. I made a choice to study abroad.
First of all, I realized I could, I did qualify. I had ENEM grade, I had English proficiency, I had good grades, I had academic extracurricular activities... Then I felt I did want to have this experience. That it would add to my professional skills and broaden my worldview; it would change me, it would change the way people see me. I felt that this time studying abroad would enhance what I value the most - the ability to influence people and make a difference in the in the world, make it better, a lot or a little bit, according to my possibilities - but do it! And, yes, I'm talking about pursuing professional status and wealthy. But it is mostly about daring to live life to the full, throw yourself over the void of the new, of the unknown, with your dreams as wings - and rejoice with excitement! I share with all youngsters I meet - my children, my grandchildren, their friends, my college mates - "That's how life can be, that's how I feel it shall be, and if I, 59 years old, I'm daring to step into the thresholds of future, where I supposedly do not belong - what couldn't you achieve, you with youth's tremendous power and the future ahead?" I'm deeply grateful for every chance I have encouraging any of these youngsters' first step; I look forward for the day their achievements amaze me; that will be the day I'll know, for sure, I did something meaningful.
