Taking part in the European Innovation Academy program, this summer has led me, alongside thirty other UA students, to Porto, Portugal. What I quickly realized was just how dense the city of Porto was, and that I would certainly need some time to adjust before I could even form my own thoughts on it. Now, after a couple of weeks of learning how to navigate the winding, cobble-lined passages, towered over by buildings and facades of centuries passed, I truly feel like Porto has left a mark on me. The EIA program has proven to be a great introduction to working with international students. My experience in the STEM to MBA program has prepared me to work on business models, but EIA has allowed me to take that a step further by collaborating with international students, learning from their unique perspectives that I would otherwise not have. Experts from varying fields in business also come to work with students and help them validate their business plans and provide important insight. This is a rare opportunity I have had to meet such people.
As a photographer, Porto welcomed me with open arms. The city is filled with passageways and architecture that seem to reveal new compositions each day. Nowadays I prefer to shoot primarily on film, a slowed down hobby that I have loved for the past five years. As I have walked the streets of Porto, my Leica IIIa has stayed side-by-side with me, capturing these incredible moments. Seen posted here is one of the first shots I took upon arriving in Porto, depicting the iconic Torre dos Clérigos, a true wonder of the 18th century. I am not the only one that thrives with photography here in Porto, as the city is home to countless camera stores, film labs, galleries and museums. One such is the beautiful Leica Gallery, home to amazing displays of the camera company’s products as well as a gallery of featured works that is regularly curated.
I looked forward to continuing to walk the streets of Porto, capturing more memories to share and keep with me. Each day as I head out for the day, I find that it is just a touch easier to get from place to place. I feel very lucky to have become familiar with such a beautiful city.
