Never in my life did I imagine I would be living the life I am today. As a child, I dreamed endlessly of traveling the world and living in different countries. Yet, despite those big dreams, there was always a quiet voice telling me they were unrealistic, even unreachable. I often felt small in comparison to the life I envisioned. Looking back now, I wish my younger self could see me. She would be in complete awe of the woman I’ve become, someone who has not only studied abroad once, but twice, in two different countries within a single year.
Even with those dreams, nothing could have fully prepared me for the realities of studying abroad. My time in Brazil has transformed me in ways I never anticipated. It has been filled with moments of curiosity, cultural discovery, and unexpected challenges. Arriving in Brazil came with a sense of uncertainty. Beyond knowing about Carnival, there was little understanding of what daily life would truly be like. One of the most humbling experiences was quickly realizing that Portuguese is the primary language spoken by the majority of the population. Navigating everyday interactions without fluency became one of the most challenging, yet growth-filled, aspects of my journey.
In Brazil, I built a community. What began as nervousness about meeting a new group of people turned into something deeply meaningful. This cohort became more than just peers; they became my family abroad. Through shared experiences, laughter, vulnerability, and growth, a bond was formed that cannot be taken away. Within this space, there was encouragement to step outside of comfort zones and embrace parts of myself that had always been there but were once hidden. There has also been a deepened awareness and appreciation for the beauty of being Black in Brazil, something that has added another layer of pride and identity to this experience.
This journey has not only shaped personal growth but has also expanded future aspirations. It has inspired a desire to learn additional languages and reinforced my goal of becoming a Physician Assistant, while also igniting a passion to pursue a doctorate in Public Health. The hope is to one day continue educating and advocating for health on a global scale.
As this chapter comes to a close, there is an overwhelming sense of gratitude. For the people met along the way, for the love and support from home, and for the opportunity itself. Returning home now means returning as a more confident, self-aware, and grounded version of myself. Above all, there is deep appreciation for CIEE and the LATAM Fellowship, which made this life-changing experience possible. I wish I could tell younger me, have faith, be patient, & dreams always come true.
