“This is me!” Series: California Dream

In 2013, many undergrad students from Brazil were being granted scholarships to go in an exchange program called Science Without Borders from the Federal Government. And I thought: “well, I may as well apply to go”. So, myself and other 20,000 students applied to go to Portugal. I passed the first selection, but plans were changed to the UK. At the end of the process, I was approved to go to the USA, more specifically the University of California San Diego (UCSD).

Moving out of my parents’ house, living abroad, and learning/adapting to another language and culture were challenging at the beginning, but it was so much worth it. This experience was like a milestone in both my professional and personal lives. It opened my mind to the world and its possibilities. It showed me that the world is big, but this is not a problem - this is a solution!

The opportunity of doing this exchange program brought me the possibility, the ability, and the courage to apply and to do a full degree (P.hD.) overseas. If you are an undergrad and you are reading this post, don’t let opportunities like this pass if they appear to you. Embrace them!