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I grew up in Florianopolis in the south of Brazil. It is the place where I was born and where I spent more than 27 years of my life. I used to work in finance, but the stress of that career slowly became too heavy, and I decided to quit. I reached a point where I knew I needed a complete career change. That was when I decided to get a master's degree. I explored many programs in different countries. Each option had something appealing, but moving so far from my family and friends always felt like a big step.


When the opportunity to study in Bochum appeared, to study Humanitarian action, something finally clicked. It felt right in a way the other choices had not. My family has German roots and my ancestors lived in Solingen, which is not far from Bochum. Being here feels a bit like closing a circle and coming back to a place that has always been part of my story, even before I was born.

Life also becomes easier knowing that one of my closest friends lives only three hours away. We have known each other for more than 22 years and being able to visit her when I feel lonely or homesick gives me a sense of stability. Being able to speak my mother thong, eat Brazilian food and just spend time with someone who knows me so well brings comfort, especially during the difficult moments of adapting to a new country.

I always had a pet, since the day I was born. So,


for me, not having them here with me is definitely one of the hardest parts of this. My mom takes wonderful care of them and sends me photos and videos all the time, but it is not the same as coming home and feeling them run to greet me. That small daily routine is something I miss deeply.

Another challenge has been going back to school after more than six years. I had forgotten what it feels like to sit in a classroom, to study for long hours, and to keep up with academic pressure. It is exciting, but it takes time to find that rhythm again, and some days I still feel like I am learning how to be a student all over.

I am really looking forward to going home for Christmas. After months of focusing on classes and settling into a new country, being close to my family and friends feels like the best gift I could ask for.

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