I was drawn to pursue a master’s because I’ve always wanted to work on my professional and academic writing and I have a passion for the unique history of Brazil and Portuguese Africa. Whether I am writing professionally or academically, I feel it is useful to have this experience to research something I'm passionate about and get feedback on my writing especially since I also work on campus full time as a professional.

My passion for this degree was cemented when I took a month long backpacking trip in Brazil back in December of 2012. Trekking across Brazil's littoral highlights gave me the chance to learn a little bit about the unique history of one of the most interesting countries in the Global South. Now, luckily, that trip's initial focus has expanded into looking at Afro-Portuguese communities abroad and their history in various places like Mozambique and Sri Lanka. Brown boasts one of the best History, Africana and Portuguese and Brazilian Studies programs in the country, so jumping into this field was a no brainer.

It has been tough balancing all of my responsibilities, but the support of Brown’s faculty has been spectacular. Taking part in the new initiatives for graduate students of color has been an astonishing and eye-opening experience. It has been the perfect storm to meet others who are also studying what they love. Even though the academic pirouette has been difficult at times, I'm happy to have great supports to get me through the challenge.

I really want to continue to learn and add to my professional and academic toolkit – and let others know that this is possible. Being a life-long learner, studying what I love is a great opportunity. Teaching in the future could be part of the equation, along with what I do now.