Our stories — even the ones we think are too ordinary — can be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
“Truly, it was the beginning of my life; everything that
had happened before was like the painting and dressing
of people who had to go on stage, the lighting of the lamps, the tuning of violins, the symphony…
Now I am going to begin my opera.”
In this passage from my favorite Brazilian book, Dom Casmurro, the main character considers the true beginning of his life to be when he met Capitu, his future wife — the start of his identity.
helpingFor me, that moment came the day I first stepped into high school. That was when my opera began — when education started to change my life.
As a shy child, I found comfort in books. They helped distract from my unimpressive grades and gave me a place to imagine brighter worlds — full of princesses, fairies, and quiet peace.
helpingBut that world faded when I had to face real-life pressure: mock exams, competition, and deciding my future.
Despite being shy, I always liked to speak. Maybe because my mom always prepared me like I was about to give a TEDx talk.
helpingSo when I found out about a group of student leaders in my school, I was instantly drawn in. They were making a difference in their schools and communities — and I wanted to be one of them.
When I was chosen to join, I realized I didn’t need to be extraordinary — just committed, thoughtful, and ready to contribute.
helpingI took part in welcoming activities, gave talks, created a cinema elective, and even met my city’s secretary of education. That changed everything. The girl in the red jacket hiding at the back of the classroom was now speaking on stages, helping other students find their own paths.
One story especially stayed with me. In 2021, a year after graduation and during the pandemic, I ran a welcome session for sixth-graders.
helpingAfter it ended, a young girl stayed behind. She cried and told me she wanted to become a soccer player, but no one believed in her — until now. “You said it’s possible. You gave me confidence,” she said.
At a time when I was feeling discouraged, this moment reminded me of something powerful: our words and our presence can truly change someone’s life.
helpingEven small gestures matter. Our stories — even the ones we think are too ordinary — can be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
That was when I found my purpose. I began studying Education and joined two volunteer organizations, ICE and Ágora, working on integrated education models to empower youth. I visited schools from rural areas in my state to the outskirts of São Paulo, meeting students, teachers, and parents.
Each trip, each conversation, each thank-you confirmed why this work mattered.
helpingIf I had given up after my first speech, maybe some students in Pernambuco would have given up, too. Giving up on your purpose can be a loss not just for you, but for the people you’re meant to impact.
By the end of 2022, I paused my volunteer work to seek new challenges — this time in the corporate world. I joined inDrive as a Technical Support Analyst.
helpingAnd in July 2024, I took on a new role as a Tutor in the Training and Quality Assurance team. I now help onboard new employees, create learning programs, and share the values that define who we are and why we do what we do.
And I, who barely spoke English two years ago, found myself visiting our Kazakhstan office, giving presentations, and communicating confidently with my colleagues. That resilience started with a 15-year-old girl who dared to believe she could make a difference.
helpingAnd in July 2024, I took on a new role as a Tutor in the Training and Quality Assurance team. I now help onboard new employees, create learning programs, and share the values that define who we are and why we do what we do.
