This is my capstone video about my life in Brazil. Although it does no justice to my experience, I hope it provides a small glimpse into the past year for my supporters.

01 June, 2016

Before I officially started my year in Brazil, I was confident that the year wouldn’t be that difficult. Yes, there would be challenges, but I wouldn’t cry wanting to go home. In March, I cried every morning, FaceTiming my mom when it’s 4 AM in Las Vegas telling her I wanted to go home.  During…

01 June, 2016

January is approaching. Four months have gone by, and I only have three months left. Three, very short months that I should be taking advantage of. But the past two weeks, I’ve desperately been trying to stay present. My mind has only focused on my upcoming travels to explore other areas of Brazil. After booking…

31 December, 2015

It’s been 3 months since I’ve entered my community here in Paranaguá. I’ve already overcome some challenges (such as learning how to ride a bike), but the challenge that remains is with my apprenticeship.  I’m still confused and feel as if I’m a failure. After 3 months, shouldn’t I feel that I’m growing as a…

23 December, 2015

“No expectations. Stay in the present. Curiosity before judgement.” I recited this mantra in my head as all the Brazil Fellows prepared for the reveal of our final placements. We were practicing mindfulness. Eyes closed, we focused on the moment – what and how our bodies felt, what we smelled, what we heard. As the…

15 September, 2015

When I meet new people and when they learn that I am a recent high school graduate, they always ask me, “Where are you going to college?” My answer is always, “Oh, I don’t know yet. But I am taking a bridge year in Brazil.” And their response is usually either “Oh, that’s so cool!”…

27 August, 2015