Untold stories and different perspectives mean everything to Brazilian student and published author Carolina – she shares her own story of how she came to be at London Met, and what she's proudest of in her life.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I'm Brazilian. I was born in São Paulo, but spent most of my childhood in Osasco, a nearby city in the greater metropolitan area. I'm the only child of a solo mom who put all her efforts in work so I could pursue my education. I attended public schools since kindergarten and made my way into university through a government-supported scholarship programme called ProUni.
What brought you to London Met?
Right now, I feel like every step I took in the last ten years was essential to bringing me here. But in terms of why London Met, it's a hundred percent on our shared values. Empowering social justice through education is something I've always believed in, even when I didn't have these exact words to describe it. So, it's a perfect match!
What does studying at London Met mean to you?
Oh, it means so much... as clichéd as it may sound, it is a dream come true.
It's the tangible result of generational efforts and hard work combined with the hope things can and will change.
Tell us about your current role if you’re working now.
I'm not working in my field of study yet, but I hope to be soon. Meanwhile, I'm working in hospitality and taking the time to craft my writing skills with all the shared knowledge and experiences I'm gaining from my course.
What is your biggest passion in life and where did that passion come from?
I'm a passionate writer and I have no idea where it came from. Maybe, the feeling that I get whenever I read something and it transports me to a whole different place was the first trigger, as I'm such a bookworm and have experienced it from a very early age. Also, the possibility of sharing the untold stories, to explore different perspectives from the so-called common places has always been interesting to me. Well, in the end I might be just a big curious person seeking to connect with the world through my writing.
What drives you?
Many different things, but what they all have in common is love and kindness, I guess.
What’s the proudest moment in your life?
I'm so blessed to say I have a great collection of moments when I felt proud of myself. Being accepted in university and then, four years later, receiving my bachelor's degree – the very first one in my family. Submitting a manuscript and then having my first book published. Now, being a master's student at London Met. But also, ordinary moments like when I learned how to drive and did my first road trip with my mom. When my cat went through labour, and I helped her during the delivery of her five beautiful kittens. The mix of moments in and out of the spotlight is what really makes life so rewarding.
Tell us a little bit about your interests outside of uni and why they are important to you.
By the answer to the previous question, you can tell I'm a cat person. Whenever I can, I volunteer either in shelters or rescue cats myself and help find them a kind and safe place to call home. The animal cause really moves me, as I'm also vegan – seven years and counting!
What’s next in your career?
I don't really know yet, and it excites me to think of all the possibilities ahead. I hope to publish more books for sure. One in English would bring me so much joy, but also in Portuguese which is my primary language. Or maybe translate the one I already published in Portuguese into English, I don't know – but I'll sure figure it out as I go. Wherever my career leads me, as long as I'm writing, I'll be surely thrilled.
Do you have any advice for anyone else considering studying at London Met?
Oh, just go for it. It will be the best choice you can possibly make for both professional and personal aspirations. I'm not even kidding, just come and see for yourself. It's a lifetime experience I wish everyone could have. If you can, don't waste it, please!
"Why London Met? It's a hundred percent on our shared values. Empowering social justice through education is something I've always believed in, even when I didn't have these exact words to describe it. So, it's a perfect match!"