This opportunity represents a dream come true for me. Ever since I was at school, I have always dreamt of gaining international academic experience. However, other plans or priorities always took precedence over any plan of moving abroad. Now that I am almost 30, I feel that I have achieved many things in my home country, and I find myself with a sense of security and comfort. Therefore, the idea of relocating abroad for professional or cultural exchange purposes seemed to remain merely a dream. But last year, new opportunities began to emerge.
At the beginning of 2025, my initial intention was to prepare my profile for an international master’s degree in architecture. But destiny had different plans for me, and I experienced a period of illness. It was quite frustrating to recognize how the overwhelming and unhealthy schedule I had maintained since my university days had real consequences for my health. This experience served as a milestone that made me re-evaluate what the priorities in my life should be. Consequently, I decided to adopt a more measured pace and put my health first. At the time, I didn’t understand the real meaning and implications of this decision, but I held a strong belief that something incredible could emerge from making the correct choice.
Once I started to feel better, I enrolled in some courses to tailor my professional experience to the U.S. market. I learned how to use imperial units and how to enhance my professional profile. What I found most enjoyable was rebuilding my portfolio, integrating my current architectural representation expertise, but with the passion and enthusiasm I experienced when I studied at university. I had a strong feeling that my portfolio would serve as my letter of representation for any remarkable opportunity.
That is how in November, upon completing my documentation, I was accepted into the Architect-US Internship program. Since the first day, I was incredibly enthusiastic about the opportunity to work in an international architecture studio in the United States. Consequently, I worked the next months with a lot of passion and responsibility to have the best application. And finally, when O’Neil Langan extended the job offer, I felt that all my efforts had culminated in a successful outcome. This selection process also made me realize the value of my prior architecture experience; despite sometimes feeling I was not utilizing my time effectively or not pursuing my true desires.
Although my days have become crazy preparing all the necessary documentation for the visa process, resolving many pending matters in my home country, and attending many goodbye meetings with my friends and family, I feel proud and happy because I am finally chasing my dreams and it is never too late. I am confident that an incredible experience awaits me in New York, and I am approaching it with an open mind, ready for any eventuality.
