Migrating from Brazil after experiencing domestic violence has taught me how to rise up in the face of adversity. It has fused my work ethic and my advocacy in school clubs. Throughout my journey, I found encouragement and strength in my family, community, and education—in STEM and social sciences. My passion for mathematics drives me to become a professional educator in the field so that I can motivate new generations to reach their potential. As a survivor of domestic violence, I faced ongoing and challenging effects. I worked hard to overcome the trauma and adjust to safe environments. However, circumstances forced us to move several times, and we often lived in temporary housing. I overcame this challenge by engaging and getting involved in academic activities, clubs, campus life, and volunteering. I never gave up, strived to do my best, and sought to surround myself with a supportive community. I especially learned that dedication and perseverance are ideals to be treasured. Although I was raised by a single parent, the guidance received drives me to be an encouraging voice for others facing adversity. That is why I firmly believe that education is vital to ending the cycle of poverty and setting oneself up for success. It is crucial to support students of all backgrounds in the mathematics field because of the education barriers students might face. I believe that creating new and innovative approaches to problem-solving in this hard discipline is one of the solutions to overcoming the challenges in mathematics teaching. Mathematics also provides a unique opportunity to work in communities where skills can be sharpened and shared among peers. Moreover, there are key principles in both algebra and geometry that are embedded into our everyday lives, even though they may go unnoticed! This discipline explores the foundations of the world around us and enables us to apply newly discovered principles in other subjects, such as visual art, technology, and design. Mathematics is truly interdisciplinary due to its countless ramifications and applications. That is why it is vital to have a strong educational background in math as a student and as a professional in any field. I recognize and appreciate how my teachers and mentors went the extra mile to help me with my studies and school applications. I want to invest time and energy into working closely with diverse students, and I am sure that the experience will continue to shape me into a compassionate leader, an enthusiastic teacher, and a committed advocate. Since education is the key to a successful future, I hope my role as a mathematics professor will positively impact vulnerable students and underrepresented minorities, inside and outside the classroom. As a first-generation college graduate and Brazilian-American, access to education empowered me to rise in the face of adversity. Because of my experiences and mentors in higher education, I now see the value in having role models who recognize the challenges students face today. The support I have received at Bergen Community College to pursue my education in the STEM field highlighted the crucial impact that teachers and educators have on students. Furthermore, the guidance I received from my professors and mentors taught me to trust the wisdom of others and step out of my comfort zone. Now I am inspired to help fellow students find their pathway to victory. I would be honored to mentor future students and give back to the thriving academic community in the mathematics field.

My passion for mathematics drives me to become a professional educator in the field so that I can motivate new generations to reach their potential. As a survivor of domestic violence, I faced ongoing and challenging effects. I worked hard to overcome the trauma and adjust to safe environments. However, circumstances forced us to move several times, and we often lived in temporary housing. I overcame this challenge by engaging and getting involved in academic activities, clubs, campus life, and volunteering. I never gave up, strived to do my best, and sought to surround myself with a supportive community. I especially learned that dedication and perseverance are ideals to be treasured. Although I was raised by a single parent, the guidance received drives me to be an encouraging voice for others facing adversity. That is why I firmly believe that education is vital to ending the cycle of poverty and setting oneself up for success. It is crucial to support students of all backgrounds in the mathematics field because of the education barriers students might face. I believe that creating new and innovative approaches to problem-solving in this hard discipline is one of the solutions to overcoming the challenges in mathematics teaching. Mathematics also provides a unique opportunity to work in communities where skills can be sharpened and shared among peers. Moreover, there are key principles in both algebra and geometry that are embedded into our everyday lives, even though they may go unnoticed! This discipline explores the foundations of the world around us and enables us to apply newly discovered principles in other subjects, such as visual art, technology, and design. Mathematics is truly interdisciplinary due to its countless ramifications and applications. That is why it is vital to have a strong educational background in math as a student and as a professional in any field. I recognize and appreciate how my teachers and mentors went the extra mile to help me with my studies and school applications. I want to invest time and energy into working closely with diverse students, and I am sure that the experience will continue to shape me into a compassionate leader, an enthusiastic teacher, and a committed advocate. Since education is the key to a successful future, I hope my role as a mathematics professor will positively impact vulnerable students and underrepresented minorities, inside and outside the classroom. As a first-generation college graduate and Brazilian-American, access to education empowered me to rise in the face of adversity. Because of my experiences and mentors in higher education, I now see the value in having role models who recognize the challenges students face today. The support I have received at Bergen Community College to pursue my education in the STEM field highlighted the crucial impact that teachers and educators have on students. Furthermore, the guidance I received from my professors and mentors taught me to trust the wisdom of others and step out of my comfort zone. Now I am inspired to help fellow students find their pathway to victory. I would be honored to mentor future students and give back to the thriving academic community in the mathematics field.

My passion for mathematics drives me to become a professional educator in the field so that I can motivate new generations to reach their potential. Although I was raised by a single parent, the guidance received drives me to be an encouraging voice for others facing adversity. Supporting students of all backgrounds is crucial in mathematics because of the education barriers students might face. I believe that creating new and innovative approaches to problem-solving in this hard discipline is one of the solutions to overcoming the challenges in mathematics teaching. Mathematics also provides a unique opportunity to work in communities where skills can be sharpened and shared among peers. Moreover, there are key principles in both algebra and geometry that are embedded into our everyday lives, even though they may go unnoticed! This discipline explores the foundations of the world around us and enables us to apply newly discovered principles in other subjects, such as visual art, technology, and design. Mathematics is truly interdisciplinary due to its countless ramifications and applications. That is why it is vital to have a strong educational background in math as a student and as a professional in any field. Since education is the key to a successful future, I hope my role as a mathematics professor will positively impact vulnerable students and underrepresented minorities, inside and outside the classroom. As a first-generation college graduate and Brazilian-American, access to education empowered me to rise in the face of adversity. Because of my experiences and mentors in higher education, I now see the value in having role models who recognize the challenges students face today. The support I have received at Bergen Community College to pursue my education in the STEM field highlighted the crucial impact that teachers and educators have on students. I would be honored to mentor future students and give back to the thriving academic community in the mathematics field.