How long have you worked at the Uni? What does your role involve?
I started working at the University as a part-time Teaching Fellow for the Foreign Languages Centre in 2010. In 2016, I also joined the Skills Centre as a Supervisor in the Language Learning Zone, formerly known as the Self Access Language Centre. Following that, I was then appointed as Teaching & Learning Enhancement Advisor to support my fellow teaching colleagues in identifying and adopting digital technologies for learning and teaching foreign languages. This has been a fantastic experience which has enhanced my pedagogical and creative skills when combined with technology. It has certainly been an innovative and exciting opportunity.
What would you most like to achieve while at the University?
I always want to make a positive impact on my students’ lives. I aim to achieve this by being a motivating teacher and providing an inclusive and fun learning environment, within which my students can learn Portuguese. I love when my students return from their placements abroad and pop into the office to let me know how they got on. In order to continue working with students and enhance their experience at the University, I have been awarded funding from the University’s Teaching Development Fund. The aim of this project is to connect incoming international students through a virtual exchange with current University of Bath students before they arrive. They will spend five weeks working on structured tasks to get to know each other, to find out about our campus, and to discover what living in the UK is like. I hope this will support their transition to the UK and to University much more effectively.
Name one thing that makes you feel proud to work at the University of Bath?
Colleagues are supportive and I have many opportunities for my own professional development. I also like when there are opportunities to meet colleagues from other faculties, departments and institutions like EduFest and One World Week. I also feel that in Bath, I belong to a thriving international community that makes me feel welcome and inspired.
What piece of advice would you like to give to a student?
Make the most of the opportunities you are given throughout University life. Take part in social activities, join a society, volunteer in your community and make friends. This is probably the best time to acquire and develop life skills, which will be so important after you graduate.
Who was your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I would say it was an English Literature Professor Marlene Soares dos Santos, at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, where I graduated. She was a real inspiration as she taught me that Shakespeare’s play themes and characters are still relevant today. She was the one who instigated my passion for England and all things English!
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher. I remember playing schools at a young age in my father’s garage, which he adapted especially for me to play with my brother and friends. I used to have a blackboard, desks, chairs and school material. I used to be very strict and got very cross with students who did not complete their homework or talked too much in class! I can proudly say that I taught my younger brother and his friend how to read and write before they started school.
I also used to be fascinated with the idea of volunteering as a doctor or nurse in war zones and zones of conflict. I still like the idea of volunteering but as I am squeamish when I see blood or wounds, I don’t think I would have made a very good medic in any shape or form.
What’s the one thing you know now that you wish you’d known when you were younger?
I wished that while at school, I had taken extracurricular activities more seriously. Education is more than just obtaining good grades! I used to do ballet, swimming and judo but gave up all of them.
What was your first job?
I used to work as a receptionist for BP Headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. It was a busy reception but good fun and I met many people who I am still in touch with.
If you could start your own dream business, what would it be?
It would have to be something innovative that combines teaching, technology, language and cultures but I am not sure what kind of business this would be. I think I still have some time ahead of me to plan it!
Where is your favourite holiday destination and why?
It has to be home, Brazil and a beach holiday. As a good ‘carioca’ (person born in Rio), we like going to the beach a lot, but to less populated ones than Copacabana or Ipanema. I recently found a hidden gem in the nearby city of Niteroi. Camboinhas Beach is stunning and a secret to many. I have been holidaying there for the past three years.
What’s your favourite book or album and why?
I recently read the Stubborn Archivist by Yara Fowler. Her novel is about a Brazilian-British woman born in London and it flips back and forth in time with the writer including mundane details of everyday life – things like a friend coming for Sunday roast, packing for a trip to Brazil, and going out in London for example. I liked the way which the two cultures are embraced simultaneously by the protagonist and how the mixing of the languages is cleverly done.
When are you happiest?
Spending time with my family and friends makes me very happy. So does jogging or cycling along the Bath Two Tunnels cycle route. I love the English countryside and the scenery along this route is breathtaking. Jogging or cycling always give me time to think and reflect. Running in the tunnels means I can always see the light at the end, and this is an image that I keep with me. It helps me to focus and know that no matter what the challenges are that we go through, there is always hope!
If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and why?
I would love to meet comedians like Steve Coogan, Romesh Ranganathan and Lee Mack as I think they are super clever and good fun!
I love British humour. In Brazil, humour can be quite different but we share common ground when it comes to political satire or depicting social situations in an exaggerated manner. I believe having a sense of humour is a sign of good psychological health.
Which one superpower would you like to possess?
I would love to be able to teleport myself! Wouldn’t that be great not having to face travelling to airports, facing queues, packing and being stuck like sardines on a 12-hour flight to go home? This would also help me to reduce my carbon footprint. So, I urge all scientists to work harder on this one!
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have always liked a challenge and whist travelling around the world, I did a tandem skydive over Lake Taupo in New Zealand. It was an exhilarating experience and I still remember the feeling of free falling and being sucked up in the air by the parachute. After landing, I just wanted to go back on the plane and do it all again!
Tell us your favourite joke
I love a good joke but do not know how to tell one. I always spoil the punchline but if you really insist in having one here we go:
Yesterday I went to the opticians and guess who I bumped into?
Everyone!