| I grew up in Brazil. My culture taught that, as a “good” woman, I should desire a more passive role in society. However, when I was in the 7th grade, I read the book Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and my life forever changed. A vision was formed in my mind: that I would fly high like Jonathan, breaking away from the crowd, following my own dreams and vision, and becoming more than what society intended. I also knew that once I reached a level of self-empowerment, I would empower others to accomplish the same. From that point, I started my self-improvement journey, and personal growth became my passion. At the age of thirteen I was already fully connected to my life purpose. My legacy began.
At age 22, I began working for World Vision in Brazil. I met some great leaders who introduced me to Yoke Fellows, a Christian program based on the The Art of Understanding Yourself, by Cecil G. Osborne. This program is designed to develop people through group work. Yoke Fellows not only helped me grow tremendously, it also linked me once more to my authentic passion: Personal Development. I learned that our feelings play an important role in our growth. I learned that, indeed, our feelings are the ultimate expression of who we are, and freedom to express these feelings is vital to living an emotionally healthy life. Freedom of expression is a major ingredient in my legacy.
After two years of personal growth in Yoke Fellows and studying many powerful personal development books, I needed to take the next step. In December of 1987, I packed my bags and came to America in search of my dreams. With three hundred dollars in my pocket, a below average ability in English, and a vision so large my heart felt it would burst, I arrived in the land of the free and the brave. Soon I was accepted at Truman State University as a part-time, non-seeking major student. In my first year at Truman, due to outstanding academic accomplishments, I earned a President’s Honorary Scholarship which enabled me to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science in 1993. A major milestone was accomplished.
In 2000, after working as an IT professional in the United States for eight years, my work visa expired. I immigrated to Toronto, Canada, with the dream of settling down and starting a new life. During my time in Canada, I experienced, first hand, the value that diversity can bring to our personal growth. Diversity offers us a multi-dimensional approach to problem solving and enhances our vision and ability to raise our standards. Diversity teaches us that the real values in life are unchangeable, absolute values that are love based and trust driven. Cultural diversity and global thinking became major components of my legacy.
In 2001, my former employer invited me back to the US and petitioned for my residency. America has opened its arms to me and allowed me to make it my home. Experiencing multiple cultures has taught me that there are multiple ways of thinking and they are all correct. Although cultures are very different, they share a common chord: truth is absolute. Truth can be found within us. Truth is found in our authentic self! It is divine!
Today, in my midlife, as a successful Senior Information Technology Consultant, fully adapted to the American corporate world, I look back on my journey. What made attaining my dreams possible? It was my consistent work on myself, my continuous search for my dreams, and m my commitment to my vision.
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"What a man does for others, not what they do for him, gives him immortality."
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Daniel Webster - |
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