Horizons of Hope: Overcoming Autism through Education | Brazil

With unwavering determination, even in the face of the challenges of the Brazilian public education system and the constant battle of the autism spectrum, my journey is a story of overcoming and inspiration that deserves to be told in detail.

From my early years in school until achieving a full scholarship to study Law at one of Pernambuco's most prestigious universities, my path has been marked by challenges that shaped my resilience and inner strength.

Throughout this challenging journey, I have always studied in public schools, both at the elementary and high school levels, facing the difficulties of a precarious education system. There were times when I went months without teachers, and the presence of military police was constant at school gates to prevent illicit activities. However, my determination was further strengthened by the support and example of my family. Even without the presence of a father figure throughout my life, I learned to carry significant responsibilities from a young age. My brother, with partial cerebral palsy, and my grandmother, bedridden due to a stroke, showed me the importance of resilience and unconditional love. My mother, who could never work outside the home due to the need to care for my brother and now my grandmother, always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and make a difference in the lives of those around me.

These experiences were my starting point for awakening my potential and becoming the agent of change that I am today. Now, more than ever, I am determined to expand this positive impact to society as a whole. My mission is to inspire others to face their own adversities with courage and determination, empowering them to achieve their goals and build a better future for themselves and their communities.

Through the creation of projects like "Chess Without Borders" and the "More Sustainable Port," I seek to positively impact people's lives by promoting education, sustainability, and social inclusion on a large scale. The former project brings chess education to over 15 states in the country, remotely and voluntarily. The latter aims to make a significant impact on technology companies around Recife by redirecting materials that could be erroneously discarded to a school that teaches maintenance skills, then selling them at a bazaar, and finally allocating the funds to social projects such as nursing homes for the elderly and children. Additionally, my volunteer work as a Project Developer at organizations like the Global Inclusive Society NGO demonstrates my commitment to making a difference not only locally but also globally, particularly in education.

My journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. And I am committed to continuing my mission of service and inspiration, empowering those around me to achieve their dreams and build a fairer and more compassionate world for all. This is my story. This is my mission. And I am determined to share it with the world, inspiring others to rise up and face their own challenges with courage and determination.