It was a long nine month period in the States. I was pretty busy with classes, volleyball and some other activities. I am really excited to build my future, create opportunities and live my life intensively. I have passed through some amazing moments at Coker. People around there are amazing. They treat me in the best way possible. I definitely feel at home. However, I miss several things, people and places back home in Brazil.
To start with, I just want to say that my family is the most precious thing in my life -- family is not only my relatives, but also friends that I call siblings. Therefore, I can start this list citing a very wide point.
1. Family: I used to have such a great routine with my family. Every weekend I used to have a meal with some relatives. Because my parents are divorced, the family is divided. However, I always have a great time with both parts. My family is everything for me. They support me in all of my decisions. They always have great advice to give me. I know that I can count on each individual in my family. I miss family meals, I miss their hugs, I miss their smiles and I miss my family.
2. Friends (Siblings): I am an only child, but as I said before, I have friends that are siblings for me. Those are just a few of my friends. I like to say that the person who has loyal friends also has a treasure. I can always count on my friends. They are great people. We go out, and we have fun together. We have lived unforgettable moments. I always smile when I remember those moments. Twelve years ago, seven years ago and even three years ago, I met some of the most important people in my life. Once upon a time, Gabriel Prado de Castro was a young boy that had no idea that he was about to meet people that I would now give an arm for. Fortunately, I have met those amazing people. Every single day away from them it's pretty tough, but I know that they are happy and achieving their dreams just as I am.
I can probably find the love of my life within those friends. I believe that a true love is built from a true friendship. Let's see what the future holds for me. I miss my friends' smiles, conversations, nights awake, car rides, I miss my friends as a whole.
Giba, my dog, is 7 years old. Having a dog made me a happier person, and he is one of my best friends. He was always sad when I was about to go out, but he was unconditionally happy when I got back. A dog's love is a pure love, and it makes me feel great.
3. Car: I am a car lover. As soon as I turned 18 (the legal age to drive in Brazil), I got my driver's licence and a car. My car rides were a way to relax, feel the car and feel the moment. I used to feel free, strong and confident inside my car. I could go everywhere. I could be an independent person somehow: going fast on a road and feeling the wind coming into the window or going slow in a road and paying attention to the view. The feeling of freedom is indescribable. All of my problems are out of my mind for a moment because it was only my car and me. Some of the best moments of my life were in a car.
4- Food: I love to eat. Brazilian food is amazing. It tastes so good: rice, beans, beef and some salad. There's nothing better than that. Whenever I am in the States, I miss Brazilian food so much. American food is not bad, but Brazilian food is indescribable. I would do anything to eat some Brazilian food while I am in the States.
Even though I am in Brazil now, I remember every moment of my first year in the States and those are the things I missed the most during this time. I am very excited about this upcoming year, but I'm already missing those people, the car and food. I will try my best to succeed and make them proud of me. If you pay close attention, there is only one object in this list--cars, which are my passion.
People are amazing. People that I love are everything for me. To my family and friends: I am working hard and I am motivated to overcome my limits and make you all proud of me. Also, I want to tell you all, once again, that I am always here. Even though I will be away for a while, you will always be in my heart.
