Cecilia Sousa

I was born in Porto Velho and raised in Goiânia, Brazil, where my roots were firmly established. However, at age 20, I embarked on a new chapter of my life by moving to the United States in February 2000. Upon arriving in this remarkable country, I was captivated by the American way of life and began envisioning my American dream. Despite being able to afford a safer area, we were denied due to the requirement of a social security number for renting, which we didn’t possess. Fortunately, my mom was friends with a chef at the restaurant where she worked. We secured a small one-bedroom shack accommodating six family members through his connections. It greatly improved our lives, granting us the choice to avoid living in the dangerous, impoverished areas of Florida. I resided for a decade in Florida, and although we had many challenges, I had the opportunity to broaden my horizons and connect with people from various backgrounds. From 2002 to 2004, I embarked on a brief journey to New Jersey, expanding my American experience. During this time, I embraced a period of exploration and discovery, immersing myself in a different state to seek fresh perspectives and opportunities for personal growth. It was a time when I strived to pursue and fulfill my American Dream. However, in 2005, I decided to return to Florida. The main reasons were the exploitation of immigrants and the prevalence of illicit drugs and criminal activities in the community. I found myself in a situation where my safety was at risk, leading me to fear for my life and ultimately choose to return to Florida. In December 2007, I became a lawful resident, giving me hope to achieve my American Dream. During the 2008 recession, I separated from my husband and became homeless for the first time, working low-paying jobs and sleeping on a friend’s couch. After five months, I eventually found a room to rent. Seeking new opportunities, I decided to expand my horizons further and pursue new opportunities in California in 2014. Unfortunately, I ended up homeless for the second time. For eight months, I lived in my car, surrounded by aggressive drug users and homeless individuals during the night. Despite these challenges, I managed to find work as a barista, where I showcased my values of ethics and integrity. After three months of hard work, I secured a room. In August 2016, I decided to pursue my education at Cañada College. I chose this because I feel responsible for caring for my mom, who didn’t complete high school and works in low-paying jobs in Brazil, and my brother, who has been diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia. Since my parents are divorced, I believe it’s up to me to support and care for them. Another driving force is my promise to my grandmother, Creuza de Miranda, a resilient woman who lacked formal education. Born in the Amazonian forest, the daughter of “ribeirinhos,” or water dwellers, valued education despite never having the opportunity to learn herself. With thirteen siblings, she left home at sixteen, never to return. Tragically, she passed away from COVID on my college graduation day in May 2020. Honoring her memory fuels my determination to excel and make the most of my educational journey. Although I faced fears of not being intelligent enough and harbored doubts, I remained determined to improve my life, even if it meant working harder than my peers whose first language was English. I developed a strong passion for knowledge and consistently aimed for academic excellence. In December 2016, after sixteen years of being a lawful resident, I finally obtained my American citizenship. That day holds immense significance in my life. I experienced profound happiness, freedom, and a sense of acceptance. Taking the oath to protect the Constitution was a moment of great importance to me, as I truly believe in the system of this country. Today, I proudly identify as a Brazilian-American. Yet, my journey continued, and in 2020, I made my way to Nevada, a state known for its striking desert landscapes and vibrant city life. Nevada became my new home, where I embraced the unique energy and spirit of the community. The transition marked a fresh chapter in my story, filled with new connections, experiences, and the chance to contribute to the ever-evolving melting pot of this remarkable state. Each location has shaped my perspective and broadened my understanding of the world throughout my journey from Brazil to Florida, New Jersey to California, and eventually Nevada. The blend of these diverse experiences has contributed to my personal growth and cultivated a deep appreciation for the varied landscapes, cultures, and opportunities the United States offers. I am deeply grateful for the warm embrace and celebration I have experienced from Reno’s community, and it has inspired me to strive towards fostering a thriving and resilient environment for everyone residing here. By investing in my education, I aim to equip myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to improving my community. I aspire to promote the development of a strong and interconnected community in Reno where individuals can flourish and realize their full potential. I firmly believe that by nurturing and strengthening our community bonds, we can collectively overcome challenges and create opportunities for everyone. Therefore, I am dedicating myself to using my educational journey as a driving force for positive change. I will utilize the resources and knowledge I acquire to address important issues, elevate the voices of disenfranchised individuals, and promote unity and progress. With the support and cooperation of this embracing community, we can work towards a better future for everyone.