Career Program: Quality Engineering Technology
Originally From: Araras - São Paulo State - Brazil
Current Residence: Neenah
Age: 55
Attended FVTC: Fall 2019 - Fall 2021

Why did you choose to study this field?

My career background is in manufacturing, where I used to work in maintenance related to quality and process improvement. When I arrived in the United States from Brazil, I saw an opportunity to expand my field of work beyond maintenance. After reading about FVTC’s Quality Engineering Technology program, I immediately became interested. I already had some knowledge of the subject, but never had the opportunity to study it deeply. FVTC gave me the opportunity to study a subject that I enjoy with instructors who care for their students. 

Tell us how you came to choose FVTC for your education.

When I arrived in the Fox Valley area, FVTC was strongly recommended by friends of mine. I was lucky to come to the Open House in October 2019, where I met instructors Ellen Jack and Karlyn Erhardt who helped me understand the opportunities that FVTC could offer me. Before I decided to enroll in the Quality Engineering Technology program, I enrolled in the ELL program and was touched by the kindness and professionalism of the instructors here. The recognition of the teaching quality by my friends and the support I received from my instructors were the major reasons why I chose FVTC. 

What's been the most rewarding part of your educational journey at FVTC?

The attention that was given to me by the instructors of the ELL and Quality Engineering departments. They truly cared about my learning process and they were available to help me every time I needed them. I confess that sometimes I am a person who demands a lot of information, but whatever questions I had they responded with kindness and empathy. The most rewarding part was meeting people who know how to teach and learn with their students.

What was the most difficult part?

The most difficult part was gaining the motivation to start a new degree 30 years after my first graduation, in another language, and being humble enough to admit that I have a lot to learn.

What will you do on graduation day or in the future to celebrate graduation?

First, I will celebrate with my friends here in Fox Valley. After that, I plan to travel to meet my family and celebrate with them.

Tell us about your plans after graduation.

I hope to find a job where I can collaborate with others to create a better tomorrow and help my family.

One last parting thought or words of wisdom to share with others.

The writer Patrick Rothfuss has written, “Knowing your own ignorance is the first step to enlightenment.” I agree with him. The first step in the learning process is to admit that your knowledge can be improved, learning with your experiences and with others. And the process never ends.

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