Educação

What is education? What is a language? In 17 years ago, I ´ve read for the first time one of the most famous quotes by Pythagoras: “Educate the children and it won´t be necessary punish the men”. It was only within the pass of the years that I have understood the meaning of this quote. In Brazil, to have access to good education is a privilege. During my first contact with the English language, I was completely intriguing by its importance and complexity.

My parents always invested in their children education, and until my last year in high school, I had attended only private schools, but in the last year of high school, I have studied in a public school. I was shocked that no one of my classmates that year, have studied the English language, and because of that they had a limited vision about the world and they act like their lives were already fated. Despite the fact I was 16 years old, I was already the kind of person who observes the situations, reflects about it, tries to understand the context, finds a way to use the conclusion to expanding my knowledge and if it is positive, shares it with others. Therefore, I understood how powerful a language could be, that is when I decided to study English language. I desired to understand the language that even being so simple is also so complex.

I was fortunate enough to be work as a volunteer teaching some basic structures of the English Language to 9 special kids in one of the most dangerous and poorest neighborhoods in my city. I will never forget the enthusiasm of those kids, it was not because of me, it was the language, how some simple information, gave them the opportunity to open a little bit their mind and wish for other opportunities than those, which were previous presented to them. It was magical how simple words awakened their curiosity and challenged believes.

For almost 5 years, I studied the English language at the Sergipe Federal University, during this time I had the opportunity to understand a little more about Sociolinguistic and the regional and social variations of language. It was during this time that I discovered my strengths in team work and communication, however I did not feel ready to receive a title of Bachelor, so against the common sense, I decided not finish the course, so I did not received my diploma and started the same degree all over again, but now in a private college. During this time, I had the opportunity to work for Wizard by PEARSON, where I enjoyed exploring NLP (Neuro-linguistic Programming), the work of Chomsky, Piaget and Saussure, while I was teaching English, working and learning from other teachers.

I would relish the opportunity to experience new cultures and the possibility to share and own culture. Besides the fact that is something which would enlarge my intellectual and social skills. Studying at this university, would give me the chance to precise understand the English language as something that I have never studied before, I see this opportunity as a new way for me to look at language, with a more precise and scientific approach, exploring this language in a systematic way. In addition, I feel the Illinois University at Champaign is the perfect environment for me to develop as a person and the level of independence that I will enjoy much greater.

I understand the pressure that the work load can put in a person however I believe that my previous experiences has not only prepared me for this but has also opened my eyes and given me a clear idea of the exact academic and professional paths I wish to follow. I intend to not only egoistically understand the language, but also contribute my own theories and understanding, keeping in mind how it can be helpful to anyone who is learning this language and looking for a life instead of a destine.