Where are you from, and what was your journey to the Woods College like?
Getting to Woods College was definitely not a linear path, as is the case for many students at the institution.
I am originally from Brazil, and I first arrived at Boston Logan Airport in 2019, when I was 16 years old. Not yet being proficient in English was my first major challenge, one that I was not able to fully overcome during the few months of high school I had in the United States. That challenge ultimately led me to Middlesex Community College, where I discovered the true value of education and began my formal academic journey in business administration.
In 2023, my dad was going to be transferred to South Africa for his next post, and I had already started looking into institutions there where I could finish my bachelor's degree. Around that time, I learned that Middlesex Community College had an articulation agreement with Boston College.
At first, Boston College felt far outside of my reality. Even when I visited the campus, I could not imagine that I would ever be able to study there, particularly because of the cost. That was when the Woods College of Advancing Studies presented itself as a door that could make Boston College possible for me. I applied, and I was accepted.
Why did you choose to attend the Woods College?
Initially, I chose Woods for my undergraduate degree in business due to its flexibility and affordability compared to other business programs. Being a part of the Woods College allowed me full access to opportunities and resources of a prestigious university in a manner that was realistic for my circumstances.
One year after my undergraduate graduation, when I decided to return to Woods for my master's degree, my reasons were different. I chose the program thanks to its rigorous nature and my interest in deepening my knowledge of applied economics while developing skills in economics, quantitative analysis, and data science.
My long-term goal is to become highly specialized in a particular area, spend at least a decade gaining experience at large companies, and eventually use that experience to build a company of my own in my late 30s. I see the master's program as an important step toward building the technical knowledge and professional foundation necessary to get there.
Which particular person, class, or event has had the most impact on you during your time at Woods so far?
Professor Matthew Clemente is one of the professors who had the greatest impact on me because of the nature of his classes. Even though his courses were rigorous, they never felt rigid or inaccessible. He had a way of captivating the entire class when discussing philosophy, its applications to our lives, and, more importantly, how we could engage with and interpret what each author was presenting to us. His classes challenged me intellectually while also making the material feel relevant beyond the classroom.
Another meaningful moment for me was the Woods College Reception on April 8, 2026, when Dean Goodman presented the strategic plan for 2026–2030. I found the plan both realistic and well-oriented, and it made me proud to be part of the institution's history. It also made me excited about what Woods will build in the coming years and about the ways I may be able to contribute to that future.
What has your academic experience at Woods been like?
My academic experience at Woods was very positive. The classes were challenging and pushed me to grow academically, but the professors were also understanding, approachable, and flexible when students needed support. That balance made the experience rigorous without making it feel unnecessarily rigid, and it created an environment where I felt challenged while still having the resources and support to succeed.
How do you create and/or experience a sense of community at Woods?
Creating a strong sense of community within the Woods College has proven to be one of the greater challenges for both students and faculty. Many students commute, work full time, care for families, and balance many other responsibilities. Because of that, building deeper roots within Woods and with the broader Boston College community often requires a more intentional effort.
Personally, I try to create that sense of community by reaching out to current students and alumni, primarily through LinkedIn, to connect, exchange experiences, and help one another. In the classroom, I also try to identify the people who become "my tribe," the classmates with whom I can build relationships and navigate the course together.
Beyond that, I make an effort to attend as many events as my schedule allows, especially those that give me the opportunity to meet alumni, students, staff, and other people who are genuinely interested in building connections within the Woods and Boston College communities. For me, community at Woods is something that may not always happen automatically, but it can become very meaningful when you make the effort to seek it out.
In what ways do you see the BC mission and Jesuit educational values come to life?
Having spent most of the last three years within the Boston College community, I can say that the Ignatian concept of being men and women for others is deeply rooted in BC. Across courses, from the humanities to more STEM-focused subjects, students encounter the Jesuit mission not only as an idea, but as something reflected in the way education, service, and community are approached.
One aspect I particularly appreciate is the College's clear intention to make people feel welcome regardless of their religious background. I have met Muslims, Protestants, Catholics, Buddhists, and people from many other walks of faith who chose to come to Boston College and engage with its Jesuit values.
To me, that is one of the strengths of Boston College's approach to Jesuit education. Its values are clearly present, but they are presented in a way that is respectful of different beliefs and perspectives. Students are invited to engage with those values without feeling that a particular faith is being imposed on them. That balance has made the Jesuit mission feel both authentic and inclusive throughout my experience at Woods.
“ Across courses, from the humanities to more STEM-focused subjects, students encounter the Jesuit mission not only as an idea, but as something reflected in the way education, service, and community are approached. ”
What are your aspirations after graduation, and how do you think Woods is helping you prepare for them?
After graduation, I aspire to work in economic consulting or, alternatively, in valuation. Both paths align with my interest in understanding companies, analyzing complex economic and financial questions, and using data to support better decision-making.
Woods is already helping me prepare for that next step. My current advisor, Dr. Arvind Sharma, has proven to be a valuable resource, not only in helping me identify potential career opportunities, but also in helping me better direct my interests and ambitions as I think about where I want to specialize.
My longer-term goal is to become highly specialized in a particular area, spend at least a decade gaining experience and expertise at established companies, and eventually use that foundation to build a company of my own in my late 30s. I see my master's degree in applied economics as an important part of that path, giving me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of economics while developing stronger quantitative and data science skills.
For me, Woods is not simply preparing me for my first job after graduation. It is helping me build the academic, technical, and professional foundation for the career I hope to develop over the next several decades and presenting me with the people who will be pivotal for my plan to succeed.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying to Woods?
Definitely apply. But at the Woods College, just like at any college within Boston College or anywhere else, your experience will largely be what you make of it.
If you decide to simply attend your classes and go home, you will have that option. However, if you choose to explore the resources, events, people, and opportunities that the institution has to offer, you will quickly realize how much is available to you.
At that point, the challenge is no longer finding opportunities. It is deciding which ones you want to take advantage of.