Internationalmatt's Blog

Thiago’s PHD Graduation- End of an Era/New Beginning for Thiago

Last Friday I went to the Graduation Ceremony for PHD and Master Degrees at UNL. My friend Thiago from Brazil received his PHD in Engineering. Graduation marked the end of an era for not only Thiago and his wife Gabriella and daughter Giovanna, it also marked the end of an era for students from Brazil here in Lincoln.

It was fun to  meet Thiago’s mom in person. She came with a friend for his graduation. They had a long trip to get here from Brazil, but it I did not notice any effects of jet lag. Maria and Priscilla are high energy women. Thiago’s brother Thiciano was there as well. At first it was hard to believe Maria is the mother of Thiago and Thiciano due to the difference in height, but she is a good example of the saying dynamite comes in small packages.

It was awesome to see my friends celebrate Thiago’s accomplishment. When he was hooded, it represented many years of dedicated study. At the ceremony I found out that it was not only the end of an era of his life as a student, it is also the end of an era of Thiago, Gabriella and Giovanna living in Lincoln. Thiago has been taken a job in Brazil and the future looks bright for them. It will be a new beginning for Thiago, Gabriella and Giovanna back in their home country. A place where they can get good fruit all year.  A place where it never snows. A place not too far from the beach. Maybe I should move with them lol.

It is also the end of an era for Brazilian students here in Lincoln. At the party Friday evening many of my Brazilian friends told me that Thiago and Gabriella have been their best friends. I have heard from many Brazilian students over the years about how Thiago and Gabriella helped them when they first came to Lincoln. They leave behind a legacy of not only Brazilian students but also other international students that they have befriended and helped. They move back to Brazil at the end of the month.

I will miss all of the Gabriella/Thiago parties, but most of all will miss them. My other Brazilian friends will miss their good friends. They leave behind a legacy of reaching out to and helping other international students. They will step into the new path God has opened for them and continue their exciting journey in Brazil.

August 15, 2011 - Posted by internationalmatt | Brazilian friends, Education, Experiences of international friends, International Friendships, international students, Internationals