I'm Joana.

Ever since I can remember, my life has been a whirlwind of travel and experiences. I was five years old when I made my first big move. From a small town in Portugal to a city of millions in Indonesia. I lived in Surabaya for around six years of my life, years that completely shaped me as a person and turned me into a mindful individual. English quickly became my passion and the first language I fluently spoke. I read books and books on end. I aspired to be many things. Being myself was something that was always heavily encouraged growing up. From my parents to my teachers and to my peers.

After those unique and fulfilling years in a country I consider my second home, the move back to Portugal happened. A process that continued to teach me who I was and how to deal with the hardship of saying goodbye. It was a difficult transition, but three more years passed by in my home country. I felt myself growing stronger and stronger as the years passed, but also more sure of who I was.

My life story is in no way complete. In 2018, I made another big move back to Asia. I studied for another year in the international system. However this time in a different country. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is a place I will never forget. I faced drawback after drawback, I struggled with my mental health, but I grew and I grasped this new part of me with all the courage I could muster. 

Which brings me back to Portugal, where I currently live and where I still dream.

My mind is set to the future. I want to live and progress. I currently study Languages and International Relations at the University of Porto. I want to build connections, conquer the world and hopefully bring small amounts of change everywhere I go.

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