Oi galera, tudo bem (Hi all, how are you)!? My name is Celeste, and I am 23 years old. I have three younger sisters, and I love the color green. Currently, my family and I live in Phoenix, Arizona, but I have lived all over the Southwest -- which basically means growing up with the hot sun, cactuses, and warm weather all year long. I studied Philosophy and Justice Studies at Arizona State University, where my classes introduced me to my love for education and my interest in Brazil. The Southwest is important to me because no matter where I lived, there were always influences from indigenous and Mexican cultures. I have always enjoyed sharing the multi-cultural identity of this part of the United States with others.
During my sophomore year of college, I learned about the Fulbright program and saw that their English Teaching Assistant (ETA) award would allow me to share my experiences in Brazil. I began Portuguese classes during my junior year and, soon enough, I officially accepted my Fulbright ETA award before graduating from college. In March 2023, I began my time in Brazil, in the rural and rainforested city of Rio Branco, which is in the state of Acre. Ever since I arrived, I have felt more and more at home, so I hope you all can feel my love for Brazil through my profile!
Want to learn how you could be a Fulbright Scholar like me? The Fulbright Program is the United States government's flagship international exchange program. Fulbrighters foster mutual understanding between the United States and partner nations, share knowledge across communities, and improve lives around the world. Learn more by clicking here!
