Hi, I’m Vicky - This is my story

I often find myself saying, "Well...it really depends", when people ask me where I'm from or what is my nationality.

I’m Brazilian, American and Chinese. I grew up between different languages, accents,

cuisines, traditions and worldviews. I’ve learned to speak Portuguese, English, and Mandarin since I was little, and I've listened to both my grandparents speak Shanghainese. Gradually, I came to realize that my identity doesn't fit into just one culture; it is formed by the sum of many!

I’m a Third Culture Kid. This means that my life was, for a long time, made up of attempts: to understand, to adapt, to belong.

The school, the circles of friends, the celebrations of birthdays, and even the quiet moments between one language and another have all taught me a lesson: that the sense of belonging isn’t a static gift; it’s a tapestry woven day by day.

It is when we discover a place—or a cause—where our unique way of being resonates and feels right.

I come from a family with generations of engineers and entrepreneurs.

From a young age, I learned the value of approaching problems with critical thinking and empathy, seeking solutions that impact others. I've been taught to think practically, yet also to feel deeply."

Today, at 17, I realize that I may never fit into just one culture—and that's perfectly okay. Because, I belong to a group of people who aspire to transform the world into a more gentle place. A group that isn’t defined by origin, but by purpose.

I carry with me the best of the three cultures that shape who I am:

• From Brazil, I’ve learned the optimism about life, the passion for what I do, and the love that is expressed in the smallest gestures.

• From China, I carry the respect, the listening before speaking, the attention to detail, and the humility in my work.

• From the United States, I take with me a sense of justice, a spirit of service, a commitment to the collective, and the courage to do what is right.

This is where my journey begins.

There’s still so much to learn and I’m eager to embrace it all with a sense of lightness, responsibility, and an open heart.💛