I was born at the dawn of April, in the city of Porto, where my childhood unfolded and where the weight of words was passed on to me with a unique gravity. The words of Porto, with its mysterious substance, are intertwined with the insubordination and resistance that define this city—roots nourished by the pen of Camilo Castelo Branco, Almeida Garrett, and the praises of Sophia de Mello Breyner—a truth that does not submit. Porto has always been, to me, much more than a city of granite and ancient streets, more than its narrow alleys and cobblestone paths. Perhaps because of its irreverence during the Liberal Revolution and during the siege of Porto on the Civil War.

The city is imbued with an aura of resistance, a place where freedom and justice are not asked for but demanded. However, it was in Lisbon, when I was 9 years old, that I received the national poetry award—a moment that marked the realization of how my passion for writing and the search for meaning were taking shape, confirming the alchemy that lies at the tip of the pen. Later, I fell in love with a small but vibrant town in the Minho region called Vizela. A town that, despite the limitations imposed by its geography, rose against its status as a parish, fighting for its autonomy and identity as a municipality. It was there where I moved to and eventually settled, absorbing the energy of local stories about a town that never accepted being subordinate. During this time, my passion for history began to flourish in Guimarães, where I completed my secondary education.

This journey ultimately led me to politics—a realm that soon resonated with the values of freedom and justice that had been shaping me—materializing in my quest for a voice that is heterogeneously harmonized. Upon my completion of compulsory schooling in Portugal, the world was overtaken by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, ushering in a period of stillness that allowed the human soul to linger in the silence of its own being while also uncovering new melodies. In time, alongside the lessons of survival and the resistance to this unforeseen condition imposed upon all, wings began to unfurl—sometimes with trepidation, sometimes with voracity. During this period, I made my way first to Faro, where I spent a month, and then to Évora, where I stayed for another month, each place offering its own quiet, lessons, and reencounters in this new reality.

After this period of reflection, I found my path leading me to Braga, where I embarked on a new chapter at the University of Minho, pursuing a degree in Political Science. This decision was not merely academic but an extension of my lifelong pursuit of meaning and justice, a natural evolution of the passions that had long defined me. It was in the vibrant intellectual environment of the university that I immersed myself in the profound study of political philosophy, political communication, and public administration, delving into the intricacies of governance both in Portugal and across the European Union. The program became a crucible for growth, sharpening my skills in argumentation, public speaking, and research.

This journey through Political Science was not only an academic endeavor but a personal transformation, granting me the tools to critically deal with the world’s complexities. Since December 2021, I have proudly served as Vice President of the General Assembly Board at "Último Recurso," a nonprofit organization dedicated to climate justice and human rights. This project is especially close to my heart, as I’ve had the privilege of watching it grow from an idea into a powerful movement, led by someone I’ve had the pleasure to call friend since childhood. Growing up together in a small town, we shared a passion for politics and bold dreams of changing the world. Supporting "Último Recurso" has been a deeply personal journey, as the organization fights to hold governments and corporations accountable, protect vulnerable communities, and drive meaningful action against climate degradation. Being part of its development and mission is both a professional honor and a personal fulfillment. In addition, I became involved with the 8M Network, a civic movement advocating for human rights and the promotion of feminist causes.

This experience later led me to serve as ambassador for 8M Guimarães, further strengthening my commitment to social justice. I am currently in the final year of my Master’s in International Relations, dedicated to writing my dissertation while continuing my studies at the University of Minho—the institution that has offered me enriching opportunities through seminars, conferences, and transformative experiences, including the privilege of attending a mini-course with the esteemed professor and philosopher Noam Chomsky, for whom I had long held a deep admiration. Equally invaluable has been the unwavering support and guidance of the university's professors, whose dedication has profoundly shaped my academic journey. Long before my involvement in these movements and studies, writing was my first passion—developing alongside my love for cinema, literature, and, especially, music, which holds a place of great significance in my life. For all these reasons, writing for Meer represents a unique opportunity to explore the profound interplay between politics, art, and society. I am deeply committed to crafting articles that transcend borders and spark meaningful reflections. It is an honor to share my journey with you, dear reader, as I hope we can discover new ways to perceive the world together, for at its core, this is nothing but a collaborative process—a shared endeavor of resurgence and reinvention.