Post by Ana Sofia Nicolau

Dear LinkedIn community,   Graduation happened months ago, but some chapters take time to settle – and this one deserved a moment of reflection.   I still remember the first time I entered Nova School of Business and Economics. It was a random Sunday in April. I was so fascinated by the modern building and having a supermarket inside the university. Months later, I moved from my small town to Lisbon. I was excited about everything, the welcome sunset and making my first friends, contrasting with the feeling of saying goodbye to my parents, that first night all alone, and the nerves on my way to my first day of classes.   I remember the countless hours I spent studying on campus with friends, with mandatory breaks to watch the sunset at the beach, surviving on pizzas from Pingo Doce and coffee from the vending machine to fuel us during exams season, stressful group projects and those Saturday midterms.   I remember being part of two amazing student clubs (Nova Thirst Project, Nova SBE’s branch of Thirst Project Portugal, and NOMA Marketing Consulting) and how much they shaped me, both personally and professionally. I also had the chance to go on an exchange semester at HEC Montréal, making angels in the snow and memories I’ll carry forever.   I remember the amazing professors and university staff that were part of this journey and all the friends I made along the way. And, of course, it wouldn't have been possible without the unconditional support from my parents and all the home-cooked meals I’d take back with me after my visits home.   And lastly, I remember walking across that stage, diploma in hand, officially graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Management from the #1 business university in Portugal.   I will always cherish those 3 amazing (and demanding) years and how great it was to be a college student – to be exhausted and scared, but also curious, excited and evolving each day.   One chapter closed. Many more to come!🎓✨