Oi Brazil !

During the summer of 2012, I was able to complete University of Washington‘a Human Rights and Environmental Justice study abroad program in Brazil. One of the requirements was to complete a media project. The project was to explore a human rights or environmental justice issue that Brazilians are faced with. When I began this exploration, I was overtaken by the history of such a resourceful and diverse country. I became swept away in the culture and learning the Brazilian way, the "Jeitinho". Having little experience in creating mediums, I thought a blog/photo journal would be a great way to share my research and the time I spent in the country. In this blog you will find observations, interviews, seminars, research, and photographs of what I gathered while I was in the areas of Sao Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul. 

My first thoughts upon arriving - culture shock! The language barrier, the busy city of Sao Paulo, new families and friends to get to know....the list goes on. Aside from that, my Santo Andre host family welcomed me and set me at ease. As I was taking it all in, I couldn't help but notice the many differences compared to the U.S. It led me to the concerning fact of the water quality and access, which would eventually solidify my project exploration: access to clean water.  My goal is to share education, research, and awareness on the topic. 

My University-Universidade de Metodista

My Sao Paulo host family