Change In Brazil Essay

In May 2009, I was ready to leave my home in Brazil to study in the United States. A few days after arriving in America I started to take "summer classes" at West Virginia State University. Since then a lot has changed in my life as a person and as a student. I have made new friends in West Virginia and done well at my studies. I have changed majors which added an extra year to my studies. My grandmother passed away in 2010 when I was taking my finals during my second semester at school. And, in the same year one of my two nieces, Juliana, was born. Life was happening, and changes were taking place. I was so busy with my studies and adapting into the new routine that I forgot to consider that my country, Brazil, was going through transformations as well.

Looking back I can see that most changes which happened in Brazil in the last years were beneficial. In October 2010, Brazilian voters elected their first female President in the history of Brazil. Dilma Rousseff became the 36th President of this country. "Dilma", as the Brazilians call their President, took office in January 2011. In Brazil, Dilma may represent a victory for gender equality. The fact is that a woman, as the most influential Brazilian, may challenge the "macho man" stereotype in Brazil. Her election as the president of the largest and most influential country in the continent helps demystify the idea that females are politically and economically discriminated against in this country.

During Dilma's presidency greater equality has been achieved for GLBT people. In 2011, civil unions between same-sex individuals were recognized in Brazil. Two years later, a bill legalizing same-sex marriage was passed and with it all the rights and duties giv...

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...d give access to public health to people who live in remote places in Brazil where native doctors are not willing to relocate.

Brazil is far from being a paradise on Earth. There is still a lot to be done. But from the eyes of an expat, I can see clearer the results of continuous transformations in Brazil than my fellow compatriots who are living and experiencing every small change over time. I have seen more changes in education and health happening lately than during my entire lifetime. I grew up hearing from several sources that Brazil would some day be the "country of the future." I thought that I would not live to see this day. Today, I can say that we are closer to the promised "future" than we ever were. Brazil is not the same as it was ten years ago. This country can finally be proud to honor the words written on its flag - "Order and Progress."