An undeniable thing that links young people all over the world is the struggle to achieve an education. Sleepless nights, last-minute revision, all-nighters and dreadful deadlines- these are all things that, irrespective of language barriers, unite us.

Take Helena for example, a 17-year-old International Baccalaureate student studying Biology, Chemistry and Math AA at the higher level and English, History and Portuguese at the standard level. at the British College of Brazil. Although she’s lived in Sao Paulo, Brazil practically her whole life, you may be surprised to find just how similar her experience might be to yours.

What’s your favourite subject at school and why?
My favourite subject at school would probably have to be chemistry. I love how practical it is and I always have a great time applying my knowledge to experiments and research projects. I’m currently writing my IB Extended essay on chemistry, and I’m having a blast investigating polymers and chemical structures.

What’s your favourite cultural food?

I really love pão de queijo which is this cheesy bread that pairs perfectly with some coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. I’m also a big fan of Brazilian barbecue with all the delicious Brazilian meats and the best side dishes: queijo coalho, vinaigrette, and farofa are my favourite! I have to say, no one does barbecue like Brazilians!

What’s your favourite TV show and why?

My favourite TV show is probably Suits. The whole idea of Mike Ross, this super-smart guy who never actually went to law school but still nails it at a top law firm, is pretty wild but so fun to watch. It’s very fast paced, and plot driven, which is personally my favourite kind of show to unwind to! I usually end up binge-watching a few episodes at a time because it’s just so addictive. Plus, it’s one of those shows that’s entertaining but also makes you think a bit about ambition, loyalty, and what it takes to succeed when the stakes are high.

What’s the best thing about being a teenager in your country?

I see myself as a graduated doctor working as either a cardiology or anaesthesiology resident in a hospital in Boston or the Bay area!  I also see myself deeply involved in health policy activism. I want to work at the intersection of medicine, public health, and policy to help shape systems that make healthcare more accessible and equitable for everyone. And always surrounded by all my friends and family of course!

If could have dinner with one celebrity, who would they be and why?

She might not be a Hollywood star, but to me, she’s a total celebrity in the world of science. Jennifer Doudna is one of the pioneers behind CRISPR gene-editing technology, which has completely transformed the way we think about genetics, medicine, and even the future of human health. I’d love to talk with her about how she first got into science, what it felt like to make such a groundbreaking discovery, and how she handles the ethical questions that come with something as powerful as gene editing. Dinner with her would be a mix of inspiration, curiosity, and maybe a little bit of geeking out over CRISPR.

If you had the ability to know what someone was thinking who would you choose and why?

I’d choose an emergency room doctor in the middle of a crisis. I’ve always been amazed at how ER doctors can keep their cool in the most stressful situations. How are they able to filter out so much information in such a short period of time? And on top of that, deal with the emotional strain of caring for people every day? I think that listening to their thoughts in a moment like that would be truly fascinating. Beyond that, I think the experience would definitely help me grow on a personal level. It would help me understand that apart from skill and expertise, being a great health professional requires emotional and mental toughness to deal with these difficult situations.

If you could take one thing on a dessert island, what would you take?