The streets of Santos, Brazil, stretch toward the ocean, where the waves crash relentlessly against the shore—a rhythm as familiar as the life of Rhayssa Braz. Graduating from public school, she knew: For many in her city, university is like the distant horizon—visible but unreachable. Although designed to be universal, the educational system overlooks social inequalities, making admission nearly impossible for many.
But Braz refused to follow the conventional path.
“Fortunately, I had a computer,” she said with a smile. “Many people don’t.”
Although uncertainty filled Braz’s heart, her screen was filled with possibilities—college websites and application forms, glimpses of a future she was determined to reach.
She didn’t know where to go, how to get there, or even if she would make it. But Braz knew she had to try. So, she did—80 times. 80 university applications, each one a small act of defiance against the unfair system.
Then, while searching online for international universities, she stumbled upon Duke Kunshan University almost by accident.
“On Google Maps,” she laughed. “I was just searching around—then, out of nowhere, I found the place that would change everything.”
Why was Braz chosen by DKU among thousands of applicants? Maybe it was the way she spoke—convincing, honest, refusing to be anyone but herself. In every interview, she didn’t just answer questions; she built relationships with people.
“I presented my flaws, my doubts, and the things I wanted to improve,” she shares openly. “I didn’t pretend to be someone I wasn’t.”
But arriving in China and stepping into this new world wasn’t easy. Back home, she had spoken only Portuguese for most of her life, and English was still a struggle.
“But the DKU community is incredibly supportive, and I never felt alone.”
Slowly, through the help of professors and classmates, English became not just a language but the key to unlocking opportunities Braz had fought for.
Yet, one more challenge remained—a battle no one could see.
“I’ve danced since I was young,” says Braz. “But I live with 24-hour pain. Some movements are impossible now.”
A medical condition, revealing itself over the years, threatened to take dance away from her. For a while, the loss felt unbearable.
But Braz is not used to giving up. She thought: What if I teach?
And so she did, becoming a Brazilian dance instructor at DKU. She makes sure her classes are accessible to all, embracing students with different needs, just as she has learned to embrace her own. Under the stage lights, stress, deadlines, and the weight of expectations—everything fades away.
“We dance a lot in front of the audience,” Braz said. “It truly supports me in my academic journey.”
But dance isn’t the only rhythm that drives her forward.
Braz’s motivation is also fueled by a deep desire to help others, offering the guidance she once wished for through her growing social media platform. Her posts and live streams reach over 30,000 people, reminding Brazilian high school students that higher education is not a privilege—it’s within their reach, too.
“It all started in 2021 when a Brazilian newspaper featured my story about getting accepted into an international university.” That was the spark.
So Braz decided not to miss the opportunity.
She began visiting schools, presenting opportunities to students who, like her younger self, didn’t even know these possibilities existed. When she moved to DKU, she expanded her efforts through social media, sharing insights on studying abroad, interviewing special guests, and providing resources that can change lives.
“I give back what I never had,” Braz said. “And every time someone messages me with their success story, I know it’s worth it.”
With so much already accomplished, what’s next for Braz? Once lost in uncertainty, now driven by purpose—her path is clear: to keep moving and keep making an impact.
“Every semester is a new era,” she joked. “I’m always testing what I can be good at.”
She is majoring in Global Health but stays open-minded—maybe she’ll work in the environmental sector, explore consulting, or even become a professor one day.
“I’m not just building my CV. I’m building my future.”
But if you ask Braz what she envisions for her future, she won’t list career milestones or academic titles. To her, happiness means good relationships, meaningful work, and health. It’s waking up knowing she’s creating something impactful.
“I just want to be happy,” she said. “Life is so much more than assignments and grades.”
By Anastasia Titarova, Class of 2027
