Emanuel Galdino is a researcher in ​​science, technology, innovation and sustainability at the University of São Paulo and was a visiting international scholar at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs in 2023.

If I were to choose just one word to describe my experience at The Ohio State University, that word would be "welcoming." The university embraced me in such a way that I felt at home, comfortable taking classes with undergraduate and graduate students and at ease speaking English without being judged for my non-native errors.

The university's infrastructure and the access to various services, such as statistical consulting (essential for my research), truly impressed me.

I must mention the significant contribution of my advisor, Professor Caroline S. Wagner, in helping me achieve what I had set out to accomplish during this period. She and the team at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs were incredibly dedicated to providing me with the best possible experience. I had access to software that I couldn't have imagined having in Brazil, which was crucial for my development as a researcher.

The first time I contacted the Brazil Gateway to ask for a little help, I was amazed at how helpful they were. They know how to work with people and, therefore, understand that they deal with expectations, dreams and frustrations. It was a positive surprise from my 2022 – such a chaotic and pandemic-filled world – it was a breath of competence and dedication.

I can't fail to mention the projects and events that facilitated interaction with students from all over the world. I cherish those memories to this day. Columbus is a city of opportunities where I was very happy, and I hope to return one day.