Meet Rafaela

Rafaela Faria, Business; Minor in Finance and Spanish

Florianopolis, Brazil

What brought you to Flagler?

Soccer

Are you involved in any clubs or on campus activities?

I am a member of the Soccer Team, SIFE- Students in Free Enterprise, and I was just invited to join Alpha Chi Honor Society. I am also a resident advisor this semester.

What is one thing that amazes you about Flagler?

Flagler’s family environment. It is easier to be away from home because I have a great relationship with the Flagler staff and other students. Basically everyone knows who I am, so I feel unique and special. My mom sometimes asks, “Rafi, are people nice to you?” I usually answer, “Mom, you have no idea. They even hug me and are always asking how I am doing. I am in good hands don’t worry.”

How has Flagler changed you?

Flagler has helped me in every aspect of my life. I became a better student, a better athlete and a better person. I became so confident especially because of the language barrier. Many times I needed to do presentations for my [speech] class. I became more open-minded, and there is something about Flagler that makes me want to work harder and harder on and off the field. For example, I just became a resident advisor so I am improving some leadership and communication [skills]. I became an A student. I am learning Spanish. Flagler is always given me great opportunities and I love how everyone support the athletes. We have a great new facility for soccer our locker room is amazing.

What is your favorite memory from Flagler so far?

Being part of the Flagler Soccer Team.

What has been your favorite thing about being on the team so far?

I love the idea of being the first international player that Flagler had in the Women's Soccer Team Program. The language barrier and my accent were and are the reason for jokes and laughs. We had so much fun with our cultural differences. My teammates make me happy!

Have you learned anything by being on the team?

I learned so many great things. Every single decision I make affects the performance of my team directly or indirectly; what I eat, how much water I drink, how much sleep I have, how hard I work. Usually when we are younger we don't have conscience of how important is to be hydrated, to sleep enough hours. During my life I played in so many teams, and just now I realized how important communication is, on and off the field.

What is the greatest thing you will take away from being on the team?

Great friendships! I made friends for life. With few of them I have a great relationship with their family, and they treat me as a daughter. I am very well surrounded.

What are your long-term plans?

I am graduating in April 2012, so I am applying to my OPT [to work for one year in the United States.] I hope to get a job in a good multinational company and I will apply to grad school, to pursue International Business. I am sure just of one thing: I will take all the opportunities that I may have.