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Native Brazilian student shares experiences studying abroad at Florida Polytechnic University

November 14, 2018

Editor’s Note: In recognition of International Education Week 2018 (Nov. 12-16), this story is part of a series of stories highlighting international students at Florida Poly.

Bianca Silva ’21 is a computer engineering major from Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil. Belo Horizonte, which means “Beautiful Horizon” in Brazilian Portuguese, is the capital city of southeastern Brazil’s Minas Gerais state.

Why did you choose to study at Florida Poly?
I love technology! So, when I heard about it and saw pictures, I thought it could maybe be a good experience and the ideal college for me.

If you were stranded on a deserted island what piece of technology would you bring with you? Possible: A functioning airplane radio that I could try to make connections with outside parties. Still non-possible: A time machine, so I could go back to when I was not stranded and change my choices.

What’s your favorite subject to learn and why?
My favorite subject is calculus. Although it is considered a difficult subject (it can be) and challenging, it helps with the development of my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Also, once you start understanding it better, it can actually be fun.

What would be your No. 1 piece of advice to another international student looking to study in the U.S.?
Before your first day in college, make sure to make questions and ask for help to your coordinators and advisers. The more you know about the school, the easier will be to get adapted. And, then again, do not forget: ask, ask, and ask!

Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Assistant Director of Communications
863-874-8557

Session Details

This session will demonstrate that practical risk management is for everyone, regardless of a formal program. Attendees will learn actionable and simple strategies that are easy to implement, enabling them to start immediately by focusing on their top risks to build greater operational resilience and ensure the sustained success of their auxiliary enterprises.

Presenter Profile

Michelle Powell serves as the pioneering Risk Manager at Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s sole 100% STEM-dedicated institution. Having been with the university for nearly 11 years, Michelle transitioned from a leadership role in Admissions in October 2023 to establish and evolve the risk management function from the ground up. In this solo capacity, Michelle builds robust frameworks for our dynamic, young university, overseeing our insurance portfolio, consulting on third-party and event risks, and developing critical campus-wide training programs. Michelle has obtained the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Enterprise Risk Management certificate and the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. Her distinct background in mathematics and engineering, combined with extensive higher education leadership, brings an analytical and strategic approach enhancing the institution’s resilience.