The Power of Stories

I’ve always believed that stories shape who we are. They preserve history, ignite imagination, and remind us that our voices matter. For me, writing has never just been about putting words on a page—it’s about carving out a space where my thoughts, experiences, and dreams can live. But my path to becoming a writer, educator, and entrepreneur wasn’t always clear. As a first-generation college graduate, I had big dreams but no roadmap. I knew I wanted to write. I knew I wanted to help others. But I had to figure out how to turn my passion into purpose.

This is my origin story—how I built a career out of words, found my way through teaching and writing, and why I’m here to help others do the same.

A Love of Writing and Education

📖 Books Were My First Teachers

Growing up, I was the daughter of two Portuguese immigrants, navigating two worlds—one at home, rich with tradition, and one outside, filled with new possibilities. And, let’s be honest, a third world: the Azores islands, where I spent almost every summer and still feel their pull 40 years later.

Stories became my bridge.

I read anything I could get my hands on—from classic literature to banned books. I dove head first into Post-Modern American Lit where authors grappled with the aftermath of two world wars. They were torn between what was and what the new normal would become. That tension resonated with me.

The more I read, the more I understood the world—and myself. Writing became my outlet, a way to capture memories, explore ideas, and make sense of my experiences.

🎓 Education Was My Pathway

Beyond my love for reading and writing, I was a relentless learner. I spent six years in college, earning my degrees while navigating the challenges of being a first-gen student. 

Education wasn’t just a way to advance my career; it was a way to empower myself and others. That realization became the foundation of everything I would do next.

From Teaching to Writing & Content Creation

👩‍🏫 16 Years in the Classroom

For 16 years, I dedicated myself to teaching English, writing, and academic success at high schools, community colleges, and universities. I worked with over 5,000 students, most of them first-gens like me.

I helped students navigate the challenges of higher education, develop strong writing skills, and find their unique voices in a space that wasn’t always welcoming.

I taught at seven different campuses across virtual and in-person classrooms. I worked as a college success coach, curriculum developer, and instructor. My life revolved around helping students and educators grow.

🚀 The Pandemic Shift: Rediscovering My Own Story

At some point, though, I lost my way with my own writing. Teaching took center stage, and my personal storytelling fell to the background. Then, the pandemic hit, forcing a shift. Suddenly, I had time to reflect. I needed to reclaim my voice. I took a step back from full-time teaching, started coaching part-time, and focused on building my own business. And wow—has it evolved since then!

🛤 Pivoting to Writing & Entrepreneurship

I started my entrepreneurial journey as an academic coach helping college students adjust to their first year. But something felt off.

If I’m being honest? I wasn’t passionate about it anymore.
The missing element? I wasn’t writing.

I had spent years helping students and educators tell their stories, but mine had gone stale. So, in true Millennial fashion, I pivoted. Again.

And you know what? I’m happier. I’m working on some pretty incredible projects right now—ones that actually mirror my own journey.

That thought would have suffocated me 10 years ago. The idea of not having everything figured out would have sent me into a spiral. But now? I’m embracing the process.

Maybe it’s turning 40. Maybe it’s just giving myself grace. But I’m letting my story unfold in its own time—and damn, it feels epic.

Helping Writers, Students, and Educators Succeed

Today, I don’t wear all the hats of a traditional teacher anymore. This time, I’m choosing to merge my love of writing with my passion for helping others tell their stories.

I write because stories matter.
I write because writing isn’t just a skill—it’s a way to claim space.
I write because my family’s stories, passed down through oral tradition, won’t be lost on my watch.

What I’m Building (And How You Can Be Part of It)

🌍 My Website & Digital Hub

📚 Resources & Courses – Digital guides, AP writing support, and downloadable study tools.
🎥 YouTube Channel – Self-paced English lessons for high school & college students.
📝 Editing & Coaching – 1:1 support for students, writers, and educators.
📖 Books & Future Projects – A children’s book series, cookbooks that celebrate storytelling through food, and creative fantasy projects—because why not?

At the heart of everything I do is one simple goal:
Helping people find their voices and tell their stories—whether through academic writing, poetry, fiction, or preserving family traditions.

This Is Just the Beginning

If you’ve ever felt like you have a story inside you but don’t know where to start, I see you—because I’ve been there.

Writing isn’t a competition. It’s about connection, growth, and self-discovery.

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Every story starts with a single word. Make yours unforgettable.