LIVING THE LIFE /// Damali (Meet Me In Brasil)

Written by administrator /// Find in Interviews

Ever had dreams? Where you created your destiny and did what your heart desired. No more living for others and doing things that left you feeling empty. Some of us set our plan into action while others let fear get in the way, never knowing what could’ve been. Sometimes you have to close your eyes and take the first step in order for your visions to become reality. Meet Damali, a young & vibrant young woman from BK. She decided to go after her dream of living abroad. Different country, new language and amazing culture, how will she make it?

-Why did you decide to move to Brasil?

After visiting Brasil for the first time in 2006, I felt a connection that I’d never felt anywhere else and wanted to see more. It was after my second trip in Feb 2008 that I felt an uncontrollable need to spend an extensive period of time here. However there was one thing in my way, fear. As much as I wanted to be here in Brasil, I felt as if I needed a REASON. Unfortunately the wanting to do something out of pure want is not something people who want to be taken seriously would do, or is it? After making myself crazy with trying to stifle this feeling and consciously putting it out of my mind, I received an email from a co-worker. The subject of the email was “Teach English in Brasil”. She came across the posting during her own job search and because I was always taking about Brasil, she thought I may have been interested.

There was the reason I needed, afterall I was already a teacher in Brooklyn, so teaching elsewhere wouldn’t be that far of a stretch. Not to mention it would be the perfect way to respond to the constant questions I knew would arise from those who heard I’d be moving to Brasil. You know the questions, “Why are you leaving?, What will you do there? Aren’t you afraid? Do you speak the language?, etc”. The opportunity came in the form of a TEFL certification program which prepared me for the world of teaching English as a foreign language. I applied about a month after receiving the email and within a few days received confirmation that they would love for me to participate in the program. That was the middle of August and the program commenced in October, so I had to move fast.

-How long will you be there?

I arrived at the end of October and because I am on a tourist visa, I can only stay up to 6 months at a time. That means I’ll be returning sometime in April.

-What gave you the courage to leave your stable like back in BK behind and take a chance at trying something new?

I love to travel and have since I was a little girl, spending the summers in Jamaica with my family. It’s because of this love that I’ve always known I wanted to experience life outside the US. However, because I didn’t complete a study abroad program during college I knew I either had to find some other way to make this dream a reality or let it go completely. Giving up is never an option for me. I also felt like the universe was conspiring to make it happen for me which is evident in the way it all happened, or at least I think so.

-What is your ultimate goal you want to accomplish from this experience?

My main goal is learn to live in the moment. While in Brasil, I must BE in Brasil! Which means letting go of somethings and letting in other things. All the while holding to my core beliefs and philosophies. Which is a difficult thing for me in the begining. Lucky for me Brasil helps to make it easier. This is the most welcoming nation I’ve been to thus far.

-What is next for Damali after Brasil?

I can’t say exactly what is next because I am unsure. However I know that it will be something I am truly passionate about. From now on, the only reason I’ll need to do anything will be my desire.

-Will you return to your normal life back in the states or do you want to travel for more adventure?

Travel has always been and will continue to be a passion of mine so you can definitely expept more of that in the future. As for waht I will do upon my return to the states, I will just have to wait and see what’s in store.

-What other places would you like to visit?

I’ve always said I want to visit every continent in the world, as far as what countries on those continents, I’m unsure of. The places I eventually visit are places I have a lot of interest in, which varies depending on what I’m looking for at the time. Africa, Asia and Australia are still on the to do list and I’m not so sure about visiting Antarctica, but you never know.

-What advice would you give to other young women who are thinking about taking a chance at something new but are afraid or don’t know where to start?

I say GO FOR IT!!! Be proactive and be positive at all times. A co-worker once told me a saying that he’d heard and it changed my perspective. It was “You only have one life and if you live right, you only need one!” For me it means to go after everything you want in the time that you have. Even though life may be short it’s always all the time YOU need.

- Can you teach us some key words in Portuguese?

Hello= Oi!