I'm Joana, I'm 19 years old and today I'm here to tell you a little bit about what brought me to IPAM and what my journey at IPAM has been like so far. Exactly one year ago, the Joana you may have known was not at all the Joana anyone knows today. I was lost, sad and didn't know where to go or what to do.

I always had my goals clearly defined, I always knew that one day I would like to be someone, to be able to travel, to be connected to the digital world and, who knows, to work internationally... However, at that time my vision of my future was blurred, even though I knew I wanted to pursue marketing or advertising and then specialize in digital and combine my great passion for photography. I was taking my supposed gap year, my year of pause... I needed to reflect, heal and, above all, find myself again. That's when I decided to spend an afternoon at Futurália... I wanted to continue on my path and I was hoping it might open a window for me (and I wasn't wrong at all!).

Many faculties, many courses, many options... but only one enlightened me, filled me completely and made me feel that it was what I really wanted. I had always dreamed of being able to study abroad, work as an intern in big companies and live with people who actually spoke my language... IPAM met these requirements and much more!

Did I have any idea what IPAM was? No, I didn't! But I found out right away! As soon as I got home, I looked into the matter 100%, I did a lot of research, I went to the Open Days they offered and I knew... this could be the place for me... of course, I had butterflies in my stomach. Indecisive as I am, I always keep one foot forward and one foot back.

On March 29, 2023, I submitted my pre-application and on September 18, I took my first step through the famous gate as an IPAM student. And I tell you, to this day, with every passing day, I couldn't be more certain that this is my world and that IPAM was the best choice I could have made.

I've been there for six months and the experience has been indescribable, from practical projects with real companies to the closeness between students and teachers. Can you imagine being motivated when you wake up to study and learn something new? I didn't believe it either until I set foot in IPAM, in what I undoubtedly consider my field and where everyone speaks my language.

I've done projects with two large companies, I stood out in the final presentation of one of the projects together with my group, and I had the privilege of presenting our findings to the company's brand manager. I've presented to the class on a stage with a microphone and camera (something Joana would never have imagined a year ago), I've experienced the student tradition, I've attended classes with teachers who have a different level of knowledge due to their professional background, but who at the same time try to give us a unique accompaniment. I've had a thousand and one ideas for personal projects, I've made friends for life, I applied for an Erasmus semester and I'm in the Student Association, responsible for communication and digital.

IPAM has given me incredible opportunities and I would advise anyone who is passionate about marketing to take a chance and walk through its doors. Today, I'm happier than ever and grateful to have found IPAM at Futurália. In less than a year I have experienced so much and so intensely that I have no words to describe it. IPAM is this.... intensity, proactivity, mutual help, friendships, unity, creativity, exchange of experiences, growth, professionalism and a range of new opportunities. IPAM is MARKETING and is, as they say, a place for visionaries!

My advice to you? Take a chance. Connect with yourself, feel what really calls to you and, in the end, don't stop taking risks... What if it goes wrong? It did! You go back and try again, life wouldn't even be fun otherwise. But go for it! Get your hands dirty, look around, see for yourself, talk to people you know, ask all your questions.

I admit that the year before I entered IPAM wasn't easy for me! I struggled a bit to get here, I took a lot of wrong turns, I failed, I fell, I got back up, I healed, I got back up and now I'm here... happier than ever. Don't let anything or anyone hold you back. Don't let fear hold you back. Don't wait for someone to direct you or for something to fall into your hands, I'm sorry to say, it's not going to happen. Do it for yourself, be ambitious and above all... dream!!!! Never stop dreaming! I'm telling you this today, but believe me, in a year's time it might be you. Your journey could be just as rewarding as mine.