Dream, believe, and achieve—this mantra has guided me through every challenge, giving me the courage to apply for an internship in Korea.
With experience as a physical education teacher and volleyball coach in Brazil, being accepted into the DTM program was both exciting and daunting. Stepping into unfamiliar territory filled me with questions: Am I good enough? Do I have the qualifications to succeed here? Insecurity is natural, but it should never hold you back. Encouraged by my friends, I took the leap.
Since I aim to work for the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, interning at KPC felt like the perfect opportunity. To my surprise, my Korean colleagues share my love for Brazil. Hearing them greet me with Oi and Bom dia on my first day was heartwarming and made me feel instantly welcomed.
Working in a Korean organization has also motivated me to practice Korean. Though I still struggle, I make an effort to say at least one or two sentences each day. These small attempts help me improve and build stronger connections with my colleagues.
My internship has been diverse and enriching. As KPC prepares to host the 22nd IPC General Assembly, I’ve been involved in international event planning. My supervisor assigned me challenging tasks that allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in the DTM program while gaining new skills. From researching trends and budgeting to writing reports and proposing marketing strategies, I’ve had the chance to contribute in meaningful ways. Seeing my ideas implemented by managers has been incredibly motivating.
If you see a souvenir or marketing campaign for the 22nd IPC General Assembly in Seoul in 2025, one of my suggestions might be part of it—I hope you enjoy it!
Adjusting to my first office job was initially challenging, but being in a supportive environment made it enjoyable. A highlight of working in the international department was joining a business trip to Pyeongchang for the Dream Program. Revisiting a place where I had one of my best field trips with my DTM batch was nostalgic, and meeting representatives from other National Paralympic Committees while witnessing young athletes train for winter sports was inspiring.
Another memorable moment was participating in the IPC-KPC meeting for the General Assembly. Observing the organization of an international event and learning from industry experts has been an invaluable experience.
One of the most meaningful moments was the welcome dinner with my colleagues. Sharing stories, laughing, and bonding over life and work experiences made me feel truly connected.
If you’d asked me five years ago, I never would have imagined studying and living in Korea, meeting people from over 20 countries, making lifelong friends, and working at one of Korea’s major sports organizations.
Is it cliché to say dreams come true? Perhaps. But I can confidently say I’m exactly where I’ve always dreamed of being. My journey doesn’t stop here. Korea is a key stop on my path to becoming a sports administrator who can contribute to the development of sports in Brazil and beyond.
What’s next? I hope to make a difference in my country with all I’ve learned—and to dream even bigger for the future.
By Luana Torres(11th Batch)
