Ever since I arrived at Stanford, my mind hasn’t stopped for a second. Writing has become my way to process everything I’m learning. Also, writing helps quiet my thoughts so I can move on and focus on something new.

My life up to this point has been filled with far more happy moments than sad ones. But it’s the hard times that shaped me. I grew up fast when both of my parents got sick and passed away within a short time of each other, while I was still in my twenties. Those years made me incredibly resilient. I truly believe resilience is my superpower. I keep moving forward, no matter the challenge. Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, said something in talk at Stanford in 2024 that resonated with me: “Resilience matters in success. I don't know how to teach it to you, except to say I hope suffering happens to you. Greatness is not intelligence, as you know. Greatness comes from character, and character is formed out of people who suffered.”

In 2024, I decided to jump into a new adventure with my family. I left a senior leadership role at Latin America’s largest energy company to pursue a master’s degree at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. My husband, our six-year-old daughter, and I packed our lives in Rio de Janeiro and moved to the Stanford campus.

Living in the Bay Area has shown me, day by day, why this place is the world’s greatest hub of innovation. Here, problems are seen as opportunities, and different perspectives become bridges to connect with incredible people from all over the world. I hope you enjoy reading my reflections. And if you ever want to grab a coffee, reach out at belfperez@icloud.com