A Day in the Life: Fernanda
Get a glimpse of life as a Global Citizen Year Fellow, where no two days are ever the same.
Hello! My name is Fernanda.
I'm from Mexico City and during my Global Citizen Year I lived in a magical island in the south of Brazil called Florianopolis. Take a quick look at what my typical day was like!
Bike to apprenticeship
I start my morning with a 20 minute bike ride to my apprenticeship. It’s a beautiful ride!
Marine turtle conservation apprenticeship
My apprenticeship is at a marine turtle conservation program where millions of sick and injured turtles have been rehabilitated and returned to the ocean. Every morning I kick off my Havaianas flip flops, put on rain boots, and jump inside the emptied pools in order to clean the turtles. Marine turtles are majestic animals and I am lucky to have the opportunity to interact with them everyday!
Lead tours
I guide visitors in a one-hour tour that teaches about marine turtles and raises awareness of environmental conservation. Giving the tours (in Portuguese!) is the most challenging part of my apprenticeship and also the most rewarding. I’ve developed my public speaking skills and made an impact on hundreds of people by encouraging them to take care of our planet.
Lunch at the beach
During my lunch break I usually walk to the beach with my co-workers and enjoy the sun while eating my marmita, the delicious lunch that my host mom prepares for me everyday.
Family Time
After my apprenticeship wraps up, I usually head back home to eat and spend time with my host mom and sister. We can end up talking for hours while always eating something delicious. One of my favorite meals was arroz e feijão, rice and beans, the most simple yet always tasty, and even better when paired with my host mom’s signature passion fruit water.
Choose your own adventure
The rest of my day is never the same. I might take a walk by the canal near our house, take a bus into town to meet up with Fellows or friends, or simply stay home and hang out with my host family. No matter what, it's always a rewarding adventure!
Experience a day in the life of other fellows
Day in the life / Brazil
My apprenticeship is at a school for people with disabilities where I help to lead gardening, games, and capoeira.
See Sarah's Story
Day in the life / Ecuador
I work with a group of indigenous artisans that make fair trade jewelry.
See Anna's story
Day in the life / India
I often hail a rickshaw into various parts of the city to meet friends and practice street photography.
See Basil's story
Day in the life / India
In the afternoons, I often go on home visits to meet my students' families and understand where they come from.
See Alana's story
Day in the life / Brazil
After my community garden apprenticeship, I like to hang out at the local waterfall with my friends.
See Amari's story
Day in the life / Senegal
I assist in English classes ranging from 6th grade to 12th grade. There’s never a dull moment!
See Brooke's Story
Day in the life / Senegal
I apprentice with the local baker and also at the community health post.
See Jabari's story
Day in the life / India
I apprentice with Teach For India and also volunteer with a non-profit working to end child marriage.
See Luciana's story
