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Beatriz Vas Concellos Novaes

Beatriz came to Columbus, Indiana from San Paulo, Brazil 10 years ago when Cummins transferred her husband here. She was born in Santos, Brazil and moved to San Paulo when she was 12 years old. She attended the Methodist University in San Paulo and received a degree in Dentistry. Unfortunately, her degree is not recognized here in the United States. She and her husband have 2 children, who she enjoys taking care of in the home. Beatriz volunteers in the classroom at Southside Elementary School. She enjoys art, sculptures, painting and playing basketball with her children. Beatriz has received U.S. Citizenship, which she is very proud of.

Beatriz' religious belief is Kardecism, which originated in France during the last century by Dr. Alan Kardec. She describes her religion as similar to Christianity with a belief that good spirits will heal and help you. Kardecism also promotes the belief of reincarnation. It is difficult for Beatriz to be involved with her church in Columbus, but she does have one Brazilian friend that also lives here who shares in her religion.

Growing up in Brazil, Beatriz attended the Government School until Middle School, at which time her father placed her in a Private School. During High School she acquired the basics she would need to attend college. In Brazil, very few people are accepted into the colleges from the Government Schools, and she was thankful that her parents could afford to send her to a Private School.

Brazil is the only South American country that was colonized by the Portuguese with the national language being Portuguese rather than Spanish. Beatriz began learning English at age 7, but found it difficult to understand and to be understood when she first came to Columbus. She received assistance from Joyce Fleck, who she describes as a "Angel for Me", because not only did she teach her the language but also about the culture.

Beatriz preserves and celebrates her heritage with her children by teaching her own language to them, and discussing the differences in the two Cultures. Several family members have visited from Brazil, which helps with maintaining the close relationship which Brazilian families feel as very important. One belief that Beatriz was raised with was " Treat people the way you like to treated", which has allowed her to feel very comfortable living in Columbus.

Beatriz feels her children have the opportunity for a good education here in the public school system and enjoys the friendliness of neighbors and friends she encounters. She still enjoys walking rather than driving when the opportunity arises which is natural in her country, and was an area which was most difficult to adjust to.

She encourages others to visit her country, especially Rio de Janeiro, which is an ideal place to relax. "Brazilians are very loving people, they love to hug and kiss, but don't be scared, we are just very caring".