ALESSANDRA MEDEIROS
Radio, Television, Film

Alessandra Medeiros is a junior video and television student from Brazil who came to Hofstra with the hopes of not only enhancing her education, but also taking what she has learned back to Brazil to enhance her family’s education as well.

What was your thought process when you were considering leaving Brazil to come to the United States to study?

A friend of mine used to go to Hofstra, and that was when I first heard about the University. She was always saying good things about her academic life, but I never thought I would have that opportunity. The best surprise I ever received was when I was accepted at Hofstra with an academic scholarship.

What are some of the opportunities you were given at Hofstra that you think would not be available for you in Brazil?

In Brazil, a regular class is about five or six credits, but it is a lot of literature. Students are in school much longer periods than at Hofstra, but most of the time is spent studying and reading. After my first week of class at Hofstra, I was already in the studio editing a radio assignment. The opportunities to do assignments, make mistakes, learn from them, and have someone available to answer questions are learning techniques that would not have been available to me in Brazil.

What do you enjoy most about your studies?

The spontaneity of television is what I enjoy most about my major. In one semester we can go from mute, black and white to surround sound or HDTV. You can never know everything about television because there is a new development in the industry almost every day.

Was this the academic and career path you always intended to pursue?

My father has worked in television since I was born. He has the craziest work schedule, which is something I originally didn’t want for myself. When I graduated from high school in Brazil, I pursued teaching, which was too boring for me. Now I am here studying the same thing that has created the insanity in my father’s life. I guess it is in the blood.

What was some of the best advice you have received from a professor?

I guess this advice relates to life and academics: “Always do more than you are asked to do!”

What have been some of your best memories while attending Hofstra?

Just being here is an amazing memory! My whole experience of being a student at a reputable university is a memory I will take with me forever.

What advice would you give to entering international students?

Use all the resources Hofstra makes available and interact with people as much as possible. Don’t try to make friends only with students from your native country, and be involved with student clubs and organizations on campus.