ANA CONCEIÇÃO

The choice of Chemical Engineering course was greatly influenced by my path in Secondary Education, which was very focused on Biotechnology. I knew that the subject interested me, and that, in the future, I wanted to work in this area; however, Chemistry always fascinated me more than Biology, and so I chose Chemical Engineering, since it combined two of my passions, and gave me the possibility to specialize in Biotechnology as a master's branch! FEUP was the obvious choice - not only because I live in Porto, but also because of all the recognition that is, deservedly, given to the faculty.

I was ready to go and study in the best Engineering Faculty in the country, however, I think I had no idea at that time that I was about to embark on the most challenging experience of my life. Studying at FEUP is exactly that, being challenged almost on a daily basis. At the beginning everything seemed close to impossible, the teachers were demanding and many curricular units completely new. However, as the years went by everything became easier, and the support of some teachers and many colleagues helped in this transition.

My involvement in the associativism allowed me to meet several colleagues from other areas and their points of view, and I felt proud not only to be a FEUP student, but also to be part of the Students Association (AEFEUP). The work done by AEFEUP is invaluable, mainly in what concerns the integration of the new students and the development of beneficial projects for them, in all levels. Beyond the AEFEUP, there are many other student associations with the most varied purposes and for all tastes, since the Tunas, the FEUP Orchestra, or the Social Action Group.

Three years after having entered in FEUP, three years full of challenges and new experiences, I have to say that choosing FEUP was one of the best decisions I ever made. To study in a faculty with an excellent infrastructure, all amenities, impeccably equipped laboratories, and that is always presenting us with new competitions and projects, as well as job and future perspectives is a unique opportunity. FEUP transforms its students into real Engineers!