At 18 years old, student Isabelle Lemos, resident of the Gardênia Azul community, in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, is preparing for an international challenge: in September, she begins the Aeronautics and Astronautics course at Stanford University, in the United States.
The institution, recognized as one of the most prestigious in the world, has an admission rate of less than 4%, selecting less than 2,200 students among more than 55,000 applicants annually. A scenario that makes Isabelle’s conquest a victory of exceptional proportions.
The young woman from the Rio suburbs, however, went further. In addition to Stanford, it was approved at four others: University of Rochester, Wesleyan University, University of Notre Dame and Dartmouth College.
Daughter of a single mother and former public school student, Isabelle followed a triple journey of studies to focus on orbital systems engineering and space missions.
From Gardênia Azul to Stanford
The change in Isabelle’s school trajectory occurred during the pandemic, in the 7th grade, when she joined Ismart (Social Institute to Motivate, Support and Recognize Talents).
The project identifies and offers academic support at elite private schools. With the scholarship, the student began attending Colégio pH in the afternoon, while attending municipal school in the morning.
“Being in the project transformed my life 100%. I was a public school student who always stood out a lot there, but who was restricted to that environment. When I joined Ismart, my world turned around”, says Isabelle.
Study routine
In , preparation was intensified with participation in the Fundação Estudar Prep Program.
The routine involved scientific Olympiads, extracurricular projects and simultaneous preparation for Brazilian entrance exams and international selection processes.
“During this journey, I received all the guidance and support I needed, in organization, in the search for opportunities, in mental and physical support”, says the student.
Family references and future
Her interest in science began in childhood, encouraged by an aunt who took her to bookstores and libraries. “She bought me several books, including astronomy, and that was my first contact with the area that I would later pursue”, recalls Isabelle, who decided to become an engineer at the age of 12.
Despite her international career, the future engineer’s plan includes social return. The objective is to apply the knowledge acquired to impact education and social projects in your home community.
For Mariana Rego Monteiro, executive director of Ismart, Isabelle’s trajectory reflects the institution’s mission. “When Isabelle says she wants to return to impact her community, she sums up everything we believe. We don’t train young people to leave the place where they were born. We train leaders who carry this place with pride wherever they go”, concludes director Mariana Rego Monteiro.
“Ismart is the key that I needed to put in the door and turn to be able to open a new world, discover a new reality and expand everything I thought about my career and future”, summarizes Isabelle.
