Hi, my name is Alen Pinto, and I am from Brazil. Choosing Chico State was one of the best decisions I have ever made. When I first discovered California State University, Chico, I was looking for a program that would allow me to study cultural anthropology while also exploring my interests in photography, fashion, video, and visual storytelling.

I knew I had found something special when I learned that the professor leading the visual anthropology program had lived in Brazil, spoke Portuguese, and was also a photographer. It felt almost too perfect to be true.

Chico is a beautiful university town surrounded by nature and a welcoming, creative community. One of my smartest decisions was buying a bicycle and riding to campus every day beneath the town’s gorgeous trees. As a Brazilian student, I initially wondered how I would fit in, but I quickly felt accepted and celebrated. My accent was never a barrier. Instead, it often became an invitation for conversation.

During my time at Chico State, I made wonderful friends, joined university activities, received grants, and participated in creative and academic projects. Together with another student, I helped create the Cool Cat Closet, a successful pop-up clothing donation project.

During my final semester, I developed a photographic exhibition at the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology about Gen Z fashion consumption and identity. With the guidance of my visual anthropology professor, I also received a grant to begin filming a documentary.

Chico State gave me more than an education. It gave me confidence, community, friendships, and the opportunity to transform my ideas into real projects. I truly thrived there, and spending those years at Chico State made all the difference in my life. The international student office was always there when I needed support, and I made friends with people from across the United States and around the world.

I am now preparing for my master’s degree, and I feel proud of the foundation I built at Chico State. To Brazilian and international students considering studying there, I would say: bring your background, an open heart, your curiosity, and your ideas with you. They may become some of your greatest strengths.

I am so proud to have become a Wildcat. Go Wildcats!