My name is João de Oliveira, I’m Brazilian and if I’m not mistaken I won the book The Secret in October 2007 from my father. I was only 14 years old. I was completely lost without knowing what to do, living each day waiting for nothing special. We were considered poor, living in a well-marginalized neighborhood in a small town in the metropolitan area of ​​the capital of my state. My sister was my strongest bond and she had moved to the USA to try a new life. Then I felt I was absolutely alone because my parents always worked hard, even though we did not see any significant improvement in our standard of living. This is where I started and then I read The Secret.

I’m really grateful because I could never imagine the life that I have today. The Secret really changed my thinking and my life. Things were happening so naturally and I was realizing one small dream at a time. My first achievement was undoubtedly when I got a place in one of the best public schools in the city. It was really magical. I was 15 years old and it was in April when 3 boys blew up the bathroom door and were kicked out. I magically was the 3th on the waiting list so I got in.

Then I was able to get approved by 2 well-known technical schools for courses in administration and chemistry. I was unable to choose between the two so I studied both at the same time, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.

At 20 years old I was accepted for the undergraduate course in chemistry at a renowned federal center of the capital of my state. At age 21 I started working in a research group with the federal police of Brazil. At 22 I was selected to do a year of my graduation in Paris, all paid by the federal government.

And now at 24 years old after 10 years of a life full of achievements, I come to share with you that the little dreamy boy will go to the best chemistry university of France to do his masters.

You have no idea how grateful I am. I could never imagine a life as wonderful as this. I came to speak only of my professional achievements but I am today, a gay man, assumed and married and I’ll live in Paris. So thank you very much. I know that you have no idea who I am but I want you to know that I love you.

Thank you!!!