Afya SOS

Joining the DREAM program came at a time when I was looking for a place where bold ideas could become real, workable solutions. What motivated me most was the desire to turn a simple concept, Afya SOS, into something tangible, functional, and truly impactful. I entered the program hoping to refine the idea, strengthen the technical vision behind it, and push myself to think beyond usual boundaries. My dream was to build something that could serve communities the way I believe healthcare should be: fast, reliable, and accessible. One moment that greatly influenced my journey was during the prototyping and coding phase. Watching my rough concept evolve into a working version, even though it was small, was both humbling and exciting. It pushed me to stretch my creativity, troubleshoot, and quickly learn new tools. That moment changed something in me; suddenly, the idea felt real, and I could see its potential. The feeling of "I can actually build this" altered my perception of myself as an innovator. Throughout DREAM, I gained skills and values that will stay with me long after this experience. I learned how to break down big ideas into smaller, functional parts, pitch with clarity, organize a solution technically, and make decisions under pressure. I also found courage, the kind that allows you to present your idea in front of judges, refine it publicly, and take constructive criticism. The DREAM community played a significant role in my growth. The mentorship pushed me to elevate my thinking, my friends fueled my motivation, and the environment made innovation feel natural. The friendships formed along the way offered both support and accountability; everyone was dreaming big, and that energy was contagious. Participating in DREAM has shaped my future in meaningful ways. It strengthened my drive to continue developing my project and to seek more innovation-driven solutions in healthcare. It also changed how I see my personal journey. I now view each idea as something with the potential to grow, each challenge as a chance to build, and each step as a contribution to a much larger impact. DREAM not only refined my project; it expanded my vision.