Bruna, our student from Brazil, is from the city of Pelotas. Before coming to the US in late 2025, she worked as a dentist alongside her husband, who also shares the same profession. When her husband got a job at the University of Michigan last year, Bruna started taking some basic English classes online to prepare herself.
The hardest part about moving to the US, Bruna explains, is leaving behind loved ones. “I left my family,” she says. “My parents and my sister.” After that, she notes learning a new language as the other main difficulty moving to a new country. “I have learned English all my life at school, but it was not effective,” she says.
When Bruna started at MLC, it was a completely different experience learning English. “It’s really like a family,” Bruna says. “When I started here, I was a little bit sad because I was starting again. A new school and a whole new process.” However, Bruna notes that she has “always felt very free and comfortable” within the walls of MLC.
After graduating from MLC, Bruna plans to apply to a residence program and revalidate her dental degree. She notes that her favorite part of her profession is caring for others. She says, “I like to take care of people and to help them feel better.” Whether they are in pain or just wanting to change their appearance, Bruna is passionate about helping and caring for others.
Moments of confidence in Bruna’s English language journey come when she feels independent. Her proudest moments, as she says, are “when I can do things by myself.” Doing tasks like ordering at a coffee shop or going to the doctor alone, while still retaining understanding in real life contexts, prove to be the most gratifying.
Bruna’s advice to new English learners would be to “be open to new experiences and try to have more contact with the English language.” “I think sometimes people study English, but then write in their native language,” she explains, urging the need for full immersion while learning a second language.
In addition to MLC, Bruna also loves the greater Ann Arbor area. She plans to stay “maybe forever,” and loves the outdoor activities the city affords. “I love to go outside, go to parks, and walk on campus and see the students and the environment,” she notes. “It’s very different from Brazil.”
Bruna has made strides since enrolling at MLC and starting her ESL journey. She has created a sense of family in her new home and is able to communicate independently.
