Maria is 22 years old and was born in Lisbon, Portugal. She graduated in Economics from Nova School of Business and Economics (Lisbon) in July 2011 and started MESCI in September of that same year. Always aware of the area of studies she wanted to pursue, it was only in 2010, during the exchange program in Wellington, New Zealand, taking courses like Conflict Analysis and Ethics & International Affairs, that she had the confirmation that her motivations were much more that simple interests. Over time, and since the moment of choosing the undergraduate course, these were a driving force for the direction taken in her formation. Looking for a master programme with a more practical approach to Economic Development, that could allow her in the future to be an active participant in constructive initiatives, and possibly a versatile initiator of some others, she has chosen MESCI as an important complement to her education.