Eryca turns her own story into a purpose at Unesc

At 18 years old, Eryca da Silva de Araújo is in the second phase of her Physical Therapy program at Unesc, her first undergraduate degree, and her choice of course reflects a journey that began long before she entered the classroom. Since childhood, she has been surrounded by doctors and specialists due to her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and spent over a year undergoing physical therapy treatment. 

The student's story opens a series of reports that will highlight the protagonism of students and alumni of the University, an action that is part of Unesc's institutional campaign for 2027 and will occur concurrently with the arrival of new advertising materials to the public. 

When care becomes a path

It was during her treatment that the young woman realized, in practice, the impact of the profession she is now studying. "At that time, I could see up close how much physical therapy could transform a person's life. The treatment helped me perform activities that were once difficult or even impossible for me, providing more autonomy and quality of life," she recalls.

Upon completing high school in 2025, Eryca was still unsure about which career to pursue. According to her, she was looking for something she truly enjoyed and that would give purpose to her life. The answer came from her own experience when she understood that she could transform that significant experience into a profession capable of helping others. "I really enjoy helping people, and I believe that being able to contribute to someone's recovery and quality of life will be one of the greatest achievements of my life," she states.

The first of a new generation

Entering college also holds emotional significance for the student. "My journey to get to college has a very special meaning," she shares. Eryca is the first among her grandmother's five granddaughters to reach higher education. Her parents and grandparents did not have the opportunity to attend college. Her father studied until the eighth grade and works as a truck driver, while her mother, who works in cleaning, studied until the fifth grade and is completing her elementary education at 35 years old.

Dreaming for those who come after

As the older sister of two boys, aged 8 and 10, the student hopes her journey will inspire them. "I want to show that even when opportunities have not been equal for all generations of the family, it is possible to dream, seek knowledge, and build a different future," she concludes.

New Unesc campaign features students and alumni as protagonists

The new advertising campaign from Unesc is already out on the streets, on the radio, on TV stations, and on social media, featuring stories like Éryca's to inspire. Created in partnership between the University’s Press Advisory, Communication, Commercial and Marketing (Aicom), with the expertise of Agência Cacto and under the direction of Institutional Management, the materials highlight students and alumni.

According to Unesc's acting rector, Gisele Coelho Lopes, showcasing students and their stories reflects much of the University’s purpose. "When we thought about this campaign, we wanted the voices to come from those who live the University every day. Our students and alumni are the truest proof of what education can transform, and no message speaks louder than a real journey," she emphasizes.

According to the licensed rector, Luciane Bisognin Ceretta, the expectation is that the message conveyed by students and alumni throughout the campaign will further strengthen the University’s potential and how it serves as a springboard for life stories. 

"Eryca's story and those of the other characters in this campaign reflect what we believe to be the mission of a community university: to open doors for those entering higher education for the first time and walk alongside them until graduation. Each student who enters Unesc brings an entire family with them, and that is what we want to highlight," Luciane adds.

Enrollment open for new stories to be built

Those who wish to write the next chapter of their own journey can now secure a spot at Unesc, which is open for enrollment for 2027. The University offers over 60 undergraduate programs, both in-person and online, with different admission options and scholarship and student financing programs. Information about courses and selection processes is available on the website unesc.net or via WhatsApp at (48) 99915-0433.