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Marina Richter ’27 arrived at the 51���� with a dream she had carried since she was young: to study abroad and build a life in the United States.

She first learned about USF through a friend and was immediately drawn to the university’s strong Brazilian and international community. When she was accepted and was awarded scholarships, her decision seemed clear. Still, as her move-in day approached, her excitement was accompanied by uncertainty. Like many international students, the reality of leaving home brought new questions and fears.  

But once Richter arrived at USF, those concerns quickly gave way to a sense of belonging, she said. The green campus reminded her of her hometown of Rio de Janeiro and she quickly fell in love with the environment. Her transition was made easier by the support she experienced even before arriving. Through , she was welcomed into a community that hosted virtual Q&A sessions and connected incoming students through group chats. She met her roommate through this network, allowing her to begin her journey at USF with meaningful connections already in place.  

Richter said her first weeks were filled with excitement, new experiences and a range of emotions. From orientation programming led by USF World to campus tours and student events, she quickly became immersed in university life. While adjusting to the Florida heat was part of the experience (August is the midst of Brazil’s winter), she remembers those early days as overwhelmingly positive.

Richter is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Econometrics, a path influenced by her long-standing interest in math and geopolitics. Her passion for investment developed soon after arriving at USF when she was introduced to the , where she began exploring a range of opportunities within the field. One of her most memorable experiences with the club was traveling to the University of Georgia to participate in stock-pitch competitions, an opportunity that deepened both her technical skills and her professional confidence, she said.

From the beginning of her time at USF, Richter said she set clear goals for herself. She wanted to explore her interests, stay academically strong, and become deeply involved on campus. She quickly joined organizations that aligned with her passions, including the . These experiences allowed her to grow personally and professionally while building a strong foundation for her future, she said.

Her connection to USF World began during orientation, where she first interacted with the Student Experience Team. As she attended more events, she was drawn to the welcoming environment and the impact the office had on international students. When she came across the opportunity to become a Student Experience Leader, she applied hoping to create the same inviting experience for others.

In her role, she supports international students through events, outreach, and personal connections, helping them find their place within the USF community. She also contributes to social media, marketing efforts, and programming initiatives. “There is this side to my job that I love, which is helping people out and giving back,” she said. “I also like the side where, as international students, we are able to give USF World our perspectives.”  

Her leadership experiences across campus have played a significant role in shaping her growth. Within the Investment Club, she led the Global Investment Research division, managing a team of approximately 25 members. This role challenged her to step into leadership with confidence, even when she did not always have immediate answers, she said.

“I also like the side where, as international students, we are able to give USF World our perspectives.” — Marina Richter

“I felt like I needed to know it all,” she explained. “But this role taught me how to feel comfortable not knowing everything, finding reliable sources, learning more, and then getting back to people,” she said, adding she’s proud to be the first woman to lead the division and has worked to expand access and create opportunities for more.

“I wanted to help build a pipeline for others,” she said. “That’s something I’m really proud of.”

In BRASA, her experience was centered on community. As Treasurer and a founding member of the Alumni Relations team, she helped build initiatives from the ground up, focusing on connection rather than funding. Her time in BRASA taught her the importance of showing up for others in meaningful ways. 

“It is about being there, being present, being a community and helping out the next person,” she said. 

Her activities also have led to significant professional opportunities. She has secured summer analyst roles with Galapagos Capital and Goldman Sachs. 

“Knowing where you want to go and knowing what your end goal is,” she said. “Even on the most exhausting days, I remind myself that in just one month, I’ll be at Goldman Sachs, something I’ve been working toward and dreaming about for the past five years.”  

Her achievements were recognized when she was named to the prestigious and highly competitive Muma 25 Under 25 this year.

Reflecting on her journey, Richter offers thoughtful advice to other international students navigating a similar path, highlighting the broader, universal themes of adaptation and personal growth in the face of change. She explains that coming to the United States brings a wave of uncertainty and requires resilience, flexibility, and an openness to unfamiliar experiences. 

Richter encourages students to both lean into their cultural communities and step beyond them. 

“Everything is different,” she said, acknowledging that this transformation can feel overwhelming. However, she emphasizes that navigating such transitions successfully requires embracing each challenge one at a time: “digesting it topic by topic, day by day, and enjoying the ride.” 

“Yes, I am involved in many organizations and have worked incredibly hard, but I never forget to enjoy my experiences, spend time with friends, make new ones, and travel along the way.” she said.  

She also encourages students to both lean into their cultural communities and step beyond them. While BRASA provided a strong sense of belonging, experiences like the Investment Club helped her connect with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. That balance, she says, is what makes the experience so meaningful. 

“It is beautiful. I feel like I have homes in all different places of the world,” she said.