Introduction

 Hi, my name is Bianca Pires. I am back, and this time, I'm an 11th grader! I am very excited for A-level media this year. I have a small, immediate family, consisting of my parents, my brother, and my sister. Our home is also shared with three incredibly cute cats, which I love despite my allergies. Beyond my home life, I have a deep passion for sports, particularly Formula One and soccer. Race week always brings a spike of excitement, especially when there are driver or team changes. I also enjoy going to football games with my four closest friends and having sleepovers. This part of my life is rooted in America. However, a major part of my identity is tied to Portugal, where I lived for a couple of years before we moved to Florida. Now, I return every summer to visit my grandma, my cousins, and essentially my entire bloodline. My summer trips involve going out, attending parties, and generally living my best life. I barely remember why we ever chose to leave Portugal in the first place. The back-and-forth moves between the United States and Portugal meant I had to learn English and Portuguese effectively twice. To this day, the reason for all the moving remains a mystery to me. Despite the confusion of the past, I am still incredibly glad for the experiences. If we hadn't moved, I wouldn't have met the fantastic and beautiful people who are now in my life. I am fortunate to have best friends both in Portugal and in America. I am truly grateful for all of them. I also appreciate the opportunities my parents provided me to experience both of these wonderful worlds.