Thomas Jefferson’s belief in the value of lifelong learning is a principle Kathiane Schinelli fully embodies. Her journey to earning a degree has been anything but easy, yet it has instilled in her a newfound confidence and a passion to advocate for others pursuing the same path.
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Schinelli struggled as a pre-teen to adjust to a new language and culture when her family moved to the U.S. in search of better opportunities. She described middle school in Newark, New Jersey, as one of the “scariest experiences” she had growing up because, on top of being thrown into an unknown environment, Schinelli found it challenging to understand her teacher’s words and effectively respond. She often felt isolated and unable to keep up with her peers. She attended classes for students who spoke English as a second language, yet it still took her three years to function at an intermediate-level.
“I didn't have the self-confidence, and I struggled in school being an English learner. There was a lot going on, but I never really 100% gave up.”
After high school, college seemed out of reach due to financial and family circumstances which required her to enter the workforce instead. Given their relative recent arrival in the country, Schinelli's family lacked familiarity with the American higher education system and was unable to offer a strong support network. “I dreamed about going to college,” she recalled, “but did not fully understand how to navigate the responsibility of working full-time while attending college.”
Schinelli secured a job as a teaching assistant at Montclair State University’s Ben Samuels Children Center, where she gained insights into inclusive early childhood education. This opportunity allowed her to slowly start working toward her dream of earning a degree by taking night classes at the university while also working full-time.
Progress was slow but steady. With the low availability of night classes, she was only able to take one class per semester. Life continued to change course along the way; she met her supportive husband Matthew and managed two high-risk pregnancies, which temporarily paused her studies.
During her second pregnancy, Schinelli was placed on five months of bed rest while caring for her prematurely born daughter. Having already navigated challenges during her first pregnancy, she faced even more daunting and painful circumstances. These events compelled her to pause her education so she could prioritize her family's health and well-being.
A few years later, with a visit to the University of Virginia, Matthew’s alma mater, something new sparked in Schinelli. Seeing UVA in person, walking the Grounds, and hearing about her husband’s experience surprised her by stirring up feelings of belongingness. “I wanted to fulfill ‘my American dream’ by attending the University of Virginia,” she shared.
Schinelli eagerly explored what UVA could offer her and got touch with the School of Continuing and Professional Studies advisers after her trip to learn more about their online program. Transferring previous credits, Schinelli applied to SCPS and officially enrolled in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) program, through which she developed a strong relationship with staff who continued to offer guidance and support.
“One of the reasons I knew UVA was the right place for me was due to SCPS’s excellence and support system,” Schinelli reflected. “Among my advisers, I've had outstanding professors who challenged and supported me.” As a non-traditional student, she found the encouragement she needed to regain confidence in her academic abilities.
Schinelli knew she belonged at UVA and foresaw walking away with more tools and greater opportunities. What she didn’t expect, however, was the passion, self-assurance and Cavalier family she would discover. Through her education journey, Schinelli came to understand her drive for connecting with and empowering others, which prompted her to choose a Psychology concentration in the BIS program.
“The obstacles I endured gave me the grit to continue my studies. I will not let them become my story. Yet, I will use my life experience as a guide and resilience. Becoming a Cavalier is just the beginning.”
Schinelli’s path to earning her degree has spanned over 20 years but has been filled with invaluable life lessons and growth. She hasn’t had to do it alone thanks to the strong support system provided by her family. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to her husband Matthew for his “support and sacrifices” and thanked her kids for their “patience, love and encouragement.”
Schinelli also expressed deep gratitude to UVA President Jim Ryan for providing her, and other non-traditional students, with the opportunity to learn alongside traditional students and graduate as equals. “It feels great to feel included,” she elaborated.
Since moving to Virginia, Schinelli has been working as an English language tutor and paraprofessional in a special education classroom. Her goal is to encourage students to continue in school, believe in themselves and empower them to take the next step in their education.
“As young immigrants, we have in common the experience of what it is like to be an English learner student and the challenges of our everyday life as a student,” Schinelli explained. “It takes a village; neighbors and friends become your family, each supporting one another.” She continues to share her experiences to inspire others walking similar paths.
Schinelli is passionate about social and neuropsychology, but she still has one more year to decide what her next steps will look like. No matter the choice she makes, Schinelli aims to share the knowledge gained at UVA on a global scale. She envisions a future that includes mentoring young immigrants and serving as a role model, demonstrating that with perseverance and the right support, incredible opportunities are within reach. Schinelli’s journey is a powerful testament to how resilience can break barriers and open doors to limitless potential.