On Her Own

Rui would love to travel around the world if she could. “I want to be a globe trotter — without a budget,” she jokes. Nonetheless, she loves that her current job allows her to meet new people, and her career experience has taught her many things: one being the importance of having a good mentor. She also advises anyone who is starting out to stay humble at work, but be hungry. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions when in doubt, and learn as much as possible,” she says. Her one pet peeve is tardiness, and believes that being on time is a form of respect for other people. While she doesn’t have a strict dress code at work, Rui prefers her clothes to be crisp and clean; nothing outlandishly loud. “Don’t wear anything you are not comfortable in,” she suggests. Rui is currently trying to get back on track when it comes to an active lifestyle, something which she says she’s had a little trouble managing after she had her daughter. “I got lazy, but I’ve started weekly tennis sessions, and hope to add more workout activities to the list.” She also believes in a work-life balance, and in setting aside quality time for herself and for her child. Ultimately, Rui lives by doing what she feels is right. “Don’t build your happiness on someone else.”