Graduate Student Gleidson Gouveia

Name: Gleidson Gouveia Hometown: Florianopolis, Santa Catarina located in Brazil Program: English, with an emphasis in Literature Family: Parents, brother Diego age 20, and sister Francine age 15, all of whom live in Brazil. Fun Facts: Characterizes himself as "clumsy, afraid of flying, and a bit stubborn." Favorites: Music: Luciano Pavarotti and Mercedes Sosa Movie: Thelma and Louise Food: Seafood

Gleidson Gouveia was born in Joinville, Santa Catarina in the country of Brazil. Gleidson and his family later moved to Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, an island with about 50 different beaches and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. In 2006, Gleidson worked as a US Department of State-Affiliated Educational Advisor and came to northern Iowa to visit area schools with other advisors. Upon visiting UNI Gliedson recalls "falling in love with the campus" and was drawn to the University because of "the beauty of the campus, the outstanding facilities, and friendly faces all around." He enjoyed his visit so much he decided to further his education here.

While living in Brazil, Gleidson received his B.A in both Portuguese and English language and literature. He also began studying Spanish and Italian before making his way to UNI to pursue a Master's degree in English, with an emphasis in Literature. Gleidson is currently working on a research paper analyzing female authors who use male narrators. More specifically, he is looking at Helene Cixous' Ecriture feminine and what happens to Ecriture feminine when a woman uses a male narrative voice.

In addition to being a full time student in the English Department, Gleidson is also a graduate assistant in the Culture and Intensive English Program (CIEP) and teaches English as a foreign language. He also has a passion for reading theory and writing about it, studying foreign languages, and getting to know different cultures. When asked what Gleidson enjoys most about UNI he was quick to respond saying "certainly the facilities, especially the WRC, as it is one of my favorite places on campus." Gleidson also enjoys the many presentations, shows, and plays shown in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center and Strayer-Wood Theater, as well as the volleyball games held in the McLeod Center.

Gleidson has also come to enjoy the Cedar Falls area and the many activities available. He believes Cedar Falls is a "nice small town, very beautiful and pretty safe, which makes me feel comfortable and at ease." Outside of graduate student life Gleidson enjoys the many bike trails, restaurants, and boutiques in the Cedar Falls area, as well as watching movies, hanging out, traveling, laughing, and listening to his favorite artists Luciano Pavarotti and Mercedes Sosa.

City of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina in Brazil

After receiving his master's, Gleidson plans to pursue his Ph.D. in English and become a professor of Literature. He is also interested in teaching English in China while at the same time learning the Chinese language and culture. Gleidson's advice to new and current graduate students is to "Talk to fellow students so you know what to expect and get to know your professors." He believes "Getting to know your professors can help students learn a lot, but also professors will notice that you care and that makes a lot of difference."