Filipa Fernandes sits on the bench at the Aveiro train station, energy drink in lap and hands fidgeting with a straw. While her hands do not stop moving, her expression is mellow and inquisitive.

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This young woman, sitting next to her backpack, has the air one would expect of a patient person waiting for a delayed train. Her brown, curly hair falls gently against her collarbone as she looks down at her lap. She remains undaunted by the cool breeze blowing through the station, ruffling her shirt. Filipa is currently waiting for a train from Porto to Aveiro, a daily trek she makes to school. She’s in her final year at the University of Aveiro, working to obtain a master’s degree in psychology.

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The research side of psychology is of interest to her, and she would like to explore this career option. “I’m thinking about working in a laboratory, but I don’t know where or how,” she elaborates. Her voice is a bit timid as she states this and it is clear that she does not have the bold confidence of someone who knows exactly where their life is headed.

Alongside her schoolwork, Filipa is also currently training to become a professional volleyball referee, and aspires to work for the Olympic Committee.

 

Both career paths are extremely appealing to her, but she doesn’t want to commit to just one, as she is eager to pursue both.

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Other aspects of Filipa’s future seem equally uncertain. Will she remain in Portugal?

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Initially, when asked if she plans on staying, she emphasized, “Yes, that is the plan, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to.”

 

However, this young academic also said, “Well, the country is not so well, because of the crisis and etcetera, so going abroad is always an option.” The young man seated next to her gives his head a slight nod in agreement, evidently eavesdropping on the conversation. Although their relationship did not seem to be anything more than strangers waiting for the same train, they were both struggling with the same issue of deciding whether to make a permanent life in Portugal.

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Even for this highly educated woman who would like to stay in Portugal, the decision to leave Portugal has clearly been tough because of the financial troubles the country has been facing. Many young professionals are leaving Portugal to pursue work in other European countries. It is possible that Filipa Fernandes will leave Portugal, despite her strong desire to stay. For the aspiring psychologist and referee, the hope is that the economy will continue on the upswing.