From Brazil to Mansfield: Joao Oswalt Da Silva Pursues His Dream at North Central State College

When Joao Oswalt Da Silva first enrolled at North Central State College, his classroom wasn’t always in Mansfield, Ohio.  In fact, many of his courses were completed thousands of miles away, in Brazil.  Yet despite the distance, Joao found a strong academic connection through North Central’s flexible learning options and supportive environment, one that is helping him move closer to his long-term goal of becoming a physical therapist.

Joao has spent much of his life balancing international experiences with academic ambition. Having lived some of his life in Ohio, Joao still visits often.  He was able to stop by the campus during winter break and loved seeing all of the snow here in Ohio.

Joao’s goal is to become a physical therapist

That clear sense of purpose has guided his academic decisions and kept him motivated, even while taking classes online from another country.  Through North Central State College, Joao has completed nearly ten courses fully online, an experience he describes as both convenient and empowering.

“One of the great things about North Central is how many courses you can take online,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of them, even while I was outside the U.S.”

This flexibility has allowed Joao to stay on track academically.  Online courses gave him access to high-quality instruction without sacrificing progress toward his degree, something that has become increasingly important for students balancing complex schedules or unique life circumstances.

Joao’s academic path is carefully structured.  He credits help from his advisor, Kendell White, for keeping him on track. “She was the first person I met with at the college,” he says appreciatively.  “She has been a huge help the entire time.”

His long-term plan includes earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by a doctorate in physical therapy.  Right now, he is focusing on biology and chemistry to prepare for the next stage of his education.

Those science courses are a critical part of his plan, and Joao has worked closely with advisors to ensure he meets prerequisites for future programs.  Faculty and staff at North Central State College have taken notice of Joao’s work ethic.  He has earned praise for his performance in online courses and for his commitment to his studies.

Joao is also a part of the North Central State College Honors program.  He presented his Honors project on Breaking Barriers: Comparing Physical Therapy Terminology Between English and Portuguese during the fall semester presentation via Zoom from Brazil. The objective of his project was to compare Portuguese and English terminology used in physical therapy.  Joao was able to shadow Maria Rita, a physical therapist with 19 years of experience at Jose Melo Laboratorio in Itacaré, Bahia, Brazil.

Focus and commitment are key to Joao’s success

For Joao, North Central is providing more than just coursework.  It offers flexibility, encouragement, and a foundation for future success.  Whether learning from Mansfield or from abroad, he feels supported in his pursuit of a demanding and rewarding career.

As he continues to work toward graduation and prepares for the next phase of his education, Joao’s story reflects the opportunities available at North Central State College, especially for motivated students who are willing to work hard, think ahead, and take advantage of flexible learning options.

His journey is a reminder that no matter where students are located, North Central State College is committed to helping them stay connected, move forward, and build a pathway toward their goals.