As another generation of business school students conclude their studies, we ask them to reflect on Graduation Day and the lifelong impact of their studies… 

• Name: Carla Rocha 
• Position: Radio Host and Communication Specialist 
• Institution: Nova School of Business and Economics 
• Degree: Executive Master’s in Leadership

How does participating in a graduation ceremony help you emotionally mark the end of your student journey and prepare for what’s next? 

Participating in the graduation ceremony is a powerful emotional marker. It gives me a chance to pause, reflect, and acknowledge everything this journey has meant — the long nights, the doubts, the growth, and the meaningful conversations.  

“Graduation is a moment of closure, but also of quiet strength.”

– Carla Rocha 

It’s a moment of closure, but also of quiet strength. It reminds me that I’m not just finishing something — I’m stepping into the next chapter with more clarity and confidence. 

What does it mean to you to be recognized publicly for your learning and accomplishment — and who do you feel you’re representing as you cross the stage? 

Being recognized is a moment to feel grateful — especially to the professors who challenged me the most.  

Many of them pushed me to question beliefs I took for granted, and that made a real difference. Seeing them at the ceremony reminded me that learning is not always comfortable, but it’s necessary.  

As I cross the stage, I carry that process with me — and a deep respect for those who taught me to think differently. 

In a world where learning never really ends, what does ‘graduating’ mean to you — and what kind of impact do you want to make with what you’ve learned? 

Graduating marks the end of a chapter, but not the end of learning. It’s a chance to take stock of what I’ve gained and apply it with more clarity.  

“This journey has given me new tools and perspectives that I’ll use to support others in their development.”

– Carla Rocha

As someone who teaches and delivers training, this journey has given me new tools and perspectives that I’ll use to support others in their development — in practical, grounded ways. 

What is the single most memorable aspect of your studies that you will remember long after graduation? 

What I’ll remember most is the informal support network we built as classmates. In key moments — tight deadlines, group projects, last-minute doubts — we naturally came together to help each other.  

That sense of collaboration, of “we’re in this together,” made a real difference and will stay with me long after graduation. 

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