Raul Spinola's journey - From selling sweets in Tomé Barraz and teaching on Brava Island to the nursing field, and recently a public notary in the United States.

Raul tells us everything, and starts by saying that his path was full of challenges, sacrifices and determination, making him an example of overcoming.

Raul Spinola was born in Tomé Barraz and always dreamed of finding a better life for himself and his family. In 2007, he made the courageous decision to leave his homeland and seek opportunities in the United States of America.

He arrived in the country at just 27 years old, a single father of two adorable children, ages 3 and 4. This decision was motivated by the desire to offer a more promising future for their children. The first years in the United States were not easy. Raul faced language barriers, adaptation issues and financial difficulties.

He was determined to create a safe and stable environment for himself and his children, which drove him to overcome all obstacles. To support his family, Raul Spinola began working at a local factory, where he faced long hours and challenging conditions.

Having lost his job, he was determined to return with the two young daughters he brought with him and resume his teaching post on Brava Island. His family and close friends made him change his mind and he decided to stay and fight.

Due to the closure of the aforementioned factory where he worked, he saw studies as a possible way out. Not knowing exactly where to start, he had support from many people, mainly from Mr. Helder Varela, a well-known professor from Braga who lives on the outskirts of Brockton.

“I went to Criminal Justice, wanting to be a Police Officer, but due to being the only guardian of my children, this job as a police officer did not fit with the role of a father, so, doing some research, I saw that the health sector could be a solution ”. While working temporary jobs to support his family, Raul Spinola discovered his interest in the healthcare field.

After improving his English a little, he began taking small training courses in the health area. Did Home Health Aid (HHA), Nurse Assistant (CNA), Laboratory Analysis Assistant (phlebotomist), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Wanting to continue his healthcare career and move up the ladder, he began taking nursing classes at Massassoit Community College in Brockton Massachusetts while continuing to work during the day. His perseverance and passion for caring for others helped him excel in his studies. After passing through Home Health aid, nursing assistant, assistant laboratory technician, licensed practical nurse, in time, Raul obtained his degree in nursing (RN). Raul has worked in several health institutions such as Group Home, Nursing Home, Weymouth Hospitals, Brockton, and the well-known Brockton Neighborhood Health Center.

His dedicated attention to patients and his commitment to learning and growing set him apart as an exceptional professional. He gradually progressed in his career, taking on increasingly greater responsibilities. Today Raul Spinola works for the State of Massachusetts as a nurse, more specifically at the New Bedford High School.

He says he accepted this challenge because it is less stressful, because it has more benefits, and he can also have a lot of time to take care of his family. Finally, as he had a lot of free time and had great knowledge of immigration and notary matters, Raul decided to pursue yet another goal.

He observed a gap in these two services within our community, and decided to accept this challenge proposed to him by some people who believe in their potential. Raul recently became a public notary. Raul has just obtained his Notary Public license for the State of Massachusetts, practicing particularly in the City of New Bedford. It offers notary services, document translation, relations with the emigration sector and much more to the Cape Verdean community and beyond.

His inspiring story of rise from sweets seller to valued member of the nursing team, to community servant in the field of immigration and notary work, serves as a testament to his tireless dedication. Raul Spinola's life is a story of remarkable overcoming, demonstrating that with determination and effort, it is possible to achieve success even in challenging circumstances. His journey from Brava Island to the United States is a source of inspiration for all those who face obstacles in pursuit of their dreams. Raul Spinola is an example that perseverance and love for family can overcome any adversity.