Eleven years ago, Gabriela Pitten walked across the stage as part of Pan American School's Class of 2015. At seventeen, she was eager to explore the world beyond Porto Alegre. A decade later, that eagerness has taken her from Princeton University to Harvard Business School, from Brazil to New York City, and across continents pursuing dreams that began taking shape within PAS's halls.

"It's been a decade since I graduated from Pan American. Back then, I was 17 years old and, frankly, I was eager to go out and see the world," Gabriela shares. "Since then, I've traveled the globe, earned my master's degree, got that 'big girl job' in New York, learned to ski, and so much more. Now, looking back, I know none of it would have been possible without Pan American."

Gabriela emphasizes that the school's impact extended far beyond language acquisition. "It's more than just a school that taught me English; those fourteen years taught me how to think critically, how to work in teams, how to speak my mind, and, most importantly, how to be comfortable outside my comfort zone."

After Princeton, Gabriela continued her academic journey at Harvard Business School, earning her MBA and positioning herself for leadership roles in the global business landscape. She now works in New York City, bringing the perspectives and skills developed over years of international education to her professional endeavors.

For Gabriela, Pan American School's impact was not limited to curriculum and credentials. The community itself played a transformative role in her development. "Beyond the academics, the people I met in those walls changed my life," she reflects. "I was greeted every day by the staff with a smile, and I had some of the most dedicated teachers I've ever seen."

Gabriela's journey from PAS to Princeton, to Harvard, and to New York exemplifies the possibilities that open when international education provides both academic excellence and the confidence to pursue ambitious goals. Her story reflects the experiences of countless PAS alumni now leading, creating, and innovating around the world.

As Gabriela continues her career in New York, she carries forward the values and skills developed during those formative fourteen years at Pan American School. Her success represents not just individual achievement but the realization of PAS's educational vision, preparing students who are equipped to navigate complexity, embrace diversity, and lead with purpose wherever their futures take them.

The Alumni Spotlight series celebrates graduates like Gabriela who embody the Pan American School mission. Their stories remind current students of the possibilities ahead and demonstrate the lasting impact of an international education rooted in academic excellence, cultural understanding, and community.

If you are an Alumni and would like to be featured in this series, share your story with us at alumni@panamerican.com.br