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By António Ferreira*
I first entered this building in January 2005. The
objective was to carry out my degree project in the area of
Renewable Energies: a subject that, for some reason,
captivated me and gave me the will to work harder and
harder. This opportunity was the result of Cláudio
Monteiro’s invitation and so, I made my decision. I knew
very little about this institution and about the way in
which this decision would change my future, for that matter.
Although the appreciation notes are usually made at the
end, I will start by thanking all those who welcomed me so
warmly and made my integration in an unknown place a whole
lot easier (of course I will stand out the guys at the Power
Systems Unit with whom I deal every day, they know who they
are ;) ). Right there I realized a work environment could
hardly be any better than the one lived in INESC Porto, but
I want to get back to this subject later.
The first impact of INESC Porto is this: here, I can work
and learn, and the latter has now taken control of my days.
It is certain that the word “learn” is connected to
research, however, it is somewhat gratifying to be able to
apply knowledge and discuss matters with the best in the
area, at the same time. For me, INESC is sometimes an
extension of the Faculty of Engineering with all the
positive (and negative) aspects of not being a student
anymore. The opportunity to work with those who taught me
is, indeed, enriching. Besides, I have new “teachers” now,
all of those who share the USE’s open space or the neighbour
rooms and who are always willing to help in the resolution
of any problem… even when we don’t ask for it!
The bonds created are not only a consequence of the
working hours, but also of all the leisure activities such
as the social reunions, tournaments, dinners, birthday
parties and the BIP itself. All these are a great contribute
to the strengthening of personal relationships. Maybe I was
just lucky because I came here exactly on the year INESC was
celebrating its 20th anniversary, but I’m sure 21 years also
deserve a special ceremony J.
Well...back to the workplace....As I said, it’s as good
as it gets. More often than not, we’re haunted by some
outlandish voices and noises coming from the “diabolic
machine” (answering machine) that sometimes actually offers
us truly inspiring songs (in several idioms!). This wonder
machine even manages to beat the soundtrack of some
computer. The seasons of the year do not exist in INESC
Porto: it’s simple, it’s summer everyday here, this room is
properly designed to create an advantageous greenhouse
effect which helps our brains grow so that we can work
better. Our mail boxes act oddly and they have an unbearable
SPAM section (if you can send an e-mail, it must be your
lucky day!). Outside, the way to get here is sinuous and
rocky but I guess that’s necessary to shake us up and wake
up! Besides, it also helps staying fit because those who
don’t walk here have to wash their car more often…Anyway,
don’t be fooled: the daily trials and tribulations here are
not an impediment to these people’s good mood. It’s hard to
upset those who are in good company and enjoying what
they’re doing.
THE READER’S ADVISER COMMENTS
Dear António,
The initial idea for this section of BIP was to offer the
(eager!) readers of BIP an opportunity to question aspects
of our life (in a positive or negative way) and, eventually,
generate a dialogue, polemic or not.
We should stand out that many of our contributions (whose
authors are properly identified) end up being flattering for
our environment and our institution so it’s our pleasure to
record them. On the other hand, the reasons to comment and
the space the reader’s adviser could take in offering
opinions in opposition to those being published, have become
scarce.
We should nevertheless stand out the following: our
environment is generally considered very good. It is a not a
biased evaluation, there are so many statements that provide
us with food for thought: what factors are we growing? What
distinguishing aspects are we supporting that present us
with that kind of quality?
We shouldn’t contemplate ourselves in awe thinking we are
the greatest thing ever created. Those factors are
highlighted only so that we can cherish and empower the
aspects that increase our competitiveness potential and make
people happy.
* Collaborator in Power Systems Unit (USE)
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