Eighteen-year-old Luís Tadeu Silva has enrolled in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Porto's Faculty of Engineering after graduating high school with top marks.
Silva completed secondary school with a maximum grade of 20, giving him the choice of any university degree program in Portugal.
Choosing between medicine and engineering
Despite coming from a family with strong ties to the healthcare sector, Silva chose to pursue a different path and become the first engineer in his family. He explained that his relatives warmly accepted his decision.
Silva had earned high enough marks to qualify for first place in medicine at the University of Porto's Faculty of Medicine (FMUP) or the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS). He was also eligible for dental medicine at the University of Porto's Faculty of Dental Medicine or CESPU, and gained admission to the School of Music and Performing Arts (ESMAE).
He described the decision between medicine and aerospace engineering as a dilemma that was only resolved close to the application deadline. He ultimately selected engineering because it aligned better with his passion for mathematics and physics.
Silva noted that aerospace is a rapidly developing sector with strong future prospects in areas such as avionics and drones, both in Portugal and internationally, offering a large and expanding market.
Discipline and mental health
When asked about the key to his academic success, Silva credited discipline and consistent daily work rather than any secret formula. He stated that setting clear daily goals and working steadily enables students to reach their objectives, adding that nothing can be achieved without effort.
The prospect of entering higher education at FEUP does not intimidate him. Silva said that challenges should be faced with confidence, noting that while feeling some anxiety before starting a new experience is normal, he feels primarily grateful for the opportunity.
Future plans and musical passions
Silva, who lives in Parada de Todeia in the municipality of Paredes, said he remains open regarding his future specialization within the degree. He intends to complete his undergraduate degree followed by a master's degree, allowing his specific career direction to take shape during his studies.
Alongside his academic accomplishments, Silva recently completed classical piano training at the conservatory. He emphasized that playing piano is a vital passion that helps relieve stress and anxiety, noting that maintaining personal hobbies is essential for mental health alongside academic goals.
The Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, known as FEUP, is one of Portugal's leading engineering institutions, located in northern Portugal.
