Stephanie Oliveira de Araújo
Author and Hostos alumna Stephanie Oliveira de Araújo ’24 poses with her recently published book.
 
On Tuesday, October 8, Hostos Community College proudly welcomed back alumna and author Stephanie Oliveira de Araújo ’24 for a special presentation of her inspiring debut book, "Wherever You Go Bloom,” as part of the College’s ongoing Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month events series.
 
"Wherever You Go Bloom” follows Flora, a young Afro-Brazilian woman with hair made of flowers, on a journey of self-discovery. The deeply personal work is based in part on the author’s personal experiences growing up in Brazil and coming to the U.S. and explores themes of identity, growth, and resilience.
 
The inspiring story originated as Oliveira de Araújo's college capstone project, assigned by Professors Karin Lundberg, Chair of the Language and Cognition Department, and Catherine Lyons, Head of Library Technology. After presenting it to much acclaim during Hostos’ Student Symposium in the Spring of 2024, the young author decided that she wanted to share Flora’s story on a larger scale. She expanded and concluded the tale in a month and harnessed the power of AI to add stunning illustrations to her work before self-publishing the young adult book in August.
President Cocco De Filippis was delighted about the event and shared inspiring remarks about the alumna’s journey.

Thrilled to welcome back Oliveira de Araújo, President Daisy Cocco De Filippis extended warm greetings and praise for the recent Hostos graduate.
 
“I am here to celebrate the continuing journey of one of our alumni,” she began. “What a delightful thing that a classroom assignment produced such a powerful story about the power of perseverance, hard work and belief in dreams of a better life. As the lovely book, ‘Wherever You Go Bloom,’ tells us, it is about embracing change, believing in yourself and daring to dream, despite any challenges.”
 
President Cocco De Filippis went on to express her immense pride in the intrepid author and called her “a shining example of what can be done when all of the odds are against you.” She also commended the wonderful faculty who have been instrumental in inspiring and supporting students like Oliveira de Araújo along their journeys.
 
The presentation continued with remarks from Professor Cynthia Jones, English Department and Honors Program Co-Director, who delighted the guest of honor and audience with a reading of an essay written by Oliveira de Araújo in her final semester at Hostos, in which she reflected on how much she’d grown, personally and professionally, during her time in the United States and at Hostos. The alumna beamed as her journey was recounted, detailing how different interactions with students, faculty, and staff at Hostos — as well as her host family, employers, and friends — helped her blossom and ultimately helped her find a new home away from her hometown of Massabielle in Esperança, Paraíba, Brazil.
 
Professors Lundberg and Lyons — both of whom are mentioned in the book’s acknowledgments — took up the baton of praise next, reflecting on their experiences as Oliveira de Araújo’s capstone professors and advisors. Professor Lundberg recalled the first time she read what would become the seed from which the book would grow. “Here was a story that was meant to blossom,” she said. “This became the story of Flora, a young woman with flowers in her hair that keep blossoming with every step of her journey.”
 
For her part, Professor Lyons reflected on Oliveira de Araújo’s potential and the power of her writing. “I think her words can move students,” she said. “They can move students to finish degrees. They can inspire.”
(L-R) Sofía Oviedo moderated the conversation with Oliveira de Araújo.
 
Praise for the author’s talent and tenacity was echoed by Félix Sánchez, Alumni Relations Manager, who also gave remarks. The presentation continued with a brief reading from the book and a fire-side-style chat with the author, moderated by Sofía Oviedo, Director of Research Programs, during which Oliveira de Araújo discussed her inspirations, including the words imparted to her by a doctor during her time as an American Heart Association scholar: “You can’t be what you don’t see.” Taking those words to heart, she crafted a beautiful tale in the hopes of encouraging others to embrace change and go after their dreams.
 
The alumna also shared her immense gratitude for Hostos and the extended family she has found during her time in the United States. “Hostos holds a special meaning for me,” she said. “Not just because it's where I studied, but because it's where I found my family. I wouldn’t be here today presenting my first book, ‘Wherever You Go Bloom,’ if it weren’t for the… support I received during my time here. Those two years were filled with challenges, growth, and countless moments of learning — not only academically but also personally. I was surrounded by professors, mentors, and peers who believed in me even when I doubted myself. They gave me the tools, the encouragement, and the belief that I could achieve something greater than I ever imagined. For that, I will always be grateful.”
 
She continued, “‘Wherever You Go Bloom’ is the result of that belief and support. It’s a reflection of my journey from my beginnings in Brazil to navigating life and education in New York. The book is my way of saying ‘no matter where life takes you, no matter the challenges you face, there is always room for growth, for blooming, for achieving your dreams.’”
 
After the presentation, the author signed copies for students.

The presentation concluded with a book signing, during which students were gifted copies of “Wherever You Go Bloom” and had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the author, who shared her wish for them, just like her, to bloom wherever they may go.
 
You can purchase a copy of “Wherever You Go Bloom” here.