Adriana Zhuk

Who is Adriana?

I’m a 18 year old student at the University of Algarve. I’m studying business management. I’m very perfectionist. I really like mathematics, counting and organizing things in general. I also like to read and study, a lot … and I might have a little obsession with plants. Haha, in a good way, I think. I think my dream would be to have an apartment or room that looks like an urban jungle. Plants everywhere. It’s my little dream. My most recent hobby is doing macrame. Currently I’m doing plant macrame hangers, but I want to try doing wall hangers too. 

What would you like to do when you grow up?

It’s a hard one. I already wanted to be a teacher, a designer, a vet and many other things that I don’t even remember. And look at me now, maybe a future manager or banker, but nothing is certain in my life. I will be what I’ll have to be. But above all, I have a huge ambition to change the world for the better? Namely in regard to sustainability. I want to make people aware that it’s extremely important that we change our attitude about global warming, waste, pollution and consumerism. We cannot continue to do what we are doing if we want to live on a beautiful and healthy planet. It’s impossible. 

What is the first thing on your mind when you think about Faro?

Feira de Santa Iria. It’s a fair that only happens in October. Also, the smell of chestnuts. It’s typical here. Another place that I’m connected to is the old town. It always reminds me of my childhood walks and hanging out with friends. I have always lived here and I really love this city. Faro is a city with a lot of potential. And who knows? Maybe, one day I’ll explore that in my own way. By planting trees and flowers everywhere. 

What would be the soundtrack of your life story?

I love everything, so it’s hard for me to choose. It also depends on my mood. Sometimes I really like listening to the Arctic Monkeys and The Kooks and sometimes to José Cid and Virgem Suta.

What is the place in Faro you are most connected to? Why?

Well, the pontão (EN.: pier) is my special place. Me and my friends really love to go there and see the sunsets. And now we have a little joke about it. In Faro, we don’t say “let’s go watch the sunset” we say “bora sunsetar ao pontão” and I think it’s beautiful.