Interview with
Name: Ana Santos
Exchange Student, Fall 2005
Home: Portugal
Law School: Catholic University
1. Where is home? What is it famous for?
I live in the capital, Lisbon. It is famous for having seven hills (like Rome) where you can visit ancient houses (and a castle), eat some fish or have some Porto wine, and listen to Portuguese traditional music, the "fado". Lisbon's downtown was entirely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake (cheerfully described by Voltaire in his "Candide"). Before that, the ancient sailing ships used to discover the path through the ocean to India and Brazil departed from there.
2. You are an accomplished literature writer in Portugal with four books published and winning the Portuguese Association of Writers Award at the age of 16. What made you decide to go to law school?
Actually, I decided to go to law school when I was 13 or 14. I only decided to pursue a parallel career as a writer a couple of years later. Winning the prize and publishing didn't change anything: I still wanted to become a lawyer. Besides, law school helps you thinking and prepares you for life. And after all, writing legal memoranda can require as many imagination as writing novels or short stories... so why don't try both?
3. Why did you choose Duke for your exchange program?
Because I knew it was a great university (plus, I was particularly interested in IP and I found a lot of interesting IP courses here). Also I was told this was a really nice place to study and live.
4. What are your favorite memories of Duke? Will it make a good story for your next book?
Oh, I'll leave with so many good memories I think I can't pick just a few of them. I'll say that on the one hand I was amazed with the law school (the place, the classrooms, the technology and so on) and with the friendly environment surrounding it everywhere. On the other hand I had a great time with other exchange, LLMs and JDs on and off school.
5. When will you graduate from law school? What's your plan after graduation?
Next June/July. After graduation, vacation (of course!). Well, I'm not sure yet about future plans. I am eager to start applying everything I've learned to "real life", so I may accept a job as lawyer in Portugal. However, after being here I realized I would very much like to continue my legal studies. And, who knows?, perhaps come back soon...
6. What's the title of your award-winning book? What's it about? Is there a chance for us to read your books in English?
The first award I got was for a book called "Luz e Sombra" (Light and Shadow). I had a character from another book jumping in my own book and provoking a small chaos to illustrate the differences between fiction and reality. The last award was for a short stories' book, with a small work called "O Flautista" (The Flute Player). It's about music and art in general. I am sorry, but up to the moment my books have only been translated into French.
7. What advice will you give to international students studying in American law schools?
Have no fear if you come from different legal systems. You'll experience huge differences but they are certainly amoung the most rewarding in your entire lives. Be prepared to really hard work, of course. Also, I think this kind of experiences makes people more open-minded. Try to enjoy these months from your very first the day in the US, because in these cases time literally flies. (And yes, everything you see in the movies about American food is true, so...)