“Learning from each other’s approaches, strengths and difficulties is essential as we walk a shared path in educating young people and contributing to the societal, environmental and digital transformation of our students and institutions. This is a T4EU in-reach” highlights Maria Lopes Cardoso.

As an Expert and a co-member of the Steering Committee for Transform4Europe at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Maria Lopes Cardoso has been connected to the alliance since the very beginning of the partnership with Católica.

“Being part of the T4EU team at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, as well as of the wider T4EU Alliance, has had a meaningful impact on me and on the way I engage in the life of my University. It has helped me broaden internal bridges, meet new colleagues and better understand the diverse contributions that enrich our community.”

Beyond personal growth, she recognizes the impact of the T4EU in-reach: “I recognize that T4EU has brought a strong collaborative energy to Católica. It has been inspiring to see how the T4EU dynamic is creating meaningful connections among people who had never worked together before, coming from different locations, backgrounds and disciplines. This internal impact – this in-reach, strengthening of our institutional cohesion – is already a major achievement of belonging to the Alliance.”

“Participating in T4EU and working closely with our partners has also opened valuable new pathways,” adds. “Sharing knowledge, practices, organizational approaches and common goals, as well as building convergent strategies based on this exchange, has been extremely enriching and has broadened our collective perspective.”

The key lesson is shared concerns and challenges. “We all work with and for people, especially young adults, and we all face increasing issues related as are the mental health challenges. Learning from each other’s approaches, strengths and difficulties is essential as we walk a shared path in educating young people and contributing to the societal, environmental and digital transformation of our students and institutions. This is a T4EU in-reach.”

And this reaches beyond the alliance: “All of this becomes even more meaningful when we take the energy generated within the Alliance and bring it outward, to other contexts and geographies from which we also want to learn. Expanding this collaborative, inclusive and respectful spirit reinforces our commitment to a greater good that goes beyond individual realities.”

Proud of what T4EU is achieving, Maria Lopes Cardoso concludes, “we are all part of a broader community; of a Europe we hope will continue to value its diversity and speak with a strong and united voice. The path of dialogue and convergence can be demanding, but it is also more solid and transformative. That’s why I am truly proud and grateful for being part of this Alliance, T4EU”.