Name: Rafaella Martins Petrunko
Age: 22
Hometown: Curitiba, Brazil
High school: International School of Curitiba
Major: Business Management Information Systems
Expected graduation date: May 2019
Why did you choose Dalton State? I chose Dalton State College because I was offered a scholarship to be involved in athletics.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? To be part of the Roadrunner Nation means to be part of a welcoming community that will help you go a long way and succeed.
What do you plan to do after graduation? I plan to find a job in Texas to be close to my family. Crossing my fingers I get a work visa.
What activities are you involved in on campus? I used to be part of the women’s volleyball team, and I am now part of Residential Life as a resident assistant.
What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments at Dalton State? My biggest achievement at Dalton State was to be elected to be part of the Business Honor Society, Beta Gamma Sigma.
What are some of your favorite activities in and around Dalton? I really enjoy going to my friends’ apartments to play cards, watching Netflix, and playing volleyball with my friends. (I always beat them.)
Where is your favorite hangout? In Casey Mashburn’s room. He has this fort under his bed with lots of pillows and lights — it’s really cool. You should come visit sometime.
What is your best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation? My best memory so far is definitely when I was part of the volleyball team, and we got to play home games with a full crowd cheering us on. And all the memories I created with my teammates.
Favorite comfort food? Brazilian rice, beans, and steak. It reminds me most of my hometown in Brazil.
What is your guilty pleasure? Eating chocolate, ice cream, pasta, gummies, hamburgers, fries, quesadillas…honestly just eating.
What do you feel most proud of? I feel most proud of the courage I had from leaving my home country, family, and friends to pursue a better education. I am even more proud that I finally complete that education this semester.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? I would take some of the money and donate to different charities, and the rest I would invest.
What is a skill you’d like to learn and why? I would like to learn how to play the guitar and learn another language.
What cheers you up? My parents because they are a positive influence on me and always push me to do my best. Without their constant love and support, I can honestly say I would not be where I am today. (Love you Mamis e Papis.)
Who is your hero? My grandma. A few years ago, she had cancer and even though she lost her battle to it, she never failed to keep fighting. That is what I look up to the most.
If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet? Jesus, whenever I am in doubt or fear he is the first person I go to.
What is your favorite app? Instagram – hit me with a follow @rafinhapetrunko
Where is your favorite place to eat? Brazilian Bakery in Marietta (I recommend everyone to go and get “Coxinhas”)
As a Roadrunner, what does it mean to Run Boldly? To Run Boldly means to be a part of something bigger than myself. When I left Brazil, I was beyond scared to leave everything that I had ever known, so when I Run Boldly, I believe in myself and I have the ability to accomplish anything I commit to.