This is a true story. A story about a kid who dreamed of a better life. Fabio Teixeira was born and raised in Nova Iguaçu, a city outside of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. When he was a kid, Fabio dreamed of living in the United States of America. He loved to watch Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley and some American TV series. Sweet dreams for a boy who in real life was living a nightmare.
His life was not easy. As a 6 year old, he used to help his neighbors carry construction materials after school. He used the tips for food and books. During his summer vacation, Fabio collected paper, metal, plastic and glass for recycling. He happily carried a big plastic bag over his shoulders because with the money he would buy toys and new clothes. At the age of 10, Fabio started his own business. Backed by his mom, Mrs. Maria Lucia Teixeira, he sold fireworks at the corner of the street he lived on. Maria was a maid and her income barely paid the bills. Fabio, with his profit, invested in books and clothes, but never forgot to help his mom with the bills.
Up to this point, Fabio was living a normal life. He liked to study and wanted to become a biologist. What he did not expect was to grow 8 inches before turning 16. His mom was scared of a tumor and took him to the doctor. After completing all examinations and excluding from any kind of medical problem, the doctor recommended he try and play basketball. 
His mother bought him new basketball shoes so that he could try out for some teams in Rio de Janeiro. The only problem was that Fabio didn't know how to play basketball. So, at the first try out he got cut from the Flamengo club. Persisting, he went to Botafogo the next day. Since he was scared of getting cut again, he told the coach he did not know how to use his left hand. His strategy worked. Botafogo liked his potential and gave him an opportunity. Fabio was 16 years old and was practicing more than 8 hours a day. He started with the basketball school. Then, practiced with the under 12, under 15 and under 17 teams. Afterward, Fabio watched the under 19 and first division teams practice. Since he did not have enough money, he was able to have only a little snack . His snack was a chocolate cookie before the basketball school and a strawberry cookie after the under 17 team practice. Lots of water though. He was so thin that his nickname was “Somalia”. For those people who do not know, Somalia is one of the poorest countries with one of the highest mortality rate among children in the world.
Extremely dedicated, Fabio was invited to play for the under 19 and first division team after a few months. Then, he started believing that one day he could win in life through basketball. He saw in the sport an opportunity to a better life and help his family. He used his challenges to grow, learn and become stronger.
In 2001, the nonprofit organization “Atitude Positiva” became a big part of Fabio's life. I talked to Fabio a little about our project, goals and the athletes I was helping. He looked at me, smiled, and with lucid eyes said, "Yeah, Paulo. I'd like to be part of your project. "
Our team started working intensively. Our goal was to get Fabio a full athletic scholarship. Although he was highly recruited for his athletic potential, Fabio did not speak any English. What could be a huge problem, for Fabio was one more opportunity to continue combating. Extremely motivated and happy, Fabio rode a bus for 4 hours just to learn English.
In August 2001, all of his efforts were rewarded. Fabio received a scholarship to Northeastern Oklahoma A & M College. In 2004, he received his second scholarship to the University of Incarnate Word, where he got his degree in International Business.
In April of 2008, the boy who worked in construction , collected recycling materials and sold fireworks was hired to work at NuStar Energy L.P. Based in San Antonio, Texas, USA, NuStar was recently ranked No. 21 on FORTUNE Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to work for” in America. A “star” employee, Fabio works in the asphalt division and is the pricing coordinator.
Fabio Teixeira, Brazilian, married to Nora Elia Teixeira (mechanical engineer), 33, lives in San Antonio. In 2010, Fabio finished his Master in Business Administration. Now, he is a happy man living his dream.
A message left by this winner is "I believe education is the key to a better future. I took advantage of every opportunity God gave me. I have two angels in my life: my mother and my wife. I will always be grateful for everything they did for me. My wife taught me a lot about the American culture and helped me in my academic career.
My mom believed, encouraged and supported me in everything I did. She was always present. Therefore, I could always give my best. The truth is that no matter what you do. Do your best, and be sure that the reward will always come. Nobody remembers how you start, but everyone remembers how you finish! "
