Clara Samuel '24

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
I was born in Cascais, Portugal. When I was three, my parents moved to Johannesburg, South Africa, where I made my first childhood memories and learned English. At the age of six, I moved to Stuttgart, Germany, where I lived until I was ten years old. Following that, I moved to Portugal, where I was able to properly learn my native language. At 15, I moved to Luxembourg for high school, and now, at 18, I live in Paris.

What languages do you speak?
I can speak English and Portuguese. As I spent my life in international schools, I barely got to learn the local languages of the countries I lived in. I can also speak French, but not perfectly, and I understand some Spanish and German.

What inspired you about the SDM program at Parsons?
I believe the SDM program blends my two passions: business and creative art, giving me the best of both worlds. It works towards sustainability, giving me all the tools for management, marketing, and branding.

What is your favorite course or project?
So far, my favorite project has been from my Intro to SDM class, where I am working with three other students to create a beauty campaign for Givenchy and thus improve a certain aspect of their brand in a creative proposal in prototype form.

What is your housing situation in Paris?
In Paris, I was living with my close friend Gaia, a first-year SDM student, at her cousin's apartment in Le Marais. It was temporary in case of a new lockdown. Because that happened, I went back home to Luxembourg.

Have you had a chance to explore the city since you have been here?
My two weeks in Paris before confinement gave me the opportunity to explore the local culture. I had a gastronomical experience with French patisseries, where I ate croissants and drank coffee, and began hanging out with Parsons Paris students and making friends and building connections. I began improving my French and explored thrift stores and local businesses, falling in love with the Parisian community and endless corners to explore.

Do you have a hobby outside of school?
In my free time, I attend dance classes to free my mind from schoolwork and stress regarding the pandemic. I also love to focus on my Instagram, a brand I have essentially created for myself, consisting of multiple collaborations with large fashion brands. This occupies a large portion of my time.