People of Nobel Algarve: José Nascimento

José Nascimento has been part of the school for 25 years! After finishing their degree in the Algarve during the Year 2000, he started as part of the team and has been a valued member of staff ever since. He teaches 1º Ciclo, mainly 3º and 4º Ano, but has also taught Psychomotricity to the pre-school classes and is one of the school’s most respected football coaches. He’s also responsible for our Summer School activities!

 

Where did you grow up, and what was it like there?

I was born in Mozambique, but my parents decided to move to Portugal when I was 3 years old. We moved to Mangualde, where my father was from, but my parents quickly realised the change in climates wasn’t going to work for us, so they moved further South. My sister was already living in the Algarve, so we moved close to her, and I had a wonderful childhood in Penha, part of Faro. It was definitely the right choice of city for us!

 

What’s a tradition your family had while growing up that you still cherish?

We always have dinner as a family – not only on important occasions.

 

What’s your all-time favourite book, movie, or TV show?

My favourite book is called “Ligados”, writted by Dr. Amir Levine and Rachel S. F. Heller. I like to learn more about myself and other people. My favourite movies are Notting Hill and Braveheart.

 

What’s a favourite memory from your childhood?

I have wonderful childhood memories of spending time on our street, where many other children lived, and we used to spend hours playing together.

 

How did you become interested in working in education? 

Ever since childhood, I’ve been very good at sports. It was being passionate about sport that got me interested in following education. I wanted to share my love of the subject with students and be a P.E. teacher.

 

Tell us about your greatest achievement.

My greatest achievement happened on the 5th of August 2011, when my son Rafael was born. He’s made my life better in every way.

 

What is your steepest learning curve?

It’s strange to look back and realize how young I was when I started here; I was a young boy who has just finished University and had a lot to learn. Since then, I’ve grown alongside my colleagues, my students, and with the birth of my son, which has made me look at education in a brand-new light. I’m very proud.  

 

How do you remain curious?

I love to learn and I’m always attentive to my surroundings in order to do so. It’s always good to try and improve!

 

What motivates you to keep going during challenging times?

I try to be the best version of myself every day.

 

Who is someone in your life who has had a significant influence on who you are today?

My mother had a lot of influence on who I am today.

 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I’ve ever received was about following our own thoughts, because they are our own! Our thoughts lead to emotions, and emotions impact our body.

 

Nobel Algarve is a great place because…

... because I feel at home, and I work directly with people I admire greatly.

 

What would you like the community of Nobel to know about you?

That even though I’m now 49, I feel young, and I’ve got happiness and hugs to spread around.

 

What’s something you hope to accomplish in the next five years?

I hope to continue travelling a lot and to continue being very happy!