如果你有夢，就要讓夢成真。離鄉背井的研究之路 ── Murilo Vicentin da Silva (巴西)
現居巴黎的Murilo Vicentin da Silva (穆里羅)，目前就讀國際關係法博士。分享了他在巴黎留學的生活與收穫，以及對未來的夢想。
1.) 大學也是主修國際關係法嗎？
不是，我的主修是國際公法學，和國際關係法不同。後者與外交領域相關，甚至連世界各地公司企業都有關。一般來說，國際公法學鑽研國家與非國家行為者在國際局面中的權利與義務。
2.) 為何選擇現在的學校攻讀博士呢？你什麼時候發現自己對於國際關係抱有興趣？
一切源自我想在法國讀書的憧憬。
穆里羅表示他很喜歡法國文化和當地生活方式，這種喜愛就像家一般熟悉。因此他選擇在法國完成國際與歐洲公法的碩士學位，並在隨後通過艱難考試得以攻讀博士學位，校方也提供三年的合約，讓穆里羅省去金錢上的負擔。
「在巴西讀最後一年的高中時，我發現我對國際公法學有興趣。當時內心一直想往海外留學或從事與國際相關的活動。」若能在國外生活，一個人的職業必須不受地區限制，這就是他主修國際公法學的原因。
3.) 現居法國巴黎，有沒有最喜歡的地方？
說到最愛去的地方，穆里羅第一個想到的是聖馬丁運河(Canal Saint-Martin)，他形容那裡景致優美，時而有人前往休憩散步、喝杯咖啡。穆里羅還提到附近有一座巴黎最大的公園──肖蒙山丘公園(The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont)，在廣大無邊的草原上，對面是一座顯著的峭壁於湖中佇立著，你可以坐在草地上享受眼前野生的自然景觀。
4.) 在巴黎生活的樣子？
「我喜歡這邊的環境和生活的步調。」
巴黎是一個很成熟的地方，隨處走訪可感受到巴黎的成熟與奢華。此外，那邊的人很善良、外向，穆里羅認為在這邊可以交到比家鄉更多的朋友。這裡的環境非常自由，你可以做任何事而不受束縛，他們心胸都很開闊。這樣的感覺讓他如身在家鄉一般親切。
提及對恐怖攻擊的議題，雖然巴西較不像巴黎有恐怖攻擊，但巴西的暴力事件之多，去年也被評為全球前十大危險國家。生活在一個曾受恐攻的城市，穆里羅認為當地人可能害怕面對了，但表現恐懼就讓恐攻人士得逞了。所以秉持正向態度的精神才是對的。
5.) 家鄉與巴黎的差別？
穆里羅出生於聖貝爾納多－杜坎普，但是在聖保羅州聖安德烈城市長大。他認為和巴黎最大差別就是建築。穆里羅現居巴黎的房子比家鄉的小許多；也因為巴黎為全球城市之一，路上總能見到高樓大廈。第二就是環境，巴黎建築的美在於歷史與古老，而自己家鄉的建築外觀都比較新。
若從經濟方面看，巴西仍有許多人處於失業狀態，現今金磚五國的光環不再，社會問題漸漸浮現。
6.) 巴西也有徵兵制？制度大約是怎麼樣的呢？
巴西男性年滿18歲時，就要到居住地距離較近的軍訓中心報到並體檢，選出體能合格的人從事兵役。穆里羅表示他不用當兵是因為體檢不合格，他有脊椎方面的問題。談起對巴西徵兵制的想法，穆里羅認為不應該用強迫的方式，「畢竟不是每個人都喜歡、適合服兵役。我很尊敬我國的軍人，只是我自覺對軍事方面，我可能不太在行。」
7.)請問你對巴西的貝羅蒙特水力發電廠的興建，有何看法？
目前穆里羅撰寫貝羅蒙特水力發電廠影響的報告，認為以法律分析亞馬遜的欣古河上興建的貝羅蒙特大壩，具有極大的爭議性。它勢必將帶來環境與社會方面的問題，即使現今科技能將影響降到最低。
若從環境角度來看，大壩的效能則是個懸而未決的疑慮，因為巴西雨量有季節性。若比較大壩造成的負面影響，以及其帶來的些許利益，似乎不對等。此外貝羅蒙特大壩的興建，有可能會驟幅減少特定地區的供水，甚至破壞動植物的多樣性。
我想當地居民多半會受大壩興建的影響。畢竟為了這個大壩，附近的居民都被迫遷離，這是破壞他們的文化及社會完整性。對他們來說那不只是土地，是一個家園。為了大壩使人無家可歸，我們是不是該從該從基本人權與少數族群的權力，開始深思熟慮？
8.) 得知你對於巴西的龔固議題仍然充滿抱負。你最近有關注哪幾個議題嗎(除了博士研究外)？你對於這些事件的看法是？
左派政府執政至今13年，目前巴西面臨有史以來最嚴重的經濟危機。國內近乎一千四百萬人失業，即使有些現象反映未來經濟會好轉，但目前來看仍不樂觀。企業則以獲利與時機為考量，減少對市場的投資。如此並沒有帶來更多工作機會，也反而讓經濟停滯不前。
「巴西在發展上具有潛力，前提是腐敗與資金濫用不再發生，我們的國家才得以繁榮。」穆里羅認為，如果沒這兩件事，經濟和社會發展，將會比以前更好。
9.) 你會如何形容自己？
穆里羅認為，過往與家人同住時對世界了解不多，在巴黎的這些年讓他成長很多、學會獨立。巴黎的文化和社會讓穆里羅決定在此定下來，這是他眼前的目標。他還提及巴黎的博物館之夜，有些博物館會在晚上開放免費參觀，甚至會舉辦特別活動；可見巴黎對藝術文化的重視。當然其他國家也有所謂的捐獻時段，以回饋社會大眾；民眾可以依個人意願捐贈金額，無論捐多少錢都能參觀。
留在法國簽證也是一項問題，穆里羅前陣子的學生簽證快到期，只得趕快換簽證；但因為巴西學生赴法留學，申請的簽證為期三個月，必須時常擔心簽證到期的問題。
穆里羅身邊也有來自外地的人在法國找到工作，儘管職位較小。穆里羅也認為工作很難找，特別是像他一樣年紀的當地人也要找工作，非常競爭。對於能在大學裡工作他也感到特別幸運，因為房租較便宜。
10.) 請問你有偶像嗎？
克服萬難，堅毅不拔，成就他的偉大
穆里羅的答案是──邱吉爾，曾任兩次英國首相。當時邱吉爾面臨第二次世界大戰，及國內慘澹的民生。在更早之前，他不僅沒被選上國會、遭人嘲諷；然而他的堅毅克服了所有萬難，戰打成功了，最終也成為影響英國至深的偉大領袖。穆里羅相信這是因為邱吉爾始終如一的精神，實現他的目標。放棄，你就輸了。
穆里羅說：「如果你有夢，就要讓夢成真。」這就是他的人生哲學。一路上當然會出現許多困難、障礙，但唯有相信自己、堅持下去，才能成功。
穆里羅表示，邱吉爾的成就體現了成功該擁有的態度和精神。提及邱吉爾，穆里羅也分享最近影集《王冠》，「在劇中能看見邱吉爾的另一面，而每個人的內心深處都有弱點，但我們能有所作為去克服它。」
11.) 最近你有遇到什麼樣的問題嗎？
埋首於系上的論文，以及穆里羅目前主要的工作──研究，讓他每天都得投入大量時間、閱讀資料和心力，更何況是要在期限內完成的研究。目前穆里羅正在準備教授指導的報告，也得在期限內完成。無處不在的報告讓他感到疲憊，因為要犧牲平常的社交生活和休閒周末。但穆里羅簡單一句「We move on!」，代表了他選擇了努力，因為他有一個夢，就是在法國工作。
12.) 請問你對未來有沒有一些想法？
實現夢想，來自努力與信心。
人生充滿了可能性，但關鍵在於我們的態度。所以我們能做的──就是盡可能讓它實現！
提到未來工作，穆里羅希望能朝向教授職位或是政府組織發展，更期盼或許未來某一天也能在全球性組織中任職。
13.) 你會如何給20幾歲的年輕人何種建議？
人必須學會夢想，才能實現目標，因為夢想是人的本質。
想過著有意義的人生，你要懷有野心。犯了錯，勇敢面對，因為你還有路要走。要讓目標實現，努力是不可或缺的。
而對穆里羅來說，信心和努力這兩項特質，始終陪著他度過難關、實現夢想。
Murilo Vicentin da Silva, who is studying a PhD in Paris, France, shares his experience in Paris and expectations for the future.
1.) Is your major in college also International relations?
No, my major is Public International Law (PIL), which is different from International relations, given the fact the latter is more related to diplomacy areas or even to the activities of companies worldwide. Generally speaking, PIL studies the rights and obligations of States and non-State actors in the international scenario.
2.) What motivated you to choose current university for PhD study? When did you discover your own passion toward international relations?
Everything started with my desire to study in France.
I enjoy the French culture and lifestyle, so I feel it’s my home. Given this fact, I did my Master here in International and European Public Law. After completing this step, I decided to continue my studies and there comes my PhD. The university I’m enrolled in at offered me a 3-year PhD contract, after having gone through a tough selection, so I took it.
I discovered my interest in PIL after the end of my studies in Brazil. I have always thought about studying abroad or doing something internationally related, considering the fact I wondered about living in another country. So, I had to pick a field I could work no matter where. That is why PIL is my major.
3.) What’s your favorite place in Paris?
The first thing he came up is Canal Saint-Martin, where people visit and enjoy the nature scenes. Murilo also tell us a place nearby, The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the largest park in Paris. You can sit on the grassland across the steep cliff on the lake.
4.) What is it like to live in Paris?
I like the environment and the pace of life here.
Paris is a sophisticated place, wherever you go, you see its maturity and luxury. People in Paris are kind and outgoing. Murilo feels he can make more friends in Paris than in his homeland. You don’t feel bound to do anything here, they are open-minded. That’s why it feels like home to Murilo.
Regarding the terrorist attack, Brazil does not have similar events like Paris. However, Brazil experiences plenty of violence and crimes, being top 10 most dangerous cities. About his opinion on Paris, Murilo said we must stay positive. You show your fear, the terrorists win.
5.) The differences between your hometown and Paris?
Murilo was born in São Bernardo do Campo, but he actually grew up in Santo André. He thinks the biggest difference is architecture. He lives in a smaller house in Paris than in Santo André. Being one of the global cities, Paris is loaded with a variety of mansions and historical buildings. The second difference is the environment; the beauty of its buildings comes from ancient history, while Santo André’s buildings are new.
In terms of economy, too many people are unemployed, showing this member of BRICS is fading and more social problems spring up.
6.) Does Brazil imposes compulsory military service to men as Taiwan does? Please introduce to us the system.
When we are about to turn 18, we are supposed to present ourselves to the military offices next to our domicile. We go through a clinical selection in which the military choose the most adequate men for duty, in terms of physical abilities. It was the medical check-up. After this procedure, the army dismissed me from duty, given the fact that I have a little problem in my backbone.
With regard to the system, I think conscription should not be mandatory. Not everyone would like to serve the Army. Even though I respect very much this important institution, I feel I have no talent whatsoever with military activities.
7.) How do you think of the construction of Belo Monte Power Plant?
Analyzing the juridical consequences of the building of Belo Monte´s power plant in the Xingu River, Amazon, its completion is highly contested because of the many environmental and social problems created, in spite of the usage of modern technologies towards the minimization of the general impacts.
From an environmental point of view, there exists the questioning of its energetic efficiency given that its operation depends on the seasonal hydrous regime, which means recognize that the power plant environmental impacts seem to be disproportional regarding few benefits generated for the society. Moreover, the construction of the power station may lead to the drastic reduction of water supply in some specific places of the river and provoke an irreversible loss of local vegetal and animal species as well.
With regard to the treatment of the indigenous people that live there, it is possible that they will be affected by the establishment of this power plant. It is known that entire populations have been removed in order to allow the construction works, which implies a serious problem related to their cultural and physical integrity. In general, the reduction of lands and the expulsion of this population from the place of origin lead to the loss of its culture, which deserves a deep thought on the respect of human rights and minorities rights.
8.) You still concern development in hometown. Please introduce us the problem that Brazil are struggling for recently.
After thirteen years of a left-wing government, Brazil is facing one the worst economic crises of all times. We have now almost 14 million unemployed in our country. The economy is down in the dumps, even though there are little signs of recovery in the long term. Companies are restraining investments at this moment waiting for the best time to put their money in the market, so job creation is halted and many economy sectors are stagnated.
Brazil has a great growth potential, however we will achieve prosperity once corruption and money mismanagement are over. It is a great disease, which prevents Brazil from improving its social and economic standards.
9.) How would you describe yourself?
Murilo feels he had learnt a lot and became independent. He knew less about the world when in the homeland, now he decides to settle down in Paris for its society and culture. He also mentioned museum nights, opening for free at night or special events are held in some museums. This shows the importance of arts in Paris. Also other museums or galleries in other countries offer suggested donations as a reward for the public. People donate money based on their willingness and visit them.
To stay in France, Murilo often struggles with visa. A while ago his visa was about to expire, he had to apply for a new one. But Brazilian students’ visa is only three months. He has to apply for it frequently.
Some of Murilo’s friends work in Paris, although the jobs are not really great. It’s competitive in terms of getting employed when people in his age are also looking for a job. Murilo regards himself a lucky person because he pays less rent than other foreigners.
10.) Do you have a role model?
The way he overcomes and his persistence makes him a great man.
Winston Churchill, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice and faced World War II when the domestic situation was down in the dumps. Before that he wasn’t selected to Parliament and people taunted him. With his tenacity, Churchill overcame the difficulties and won the war and last, his influence made him a great leader of in Britain. Murilo believes in Churchill’s perseverance that helps achieve his goal. If you give up, you lose.
“You have to make your dreams come true”, said Murilo, which is his life philosophy.
You will encounter those difficulties, but you will succeed if you stick to your dreams and have faith.
Churchill’s achievement embodies the spirit and attitude for a person to accomplish his goals, Murilo said.
About the episode The Crown, he thinks people can find out the other side of Churchill. Everyone has weakness, but we can do something to overcome it.
11.) What problem have you encountered recently?
Burning midnight oil may be a routine for Murilo when there are thesis and research to do. He has to spend a lot of time reading reports and finish his assignment in time. Tired of these reports letting he have no weekends and social life, he simply said, ”We move on!”, which shows his determination to achieve a goal, working in Paris.
12.) Vision for you future?
You must have faith and work hard to make your dreams come true.
Life is full of possibilities, but attitude is the key of our lives. What we can do is make it happen.
About the future career, Murilo hopes to be a professor or work in a governmental organization. And it will be terrific to join some global organizations.
13.) What kind of advice would you give to 20-year-old people?
We must pursue our goals, by pursuing our goals we must dream. Dream is essential.
To have a meaningful life, you must be ambitious. You must confront with your little faults. You must go on. To make our goals come true, we must work hard.
What matters to Murilo are confidence and hard work, which overcome the challenges and make dreams come true.