About Me — Shay Roiz

Trying to walk away from Rory’s 22 years old downfall

Shay Roiz / Estúdio Forme

Hey there! I’m Shay. Let me clear up any confusion right away — it’s not Shannon or Cheyenne, but Shayene. My dad, with his deep love for classic Westerns, came up with this Brazilian twist, and it’s been a fantastic conversation starter ever since. Something is empowering about having a name that stands out, especially when it carries a piece of family history. It’s one of those little things that shapes who I am and how I see the world.

For the past three years, I’ve been writing here on Medium, but it’s only recently that I’ve decided to share my thoughts in English. With a bit of help from my trusty friend Grammarly, I’m embracing the challenge of writing in a language that’s not my own. My first language is Portuguese, and while switching languages can be intimidating, I’m diving into it wholeheartedly, eager to connect with a broader audience and share my stories.

Growing Up in Nova Friburgo — a piece of Switzerland in Brazil

Photo: Regina Lo Bianco

I was born and raised in Nova Friburgo, a small town founded in 1818 by Swiss immigrants, nestled in the…