A 38-year-old woman, who worked as a trash collector for 12 years, recently graduated as a lawyer and decided to take photos next to the garbage truck as a tribute to the job that allowed her to achieve her dream. According to El Comercio, the waste collection company, Codeca, in Caixas du Sul, Brazil, shared the inspiring story of Lindaine Godoi, a mother of two children aged 7 and 17.
“We love happy ending stories here! And when it involves our employees, we love it even more, so we share it for the world to know,” the company stated in their post. In the photos shared by Codeca, Godoi is seen wearing her graduation gown and cap alongside the garbage truck and her colleagues from the urban sanitation department.
Despite her busy work schedule, Godoi managed to balance her studies, work, and parenting duties to finance her education and complete her university degree. Her decision to study law was sparked when she found a law book among the trash she collected. “I found a lot of material, my favorites were books. A graduating friend suggested I take the Enem (National High School Exam). I thought it was too late, I was 32. I found a legal compendium in the trash, so I had the answer,” she recalled.
Godoi completed her high school education and took the Enem. She finished her studies in 2016 and later enrolled at the University of Caxias do Sul (UCS). After obtaining her diploma, she left her job as a trash collector and now works at the Municipal Health Secretariat as an endemic disease agent.
According to El Comercio, Godoi’s goal is to use her knowledge to serve others. “My dream in choosing law is to help people. Continue in contests, Public Defender’s Office. I hope my story somehow inspires people like me. This victory is not only mine, it belongs to everyone. I want to represent trash collectors, women, and mothers,” she said.
With a newfound passion and determination, Lindaine Godoi faced the challenges head-on, proving that it is never too late to chase your dreams. Her journey from being a trash collector to becoming a lawyer is an embodiment of resilience and hard work, which serves as a powerful inspiration for many others who may be in similar situations.
One of the key factors in Godoi’s success story is her unyielding commitment to her education. By prioritizing her studies and taking advantage of the resources available, such as the law book she found in the trash, she was able to transform her life for the better. It is important to recognize the value of education and the doors it can open for anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
As a lawyer, Godoi plans to use her newfound skills and knowledge to contribute positively to her community. Her dedication to helping others reflects her compassionate nature and her desire to create a better world for everyone. Her story highlights the importance of giving back and using personal achievements to create a positive impact on society.
Lindaine Godoi’s story is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and education. Her journey from trash collector to lawyer is an inspiring reminder that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and make a difference in the lives of others. Let her story be an encouragement for anyone facing challenges in their own lives, to never give up and continue pushing forward, because with perseverance and dedication, anything is possible.