Everyone knows her as Maya, but her full name is Mayara Oliveira. I commented that Mayara seems to be derived from the Tupi language of Brazil and was perhaps a variant of Maiara, meaning great-grandmother. But she was far from being a grandmother; she looked in her twenties.
Maya laughed it off. “It’s true, Maya is short for Mayara, but there is another theory that it means the strong one or the one who is like the moon. I much prefer this theory to the grandmother one! I have just turned 27.”
She is a very mature 27, but cheerful. Gifted with a personality and hardworking, she is decisive but gentle.
Hailing from Brazil, Maya joined the Corinthia Group in her first month in Malta. She recalls those days with affection and gratitude. “They welcomed me, taught me, and made me feel like part of the Corinthia family. My English was quite basic then in November 2022. I began working at the head office of CHL as one of the tea ladies. About a month later, right after the Christmas party, Liz Bartolo, the CEO’s PA, informed me that the Chairman, Mr. Pisani, wanted to speak to me. I felt nervous, but he gently asked about my life in Brazil, my family, and what brought me to Malta. Earlier this year, I was surprised by the opportunity to move to the reception of IHI, and just a few months later, here I am, as an office assistant and managing different responsibilities. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities offered and their belief and confidence in me.”
When I asked about her current responsibilities, Maya responded with typical enthusiasm, “It’s very dynamic, and I’m busy most days. With my colleagues Ana and Victoria, I assist and support the company secretary and manage various documents for the directors. We apply for visas, make reservations, check-ins, and do all that is necessary to ensure a smooth trip for the board members, as well as schedule and organise documents for meetings. Given our access to confidential information, it is essential to remain cautious and completely respect confidentiality. We also serve as the contact between our shareholders and our hotels, manage reservations and discount cards, and ensure our shareholders are satisfied. Recently, I was also assigned to manage part of the group’s communication network. My superior’s assistance has proved highly beneficial. It requires a strong dose of organisation skills to manage all of this and more simultaneously, apart from some urgent tasks which crop up quite often.”
Maya hails from a faraway country: Brazil. What attracted her to settle in Malta? “I had a comfortable life in Brazil. I attended excellent schools, studied at a renowned university in my region, and had a good job. However, I have always strongly desired to explore new places and cultures—maybe because I’m a bookworm. I always wanted to see what the world offers, and Europe has always attracted me. When I was researching where to migrate to Europe, I focused on one thing: finding a country that spoke English. I wondered if Portugal would be easier since they speak my native language. But I wanted to challenge myself, learn, travel, and naturally, I needed to work. Malta offers me all these benefits: a full-time work visa, easy travel throughout Europe, and the chance to learn a new language and culture.”
She surely had fond memories of her younger days in Brazil. Did she still feel strongly about your home country and miss particular things, such as certain food, scenery, customs, etc.?
Maya’s eyes shone, and a gentle smile accompanied her recollections. “My fondest memories are definitely with my family. There’s nothing quite like Sunday lunch at my grandparents‘ with the whole family gathered around, whether it’s a special occasion or not. There will always be things I miss. Food is one of them; I consider myself a good cook, but nothing compares to the flavour of a parent’s cooking. Coming from the countryside, I miss being closer to nature, even though we have beautiful beaches here.”
I was surprised to learn that Maya had graduated in law in Brazil. What made her take up law? “As I mentioned, I’ve been a bookworm from a young age. I come from a family of mathematics, sciences, grammar, and literature teachers; so my love for learning has always been a part of me. At 16, I was torn between studying journalism or law, as I’ve always felt comfortable speaking in public, and I have a strong passion for reading and writing. After doing a lot of research on what would suit my profile best, I ended up choosing law. It was a long five-year journey—working full-time, attending college in the evenings, and many sleepless nights preparing for exams. During those years, I worked at a law firm in my hometown, focused on civil and labour law. There, I learned a lot about the practice of law, and I’m very grateful for all the support I received. Nowadays, to be honest, I don’t see myself working as a lawyer. But a law degree opens many doors, and there are plenty of opportunities outside traditional legal practice.”
Maya keeps in touch with her family in Brazil daily, and via video calls every weekend. “I have a 22-year-old brother, Higor, and I’m so proud of him! He’s a motorcycle mechanic and owns his shop. Our parents have always supported us in pursuing our dreams. My mother, Sueli, is a Portuguese grammar and literature teacher at a state school and was my teacher for many years! My father, Marcos, is a self-employed truck driver with a great passion for driving; he often shares stories about his travels. I miss them, but knowing they have a calm and comfortable life in Brazil is comforting. A year ago, they all visited me in Malta, and we explored much of the island together—they loved it! We have a few dogs there, and I miss opening the door and being warmly greeted by them, especially my sweet Moxie.”
Maya’s husband, Gabriel, is also Brazilian. “We’ve been together for over seven years and moved to Malta together. We married recently.” Her eyes shone again. “He’s an amazing person, always supporting and helping me. It’s wonderful to have someone to share one’s achievements and struggles. We’ve known each other for a long time, as we’re both from the same place, Pilar do Sul, known as the source of waters. He’s been working for a shipping company since we moved to Malta and has also been growing within the organisation.”
“We’re both passionate about travelling! Whenever we get the chance, we love exploring new places. We enjoy trying local food and immerse ourselves in the local culture. No fancy restaurants—we prefer experiencing the authentic vibes of each place! And I must confess, Italy has conquered our hearts.”
It was evident that Maya was very dedicated and always eager to learn new things. “While I appreciate stability, I’m not afraid of change. Moving to another country has helped me discover more about myself and shown me how strong I can be. I am committed to improving whatever I am working on and value my independence, but I must admit that it slightly irks me when I can’t handle something alone.”
Maya has meshed well into Maltese life. Apart from Brazilian companions, she also enjoys meeting some Maltese friends. “I really love living in Malta. The climate is excellent, the beaches are stunning, and the people are incredibly welcoming. I appreciate the sense of community among the Maltese, and I relate to how close-knit they are with their families and how important it is for them”
But her extra time is not always spent with friends. She adores cooking, especially on weekends, and she regularly dedicates some time to reading, mainly fantasy romance or fantasy fiction, which offers her a good break from everyday life. But then there is sport. “I love volleyball and play regularly twice a week with a team of Brazilians and Colombians who live in Malta. I had properly coached training for years and played for my city as a teenager. I even have a few trophies, which I treasure.”
Maya looked at me intensely. “Brazil will always be my home, but I like to say that I belong to the world, though day by day, I feel more and more comfortable and settled in Malta. I love the sea and live just five minutes from the shore. It’s just around the corner whenever I feel like swimming or relaxing at the beach. But if there’s one thing I appreciate even more, it’s my sense of safety here. Being able to walk alone at night is a priceless freedom. It might sound silly to some, but my home country isn’t as safe as it should be. I notice it in the little moments of everyday life. And those little moments become deep impressions that offer colour to my life. Life is too short not to grab erratic moments and live them with intensity.”
Abraham Lincoln’s words came to mind: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
