Feb 26 • 22:00 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

'Folha brought me a feeling of not being alone,' says reader who grew up with the newspaper

'Folha' reader Jaime de Souza Filho reflects on how the newspaper shaped his life and provided a sense of community.

Jaime de Souza Filho, 33, shares his unique journey with 'Folha', which he encountered at the age of eight through school textbooks. His relationship with the newspaper deepened as he began engaging with columnists via email by the age of ten, eventually amassing over 4,000 published comments on their website. This engagement highlights his desire for a platform to express his thoughts and opinions, reflecting a personal commitment to being part of a broader conversation.

Born in João Dourado, Bahia, Jaime's upbringing was steeped in creativity, influenced by his artistic family - a photographer father and a housewife mother. His early interests in art and marine biology led him to various pursuits in his youth, from whale observation on the coast to studying museology and cinema in Recife. Eventually, boredom prompted his move to São Paulo, where he has marked himself as an English teacher, showcasing the blend of his artistic background and current educational role.

At 31, Jaime was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which he describes as a revelation rather than a surprise, given his lifelong experience of feeling different from his peers. He credits 'Folha' with providing companionship and a sense of belonging, which has been particularly vital in navigating his personal challenges. This reflection underscores the newspaper's role not just as a source of information but also as a supportive community for readers like Jaime, who find connection and solace through its pages.

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