Aura Damaschin: At 33, I Discovered That I Can Achieve More Than I Ever Thought
Precision, patience, agility, and discipline are qualities that intertwine to make a good RPA Developer and also a good kickboxer. How do we know this? From our colleague Aura Damaschin, who, after a full day of automating complex processes for Connections’ clients, steps into the kickboxing ring in the evening and demonstrates her extraordinary strength, helping her to push her limits, both at work and in her personal life.
The Logic of Programming and the Intuition of Fighting
In the world of automation, Aura is a master of details. Creating software robots for automating repetitive processes requires an organized mind and meticulous attention to detail. Every variable and condition must be anticipated and perfectly integrated into the code.
In kickboxing, however, the pace is different. There is no time for debugging. Everything happens in a fraction of a second, and each move is a combination of strategy, intuition, and speed, depending heavily on prior preparation.
“I had long wanted to practice a sport regularly. I physically felt this need, and the sedentary lifestyle I had since childhood became painful. Over the years, I tried various forms of exercise (rollerblading, cycling, running, tennis with friends, fitness), but I couldn’t integrate any of these activities into my routine. Everything changed at 33, when I took my first kickboxing lesson, during a very stressful period when I wanted to do something with high physical intensity,” Aura explains.
Algorithms and Training
When you automate a process, it’s all about repetition and continuous refinement until you achieve a flawless result. In kickboxing, training follows a similar dynamic: basic punches, defense techniques, and combinations must be practiced repeatedly until they become reflexes. “I train 3-4 times a week, and at home, I practice basic punches and do gymnastics,” says Aura.
Additionally, just as software robots need to be programmed to handle any errors or exceptions that may arise, Aura simultaneously prepares herself to handle unexpected situations in the ring. She studies her opponents and adjusts her strategy for each competition. Every strike and counter-strike must be thought out in advance, just like a well-designed algorithm.
Overcoming Fear
No matter how well-designed a program is, bugs can appear at any time. Similarly, in the ring, no matter how prepared she is, there is always the fear of an unexpected punch.
“The biggest challenge for me is the fear of being hit in the face. It’s an almost paralyzing feeling, but with each training session, I learn to manage it better,” explains Aura.
The experience of learning to manage fear and accepting that she cannot control everything has given Aura a new perspective on life, whether it’s dealing with an unexpected software error or a surprisingly strong opponent in the ring.
The Impact of Kickboxing on Life
Practicing kickboxing has not only shaped her body but also the way she approaches all aspects of life.
“I feel like I’m no longer the same person as before I took up this hobby. Kickboxing gives me purpose, direction, order, and discipline, pushing me to adopt other healthy habits to keep up. I quit smoking and improved my diet and sleep. I carry out my other activities more efficiently and have more energy, strength, and mental clarity. I’ve learned not to waste my energy needlessly and to be more understanding and tolerant of myself and others. I’ve also increased my productivity and capacity in other areas because I discovered I can do more than I ever thought.”
Advice for Those Who Want to Practice a Contact Sport
If you want to practice a contact sport, try several and find out which one suits you best.
You don’t have to force yourself to do sports, just remember why you started in the first place.
Fear is your best friend. It will help you take things seriously, push you to prepare, and make you better.