I equate my college experience with my global learning experience. I chose FIU as a university for their dedication to diversity and global leadership. I could’ve never imaged how that one decision would transform my life. There will never be a day where I am not grateful.
My takeaways from the program was that we are not only on this Earth for ourselves. Our actions, habits and thoughts have an effect on people beyond ourselves. We as a generation of people who have been thought to be globally aware, and embrace the connectivity have a responsibility to make the world a better place.
We are not just individuals but a global community. When I changed my major to sociology and decided I wanted to enter the realm of international development, I was overwhelmed. There are so many social issues and problems in the world. The Global Learning program equipped me with the knowledge and opportunities to do just that. Prior to the program, I knew very little about the region of Latin America and the Caribbean. Through seminars and roundtables discussion, I learned about the culture and issues of the region. Knowledge is the first step to making a difference.
The program itself had a diverse group of participants so what I wasn’t learning from the numerous opportunities I learned from cross cultural interaction among my peer.
I’ve gain a proficiency in Spanish, oral presentation skill, ability to critically analyze and strong research skills by pursing the Global Medallion program. It even provided me the opportunity to act on my new knowledge and skill by participating in the organization that will always have a place in my heart, Alternative Breaks.
After graduation, I will be working with an organization over the summer that strives to create a sense of community and support. I want to gain knowledge on struggling communities so I can reach my goal of becoming an urban planner in Latin America and the Caribbean. My dream is to see every country out of poverty. I know it won’t be easy and I may not see it in my life time but FIU has thought me to be a global citizen. So I’ll be ready for any challenges that come my way.
Reflection
