Reflection

Coming to FIU, I was already intrigued by the global diversity and the warmth of interaction that I have seen in my two years here. Being a global medallion recipient, my perspective on the world has changed for the better, I would have never imagined that being a part of something so amazing would have a life-changing outcome that impacted me positively.  Being a part of the International buddy program changed my perspective and allowed me to look at someone else's viewpoint instead of focusing on my own. I was no longer biased to my ideas and I was able to be roped into a different culture. Also, taking the global learning classes has changed my awareness of the world because I never knew certain things about human trafficking or religion and it gave me a better understanding of how things are and how they interconnect. 

I have had the honor to engage in many global events apart from the school that has not only paved the way for me to make a change but has also made me realize that this is something I would like to do part-time. When I worked on my Capstone project, I was over the moon on how helpful I was giving others the chance to be a part of this country to better their lives and continue to strive for the greatest. I had the opportunity to be there when some of my students went for their immigration interview, and when I saw the look of determination in their eyes and the happiness when they passed, it gave me nothing but joy to know that I was someone who took part in engaging with them. When we would have breaks, I would be told stories about their culture and learn more about the different lifestyles and foods that I would have never considered two years ago. 

After graduation and starting my career, I want to be able to continue to engage with people from different countries and cultures and even different religions. I have increasingly improved on my leadership skills, which is something I use to be shy about, but now I am open and ready to continue to lead the best way possible. As I continue to grow into the amazing headstrong woman I know myself to be, I want in the future for my kids to also have the experience to learn other cultures. Knowing how exciting it was for me to learn these experiences and to no longer become biased and think about my perspectives, cultures, or country. I am so grateful for everything that the global learning program has done for me, and I cannot wait for others to experience the same joy and wonders that I have gotten as well.