GLOBAL LEARNING REFLECTION
On February 19th, 1999, I remember being a five year old boy clutching my mother’s hand tightly (not as tight as she held mine) as we strolled forward through Miami International Airport, with my older sisters trailing behind. We didn’t know an ounce of English then, but my mother had urgency in her steps as if she knew where we were going. I remember driving down what I now know is State Road 836 (only because I remember the big downward slope right before Interstate 95) and staring wide eyed at the tall, brightly lit buildings as I saw the Miami skyline for the first time. The most memorable moment was peering at all the red and white lights that the hundreds/thousands of cars emitted. That day was definitely a life changing moment that put me on a path towards a brighter future. New opportunities that I would not have had in the poverty stricken lands of Haiti had opened up to me.
Many years later I never pictured being a World’s Ahead graduate from Florida International University (FIU) retracing my steps from the same entry portal that brought me home years ago; This time, I'd be going home as a first generation college graduate.
Looking back on my journey, prior to becoming a graduate from a university recognized for innovative global learning initiatives, all I have ever known was South Florida. Being a part of the global learning medallion program has definitely changed me for the better in the three areas: Global perspective, awareness, engagement, and it has allowed me to develop myself personally and professionally, gaining skills in group dynamics, strategic planning, gaining foreign language skills, adapting to new environments, upon many more.
Global perspective
Global perspective is defined as, “the ability to take others’ points of view and assumptions into consideration when making a decision.” My global learning experience has granted me many opportunities to grow as an individual in a team environment. Through my experience in programs such as the Global Living Learning Community and having studied abroad, my perspective has been molded to one that includes a global view. Many times I’ve been taken out of my own mind to make an attempt to see things the way others do. This has allowed me to be a more open minded individual and show an immense amount of respect towards differences and the uniqueness that encompasses another’s attributes, whether it is their culture, individual characteristic, etc…
Global Awareness
After coming back from my study abroad trip to Thailand, my mother bought a sack of rice from the grocery store and written boldly in big letters at the bottom was, “Product of Thailand.” The global learning program has showed me how our world is greatly interconnected. I’ve learned this not only through the different programs and events offered, but through some global learning courses as well, such as intercultural and interracial communications which taught me greatly about other cultures, their differences, and how to analyze and approach them. I am more aware than I’ve ever been before thanks to Tuesday Time Roundtable Discussions on worldly issues that affect everyone on a global level, and participation in study abroad.
Global Engagement
Overall, I think that I have been affected in this area most. Over the years, especially this year 2017, I have developed a passion for travel that has grown to be a top value for me. In addition to my passion for travel, I’ve always wanted to help people, and the best way I saw fit were through traditional medical careers such as being a nurse, or a doctor, which my parents also pushed for, but I realized that it was not for me. The global learning medallion program has made it visible to me that there are tons of opportunities that I am up for that allows me to help and influence people in ways that make a valuable impact; especially the idea that many of these opportunities allow me to make an impact to communities all around the world, many that does not have necessary resources (education, clean water/food), and are not sustainable. I was very pleased to have won the 2017 Transformation Contest with my essay entry (which can be found HERE), because it allowed me to look into possible opportunities where I am able to engage in the global environment and make a positive impact whether it be from the safety of my home country, or out in the (global) field making direct impact.
In addition to growing in these areas; participation in the different programs have provided me with additional skills that will definitely help me succeed in the long run. Some of these skills are highlighted as a part of FIU’s Center for Leadership and Service’s, “Leadership Competencies.” I have acquired at least a beginner/intermediate level of all of these skills but those that I feel I have mostly acquired and built upon are: strategic planning, Self awareness and Development, Communication, Civic Responsibility, and Group dynamics. My participation and initial failure as a Site Leader for Alternative Breaks gave me a wake up call and the extra push I needed to realize what being a leader encompasses, and how to successfully build upon a team; the qualities to look for in individuals, etc… Although we were able to pull off a successful trip with help from the Center for Leadership and Service, I was greatly appeased with how things turned out and the lessons that I learned from it in relations to how to strategically plan for events and programs and build/develop a dynamic team. Through these programs, I have obtained a sense of awakening about myself - my qualities, attitudes, thought processes, strengths/weaknesses - and my environment; I am more self aware and always seeking development opportunities; I continue to develop as an active team player in group environments; and I can now see that as a human being, it is part of my civic responsibility to be there for those in need when I can; and when I am unable, I can still be of assistance by spreading awareness.
Moving forward post-graduation, I am thrilled to be taking a position as a Language and Culture Assistant in Valencia, Spain. Past that, I am also looking into Peace Corps programs to continue making a powerful impact and brighten up the world one candle at a time. I have not decided what I want to do as far as graduate school, but the office of Study Abroad has provided valuable insight and information on finding graduate programs abroad to continue furthering my understanding of our global world.
Many years later I never pictured being a World’s Ahead graduate from Florida International University (FIU) retracing my steps from the same entry portal that brought me home years ago; This time, I'd be going home as a first generation college graduate.
Looking back on my journey, prior to becoming a graduate from a university recognized for innovative global learning initiatives, all I have ever known was South Florida. Being a part of the global learning medallion program has definitely changed me for the better in the three areas: Global perspective, awareness, engagement, and it has allowed me to develop myself personally and professionally, gaining skills in group dynamics, strategic planning, gaining foreign language skills, adapting to new environments, upon many more.
Global perspective
Global perspective is defined as, “the ability to take others’ points of view and assumptions into consideration when making a decision.” My global learning experience has granted me many opportunities to grow as an individual in a team environment. Through my experience in programs such as the Global Living Learning Community and having studied abroad, my perspective has been molded to one that includes a global view. Many times I’ve been taken out of my own mind to make an attempt to see things the way others do. This has allowed me to be a more open minded individual and show an immense amount of respect towards differences and the uniqueness that encompasses another’s attributes, whether it is their culture, individual characteristic, etc…
Global Awareness
After coming back from my study abroad trip to Thailand, my mother bought a sack of rice from the grocery store and written boldly in big letters at the bottom was, “Product of Thailand.” The global learning program has showed me how our world is greatly interconnected. I’ve learned this not only through the different programs and events offered, but through some global learning courses as well, such as intercultural and interracial communications which taught me greatly about other cultures, their differences, and how to analyze and approach them. I am more aware than I’ve ever been before thanks to Tuesday Time Roundtable Discussions on worldly issues that affect everyone on a global level, and participation in study abroad.
Global Engagement
Overall, I think that I have been affected in this area most. Over the years, especially this year 2017, I have developed a passion for travel that has grown to be a top value for me. In addition to my passion for travel, I’ve always wanted to help people, and the best way I saw fit were through traditional medical careers such as being a nurse, or a doctor, which my parents also pushed for, but I realized that it was not for me. The global learning medallion program has made it visible to me that there are tons of opportunities that I am up for that allows me to help and influence people in ways that make a valuable impact; especially the idea that many of these opportunities allow me to make an impact to communities all around the world, many that does not have necessary resources (education, clean water/food), and are not sustainable. I was very pleased to have won the 2017 Transformation Contest with my essay entry (which can be found HERE), because it allowed me to look into possible opportunities where I am able to engage in the global environment and make a positive impact whether it be from the safety of my home country, or out in the (global) field making direct impact.
In addition to growing in these areas; participation in the different programs have provided me with additional skills that will definitely help me succeed in the long run. Some of these skills are highlighted as a part of FIU’s Center for Leadership and Service’s, “Leadership Competencies.” I have acquired at least a beginner/intermediate level of all of these skills but those that I feel I have mostly acquired and built upon are: strategic planning, Self awareness and Development, Communication, Civic Responsibility, and Group dynamics. My participation and initial failure as a Site Leader for Alternative Breaks gave me a wake up call and the extra push I needed to realize what being a leader encompasses, and how to successfully build upon a team; the qualities to look for in individuals, etc… Although we were able to pull off a successful trip with help from the Center for Leadership and Service, I was greatly appeased with how things turned out and the lessons that I learned from it in relations to how to strategically plan for events and programs and build/develop a dynamic team. Through these programs, I have obtained a sense of awakening about myself - my qualities, attitudes, thought processes, strengths/weaknesses - and my environment; I am more self aware and always seeking development opportunities; I continue to develop as an active team player in group environments; and I can now see that as a human being, it is part of my civic responsibility to be there for those in need when I can; and when I am unable, I can still be of assistance by spreading awareness.
Moving forward post-graduation, I am thrilled to be taking a position as a Language and Culture Assistant in Valencia, Spain. Past that, I am also looking into Peace Corps programs to continue making a powerful impact and brighten up the world one candle at a time. I have not decided what I want to do as far as graduate school, but the office of Study Abroad has provided valuable insight and information on finding graduate programs abroad to continue furthering my understanding of our global world.