Reflection

When I first interviewed as an intern at the Global Learning center in the first week of my freshman year in 2017, I knew nothing about what FIU had to assist students interested in global affairs. Global learning was truly the first thing that I took part in aside from my coursework. I started with collaborating with Church World Services to raise over $6,000 through Global Learning's Walk for Humanity, and I was one of the first students take part in the former Action Club. By my senior year I was able to participate in the Millennium Fellowship, the Global Learning Research Fellowship, the Model United Nations Program, and various internships that have further developed my role as a global citizen. 

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The one word I wrote down during an Action Club meeting at the Global Learning office was "perspective." Although I didn't know how I would get there, my entire freshman year was inspired by gaining perspective of the world around me. I remember being inspired by the FIU Freshman Common Reading which was "The Promise of a Pencil," where Adam Braun developed his "Pencils of Promise" charity. I am so thankful to have read this book, which guided me even further to Global Learning. At the end of my college career I believe that I have been able to accomplish this goal of gaining a global perspective, although I recognize there is always more to learn.

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Through my research and my participation as an activist on various issues, global awareness is so important to me. Analyzing the interconnected nature of the world has always been a huge factor as I have studied at FIU. As demonstrated in my research projects regard China-Australia and El Paso-Ciudad Juarez, I value analyzing global issues on a larger scale. I believe that economics plays a huge role in this interconnected nature, which is why I have placed such a large emphasis on economic development. I constantly wish that more people would realize the nuance in International affairs, and as a teacher I emphasize this constantly to my students. Informing the next generation is so important, but as the world changes I have made sure to integrate global awareness especially when teaching.

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Finally, global engagement is the final requirement that must be met by any global citizen. A person can gain perspective and awareness on global issues, but being a changemaker is what matters the most. As demonstrated in Model UN and the conclusions of my research policy proposals, I value solutions over all. Debating is easy, and identifying problems is even easier, but truly taking steps to make the change in the world is what proves to be most challenging. Through my Millennium Fellowship I saw how if each person dedicates themselves to improving the world, it is possible to change our realities. I used to be more of a realist in the way that I would see these small acts as insignificant to world change. Through university I have been able to experience the fulfillment and change that has been developed by taking actions to be an active global citizens.

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As I make my final reflection on my undergraduate years and my involvement as a global citizen, I am so thankful to have done so much in the past 4 years. Although there have been extreme highs and extreme lows, I believe I have impacted the world and have further developed myself as a person. Global learning has been the most helpful and supportive department at FIU as I have navigated my various interests within my broad major. Becoming a global citizen and inspiring others to do the same is so important. Rather than simply obtaining a degree I believe I have been able to accomplish even more than I planned on initially. As I progress into my career as a graduate, I plan to continue to advocate for global learning and to expand my perspectives of the world as a student for life.