Global Learning Medallion Reflection

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”
-B.B. King

When I transferred to Florida International University(FIU), I did not know what to expect. On the first day of class, I was lost even if I went to visit the campus prior to my first day. 

Being involved in different organizations on campus has helped me grow on all aspects tremendously. I can certainly say that FIU help me discover things that God had instilled in me since the beginning. One of the many things I discovered about myself while attending FIU is the leader in me. As a student leader, I faced many challenges that I know that will help me tackle the real world better. Being the President of an Honor Society of more than 1000 students has taught me to be an active listener, time management, effective communication, and how to resolve conflict in a professional manner. But, most importantly, it taught me to push myself. 

The first global learning course I took was Intercultural Communication COM 3461. On the first day of this class, I knew that was the right fit for me. I enjoyed this class so much that I decided to do a Minor in International Communication which then led me to become a perspective Global Medallion Student.  I love communicating with others, and I love a fun class! The one thing that I always carry with me from this class is "just because something is different from your norms does not make it less important." We are all unique individuals from unique cultural backgrounds, unique families, unique households and we should treat others as such. Thank you Professor Brian Siress for helping me see the world through a global lens.

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Being able to participate in the National Student Exchange (NSE) Program was once in a lifetime opportunity for me. That was my very first time being away from my family for more than two  months. As my capstone, NSE broaden my horizons. Coming from Miami which is a very diverse city, I had to learn to adapt to living in Louisville. The saying that "you find yourself better when you are alone is true". While I was in Louisville, I had a change of Faith, I gave my life to Christ for the first time and this experienced changed my life. I also discovered that I was a gifted writer, and I started to cultivate that gift there by blogging for the Odyssey Online. 

This experience has taught me to not be scared of the unknown.

FIU gave me a voice and for that I am forever grateful.