My Global Learning Journey

 

I was born and raised in a beautiful Caribbean island, Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is a big melting pot for different races, cultures, and ideologies. Growing up between two different households was a bit confusing at the time. In hindsight, it laid out a solid foundation on which personal growth would be possible. I experienced early on the struggles of the less fortunate while also socializing with the more privileged.  

Relocating to Miami was a comfortable transition. But as life would have it, my aspirations of graduating from college would not be realized for a long time. I found my way back to FIU through my son. He encouraged me to seek employment with FIU after being laid off from my previous job. I was fortunate enough to find a second home with a wonderful group of people in CASE Advising. My team urged me to finished what I had started may years ago. Because of their support I found the strength to embark on this incredible journey once more.

The BA in Interdisciplinary Studies gave me the opportunity to construct my program as diverse as my roots. It allowed me to immerse myself in critical issues surrounding marginalized groups such as Women’s and Genders Studies, Queer Studies, and Labor Studies. The Global Learning Medallion endeavor came as the next logical step in my quest for growth.

I believe that awareness is the key to mitigate oppression and achieve social justice, and education to be the fundamental key to accomplish this objective. FIU’s Global Learning Medallion program has given me the tools to become a global citizen and become an active participant in the pursuit of social justice. Throughout FIU, colleges and the TTR discussions expose students, staff, and faculty myriad of local, international, and intercultural topics instrumental in achieving public awareness. These events offer an immeasurable opportunity organizing dialogues across boundaries to overcome social inequities and systems of oppression. I now understand dialogue to be a creative exploration. To bring about change is to listen to those that live these realities and survive through this trauma. Thus, our discovery should promote introspection and empathy.     

I feel working at FIU has been extremely enlightening. It has allowed me to form a strong foundation to expand my alliances in the most diverse stage through innumerable levels of the university. My hope for the near future is to transition into one of the offices within FIU with the ability to affect transformation. Whether it be the Office to Advance Women, Equity & Diversity, the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, or the Office of Global Learning Initiatives. I strongly believe that we all benefit from the increased awareness on the topics still afflicting many populations all around the World.