Global Learning Courses:  ​

• As a student, I have taken a handful of global learning foundation classes in my 4 years at FIU. My very first GL course was "SYG 2000: Intro to Sociology." This course covered all topics of socialization from gender roles to social groups to race and so much more. This course was one of my favorite courses especially for my first year in college. Our conversations intertwined important social topics for a better understanding of social settings, behaviors, and biases among different kinds of people. This course was extremely thought-provoking and such an eye-opener. The second GL course I took was "WOH 2001: World Civilization." This class introduced me to the history of civilization and key developmental patterns around the world. This course helped structure the way I saw the world I lived in today and understand the steps it took to get there. I believe this course is essential for everyone. Without it, you cant stop to appreciate the progression of civilization. We need to understand our history in order to continue progressing towards the future with strength. After this course, I decided to continue expanding my knowledge by enrolling in "REL 3308: Studies in World Religions." This class focused on the teachings and practices of religions all around the world. Understanding religion allows you to understand a community of people in a completely different light. It is a great way of educating yourself on different cultures and belief systems around the world. The biggest concept to wrap your head around when growing up is that not everyone is like you. In fact, others may not be like you at all. In every area of the world, there are people living by different norms, involved in different conversations and daily activities. This course did a great job introducing and interconnecting key developments in religious history. At this point, I was able to define the relationship between religion and the rise of civilization. A course that completely changed my life was "CLP 4314: Psychology Health and illness" and this was the course that I took during my study abroad trip to India where I focused on health disparities around the world. My work for this study abroad can be found throughout this website.   

  • • Examples of my writing in these courses: ​​​

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Global Learning Experiences: 

• My global learning experiences helped shape the way I think and the person I am today. Tuesday Times Roundtable had amazing speakers and thought-provoking conversations. For instance, a talk on emotion and reason by staff at FIU really helped me understand the thought process of others in my head. I am now able to focus on how and why people say things rather than just what is being said. Often times we react before thinking. Now, I can think more critically about topics and use my emotions as a guiding tool in conversations. I believe this is such an important skill and I am grateful for the conversations this lecture provoked. 

• One of the last Tuesday Times Roundtable meetings I attended, inspired me to backpack around the world. After my study abroad in India, I felt that I had learned so much that could never be taught in a classroom and I was eager to continue traveling, but doing it alone was too scary of a thought. After participating in TTR and hearing others' experiences, I gained the confidence I needed to take that step towards traveling on my own. Starting January I am taking flights all around the world with no set plan to fully embrace anything that comes my way. I plan to learn more about different cultures and societies first hand. As an aspiring physician, I also plan to do mission work and gain valuable knowledge in any way I can. Thank you to the office of global learning for constantly providing us with speakers and challenging the way we think!   

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Reflection: 

• The global learning office at FIU has done a stellar job with their events and activities. I can honestly say that I never regretted attending a TTR lecture. I would say these experiences at FIU have changed me from a close-minded person to an extremely open-minded person. A new way of thinking was always introduced to challenge our current state of mind. I know how to think about and approach difficult situations or problems. My level of awareness has increased far beyond what I imagined. As I mentioned above, I would not be the person I am today without FIU. I never would have pictured myself wanting to study abroad and travel if it wasn't for this office. Aside from studying abroad, I became a research assistant for the HANDSLab, studying the social behaviors of primates. I was able to take the knowledge of human civilization and social skills I learned to provide behavioral analysis in the animal world. I went on to be an officer for Medical Missions Abroad Corp. where I focused on medical mission trips. In addition, I volunteered for a variety of events, including Stem Saturdays, where we focused on making science fun and interesting for kids. I loved this event and even wish that this had been offered to me when I was younger. For the future, I plan to move forward with all the skills I have learned and once I do something life-changing, come back and give FIU the credit they deserve. Thank you so much to the office of global learning and I hope they continue to get more and more students involved in their activities as they won't regret it.    

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