GLOBAL LEARNING EXPERIENCES
ALTERNATIVE BREAKS
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On May 2015, I, along with eleven other participants in the FIU Alternative Breaks organization, went on a medical brigade to Nicaragua for seven days. During our time in Nicaragua, we worked alongside physicians to set up health clinics in rural areas in order to provide comprehensive medical and dental care to those who would, otherwise, not have had easy access to these resources. The patients we attended to ranged from infants to the elderly, and we provided care in various areas such as San Nicolás and Estelí. We also shadowed physicians at a local hospital and were able to observe various procedures, such as witnessing the successful C-section that delivered the birth of a beautiful baby girl.
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During our free time, we explored the lively city of Granada, visited the beautiful Laguna De Apoyo at Catarina, walked along the trail towards the Masaya Volcano, and went zip-lining over a volcanic crater lake.
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On May 2016, I, along with my co-Site Leader, led a group of ten students on a medical brigade to Nicaragua for seven days. During our time in Nicaragua, we worked alongside physicians to set up health clinics in rural areas in order to provide comprehensive medical and dental care to those who would, otherwise, not have had easy access to these resources. The patients we attended to ranged from infants to the elderly, and we provided care in various areas such as Santa Cruz, Telpaneca, and Estelí.
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During our free time, we visited the stunning Laguna De Apoyo at Catarina and had an exhilarating experience zip-lining over a volcanic crater lake.
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On May 2017, I, along with my co-Site Leader, led a group of six students on a mission trip to Guyana for seven days. We primarily served in the communities within Guyana’s capital called Georgetown. During our time in Guyana, we visited two primary schools, where we provided the youth with empowerment lectures and activities, such as arts and crafts and team-building games. We also spent a few days at an orphanage, where we bonded with the youth through empowerment lectures, basic life skills and hygiene education, anti-bullying talks, and team-building games. In just those few days, I shared a special bond with a 14 year old girl named Arti.
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During our free time, we explored the rich culture of Guyana by visiting a museum and a guided tour of the city. We also stopped by the gorgeous 280-mile Sea Wall that runs along Guyana’s coastline.
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INTERNATIONAL COFFEE HOURS
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During the first Wednesday of every month, the FIU Office of International Student & Scholar Services hosts International Coffee Hour. Students who attend get to learn about the history and culture of a different country every month. In January 2018, I learned a great deal about our home country of the United States of America through a slide presentation and music. It was very interesting to learn about US history through songs, such as learning about the Great Depression through Woody Guthrie’s “Great Dust Storm Disaster.” In February 2018, I learned about the rich culture of Brasil through songs. I was able to hear the popular genres of music throughout the different regions of the country, such as Sertanejo in the countryside and folklore in the northern part of Brasil. We were also able to taste delicious Brasilian pastries, coffee, and chocolate. The best part of these Coffee Hours, in my opinion, is meeting and making new friends with other students from all over the world.
GOLDEN KEY
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I was an active member of the Golden Key chapter at FIU during all of my undergraduate years, and I served on the Executive Board from Fall 2017 to Spring 2018. Founded in 1977, Golden Key is an invite-only international honor society that recognizes top-performing college and university students for their academic achievements. Being a part of Golden Key has helped me realized my potential through leadership and service within the community. Not only has it helped cultivate my leadership skills, but it has also kept aflame my passion for service. My chapter has participated in various community outreach events, such as food drives, toy drives, notebook drives for Sweetwater Elementary, book drives, Relay for Life, and Feeding South Florida, and more.
IGNITE THE FUTURE
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Ignite the Future is an after-school program run by FIU students at Sweetwater Elementary. Our mission is to introduce children to engineering, design, and promote problem solving and critical thinking through personalized projects and first hand experiences, which is also known as Project Based Learning. We received a $6,000 grant from Google to start the program on Spring 2016.
All smiles! 📍Estelí, Nicaragua
We met the sweetest kids during our days of setting up Rural Health Field Clinics at two different barrios outside of Estelí, such as San Nicolás. A rural health field clinic is a makeshift clinic set up at a location prominently known by those living within the community, such as churches, schools, etc. At these clinics, we provided free medical and dental care to those within the community. 📍Estelí, Nicaragua
Our celebration jump after hiking Volcán Masaya! Although it was a long hike, the experience was well worth it. Considered a presently active volcano, it continually emitted sulfur dioxide gas, which we could strongly smell when we neared the edge of the volcanic crater.
All smiles! 📍Estelí, Nicaragua
One of our first bus rides upon our arrival to Managua, Nicaragua. 📍Managua, Nicaragua
Our cozy home at Selva Verde, which is where we lived at when we arrived at Managua. 📍Managua, Nicaragua
Our last day! I am forever grateful for my wonderful group--nothing like sharing the experience of service with others 💗 📍Managua, Nicaragua
One of our first bus rides upon our arrival to Managua, Nicaragua. 📍Managua, Nicaragua
My group with Romario, our guide. We are at one of the two primary schools we visited in Georgetown. 📍Grove Primary School
📍Grove Primary School
With the lovely Ms. Nicole, our gracious host who let us live in her home during our stay at Guyana.
My group with Romario, our guide. We are at one of the two primary schools we visited in Georgetown. 📍Grove Primary School
At the FIU International Coffee Hour on Brasil 🇧🇷 📍FIU
At the FIU International Coffee Hour on Brasil 🇧🇷 📍FIU
Receiving recognition from the Dean of FIU Honors College, who is an Honorary GK Member, for my academic performance, as well as excellence in leadership and service.
Hosting our New Member Recognition Event for the new inductees.
At one of our general body meetings.
Receiving recognition from the Dean of FIU Honors College, who is an Honorary GK Member, for my academic performance, as well as excellence in leadership and service.
With our awesome group of fourth and fifth grade students at Sweetwater Elementary! 📍Sweetwater, FL
We always encouraged questions during our lessons because we aimed for an active and engaging learning environment where the students can feel comfortable expressing their curiosity.
We were so proud when two of our students won the Code Fest Miami competition!
With our awesome group of fourth and fifth grade students at Sweetwater Elementary! 📍Sweetwater, FL