After being born in Argentina and then moving to the U.S. while still a child, I had the unique experience of growing up within two different cultures. As a result of this early exposure, adjusting to new settings has always been something I have done easily. Through this early personal experience, I became passionate about learning and appreciating different cultures to build relationships with others and to value diverse perspectives. At Florida International University, I have been able to use the variety of cultures represented within the university’s community to explore my interests and broaden my worldview in valuable ways.

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An opportunity to use my interest in studying cultures as a way to develop and grow professionally was at the Breaking Silence Movement (BSM), where I worked as a Legal and Political Strategy and Engagement Intern. In my role, I conducted policy and legal research, prepared various advocacy documents, tracked political events, managed project coordination, and collaborated with different departments on multiple matters. Through BSM, I now have hands-on experience working on developing solutions to challenging issues such as gender-based violence and have gained valuable professional skills through research, writing, and team collaboration. Additionally, I acquired knowledge regarding how local initiatives, international frameworks, and community engagement work together to create real results.

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Not only has my coursework been invaluable to me as a global learner, but the course CPO 3010, Comparative Politics, has allowed me to develop analytical skills in terms of analyzing different political systems and how they function. In addition, this course taught me that many different variables (culture, history, and economy) have an influence on the development of certain types of policies. Furthermore, in the course INR 3081, Contemporary International Problems, I was able to gain insight into the problems in international politics in relation to current and pressing issues such as human rights, security, and international development. Finally, through the course LAS 3002 Introduction to Latin American and Caribbean Studies, I was able to expand my knowledge on political, social, and cultural processes that are occurring in the same region I am from.

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Moreover, adding to the development of my global knowledge through my coursework, I also developed my interpersonal and professional skills. Working with so many different types of people and discussing sensitive issues allowed me to develop my cultural consciousness and my ability to be empathetic towards other people from different backgrounds. Essentially, I believe that the skills I gained through my experiences and the BSM program will help me in my future career in International Relations.

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In the future, I am excited about my ability to put my education in global affairs to use through diplomacy, international organizations, or advocacy work. I still don’t know exactly what career I will choose following graduation, but the education I have received through Florida International University gives me a foundation, skill set, and mindset that will allow me to have an impact on a global scale. I will always strive to be a continuous learner, appreciate other cultures, and apply that knowledge to every situation I encounter.