REFLECTION

Throughout my years as a student at Florida International University I've learned far more than what I originally expected when first enrolling. I've had tremendous personal and professional growth since I first began as a student at FIU. The experiences I've had throughout my college career have further shaped me into the globally aware person that I am today. Not only did I expand my knowledge within my classes at University, but also through traveling for my study abroad, the extracurricular activities I attended outside of my regular classes, and through my internship as well. My studies at my university broadened my knowledge on world politics, strategic studies, world religions, effective governmental communication, the international relations and political history of the Middle East and Southwest Asia, political violence and revolution, and the origins of international relations theory and thought. The clubs and events that I've participated in throughout my time at FIU greatly added to my education and professional growth, specifically my time on the FIU Model UN team which strengthened many of my professional skills. I also had the privilege of attending events such as the State of the World 2018 Summit hosted by FIU with speakers such as Anne-Marie Slaughter, The FIU conference hosting the President of Costa Rica, and the Drug Wars lecture given by the two DEA agents who were able to take down the narcoterrorist Pablo Escobar.

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The experiences I’ve had have taught me that I have many more passions than I previously thought or limited myself to and that I am far more capable than I would’ve thought I was as a teenager entering into her freshman year of college. I now see that I want to be able to educate myself even further through even more new experiences that will challenge me and push me out of my comfort zone. I plan on continuing my education by pursuing a masters in technology policy to expand my knowledge on how emerging technologies will affect both national and international politics. I also would want to work for the U.S. government in a job where I would be able to combine my knowledge of international relations with emerging technologies such as blockchain. I still have a part of me that longs to see the world and learn more about regions and countries I know little about, so I hope to be able to engage in volunteer projects before entering into the work force to even further immerse myself in other cultures.

My time interning and living in Asia during my study abroad sharpened my skills in critical thinking, speaking, writing, researching, time management, having faith in my own abilities and taking the initiative. The skills I've gained and strengthened from these experiences I can apply in any future career I wish to pursue. They are universal and invaluable. The time I’ve spent as a student and as an intern has taught me to never limit myself, push forward for the things I wish to achieve, and that even after graduation, I’ll never be done learning.