Global Learning

GL COURSEWORK

IDH 3034 Honors Seminar V

Led by FIU’s former president Dr. Modesto Maidique, this course challenged and inspired me to think critically about what it truly means to lead. Each week, we engaged with diverse guest speakers - from professors of management and psychiatrists to writers, lawyers, and police officers - who shared personal stories and insights on leadership. One of the most impactful themes was the power of intentional listening, which completely reshaped how I understand influence and connection. The diversity of perspectives made every session dynamic and meaningful, leaving me with leadership lessons I’ll carry throughout my academic and professional life.

SOP 4731 Global Psychology

One of my favorite takeaways from this course was discovering how culture deeply influences the way people think, feel, and behave. We examined global psychological research and applied it to real-world events, which made the material both practical and eye-opening. As someone interested in working with international or cross-cultural populations, this class gave me essential tools to better understand human behavior through a global lens. I’ll carry these insights forward into both research and community-based work.

IDS 3309 How We Know What We Know

This course completely changed the way I approach information and research! Through hands-on exercises and critical inquiry, I learned how to evaluate the credibility of sources in both academic and everyday contexts. We examined misinformation, cognitive bias, and the digital landscape, which sharpened my information literacy skills. I now feel more confident dissecting the quality of evidence in everything from scholarly articles to social media posts.

AMH 2020 Amer Hist Since 1877

With a background rooted outside the U.S., I found this course to be an eye-opening and comprehensive exploration of the nation’s evolution from the Reconstruction Era to the present day. We explored key events such as the rise of industrialization, the World Wars, the Civil Rights Movement, and America’s global influence post-1989. What fascinated me most was learning how constitutional changes and social movements shaped American identity over time. This new perspective has broadened my cultural awareness and deepened my understanding of American society—both past and present.

EXPERIENCES

In my role as Director of Events for Psychology Ambassadors for Student Success (P.A.S.S.), I curated and facilitated events that supported student development in psychology through a culturally responsive lens. I focused on creating inclusive spaces for diverse students to connect, grow, and gain access to academic and professional resources. This experience strengthened my global leadership perspective and reinforced the importance of community-centered programming in higher education

As part of FIU’s Academy of Leaders program, I volunteered during Day on the Bay, a coastal clean-up initiative at the Biscayne Bay Campus. Joining fellow student leaders to restore the shoreline strengthened my dedication to volunteerism, sustainability, and community engagement. This experience was a meaningful reminder that leadership includes showing up and taking action for the greater good.

As Director of Events for The Here Too Dream Organization, I led the planning and execution of initiatives that elevated the voices of undocumented and immigrant students. From advocacy campaigns to cultural events, I created spaces that fostered belonging, dialogue, and awareness across borders. This role deepened my passion for global equity and taught me how intentional programming can drive real, inclusive change.

CAPSTONE

The early days of Summer 2025 were filled with energy and curiosity as I stepped into the classroom - not as a student, but as a Learning Assistant for Dr. Ryan Winter’s Social Psychology course.

As part of my capstone experience, I supported a diverse cohort of students in an intensive, fast-paced summer class that met twice a week for three hours. My role involved facilitating small group discussions, clarifying lecture material, answering student questions, and helping create an interactive, inclusive learning environment. I also worked behind the scenes, distributing structured exercises and reinforcing key psychological concepts through collaborative activities.

One of my favorite moments was observing a live demonstration of social loafing which is a concept describing how individuals may exert less effort in group settings. Dr. Winter instructed students to distribute a stack of papers while stepping out of the room, and I quietly observed their behavior. To our surprise, over 91% of the students participated and completed the task without hesitation. This moment sparked a lively class discussion and gave me firsthand insight into how theory translates into real behavior - something I found incredibly rewarding to witness.

This internship not only strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly but also deepened my appreciation for what it takes to foster meaningful engagement in the classroom. As someone who aspires to become a professor of psychology or management, working closely with Dr. Winter offered me an invaluable glimpse into course planning, student support, and inclusive teaching practices at the college level.