Reflection

My global learning experience

Starting my journey at FIU with lived experience across cultures, I was already familiar with cultural complexity, but I hadn’t yet experienced what it meant to engage with the world as a global learner and leader. My early months in Miami were filled with both adjustment and awe. I found myself surrounded by people speaking different languages, carrying diverse stories, and thinking in ways I hadn’t encountered before. It was within this rich cultural mosaic that I began to understand the importance of listening, asking questions, and stepping outside of my comfort zone.

Courses such as Global Psychology and American History Since 1877 broadened my worldview. In Global Psychology, I explored how culture influences human behavior and the need for psychological practices to be responsive to different cultural contexts. As someone raised outside the U.S., diving into the complexities of post-Reconstruction America helped me understand how historical patterns, policies, and movements still impact lives today. These classes didn’t just build academic knowledge, they helped me develop a stronger global perspective, allowing me to reflect on my own assumptions and better appreciate the diverse experiences of others.

My leadership roles in both P.A.S.S. (Psychology Ambassadors for Student Success) and The Here To Dream Organization provided meaningful opportunities to promote belonging and support underrepresented communities. As Director of Events for both organizations, I planned and executed initiatives that connected students from a wide range of backgrounds. These efforts deepened my global awareness and highlighted the significance of inclusive programming in fostering educational equity and mental wellness. I began to see more clearly how local challenges are often linked to broader global systems. Through my capstone internship as a Learning Assistant for Dr. Ryan Winter’s Social Psychology course, I was able to put theory into practice. Working in a diverse classroom setting allowed me to support students and observe how engagement increases when people feel respected and heard. One particularly impactful moment occurred during a lesson on social loafing, when students exceeded expectations through active collaboration. That experience reminded me how meaningful participation can be when people feel valued.

Volunteering with the Academy of Leaders at FIU’s Day on the Bay event gave me the chance to support environmental sustainability while strengthening my ties to the local community. Working alongside fellow students to clean the coastline demonstrated that global engagement often begins with action right where we are. It was a powerful example of how shared service can build unity across cultures. Each of these experiences has shaped my personal, academic, and professional path. After graduation, I plan to pursue an MBA to further bridge behavioral science with business strategy. Guided by empathy, global awareness, and a commitment to equity, I aim to build a career at the intersection of leadership, innovation, and organizational development where I can continue to create meaningful, lasting impact both locally and globally.