REFLECTION
Just like that, my four years at Florida International University came to an end in August, 2021. I look back and think about professors like Connie Viamonte and Erik Larson, as well as my time participating in Roarthon and my study-abroad semester, and the goals of the Global Learning Program all come into focus as I look forward to my future career as a pediatric oncologist.
Above all else, the Global Learning Program and its courses taught me to open my mind to a larger world. The sheltered bubble of my upbringing burst thanks to my professors’ skilled presentations and lectures. I’m now aware of views and beliefs that were completely foreign to me, and I’m prepared to use that knowledge as I embark on my pursuit of a career in medicine. This new world view will be an invaluable resource when treating patients of all ethnicities, religions and backgrounds, as I step out of my comfort zone and become the healer that I envision.
As someone who’s always placed great value on giving back to the community, I’m also extremely proud of my accomplishments outside the world of FIU, particularly my high-school trip to the Dominican Republic where I volunteered to build latrines in communities with no running water, and my volunteer work with the American Cancer Society. I stepped up to the plate again more recently when the pandemic hit and borrowed a vintage sewing machine to make masks for patients without access to PPE.
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Not only am I truly grateful to be able to give back to the community at large, but I feel fortunate to have had the chance to give back to those who specifically helped make me who I am. During my years at FIU, I sometimes had to miss out on events like Homecoming because of work commitments or to accompany either one of my parents to their medical appointments for moral support. I don’t regret this one bit. They’ve sacrificed greatly to help make my dreams a reality, and giving back is simply the right thing to do.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to professors Erik Larson, John William Bailly and Connie Viamonte, who taught me invaluable lessons that I will carry with me forever. I would also like to thank the FIU Honors College and the Global Learning Department for believing in me.
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FIU will always be a part of my life, and everything that made me a Panther will remain in my heart forever. The cubicles in the “quiet” third floor of the Green Library, the tears I shed during the rough times (which only made me stronger), the on-campus croquetas and Starbucks that fueled me through many all-nighters, and all things Florida International University have shown me that, contrary to what I learned as a Biology major, I will always bleed blue and gold.