Global Experiences
In today's globalized world, having an understanding of the various cultures around us is critical. During my time at the University of Florida, I worked to augment my Computer Science degree with global learning. Below are some such experiences:
Global Coursework
Civilization and Culture of Spain
This course focused on the history of Spain post-1800 and the culture of the country throughout each period, including the modern day. The culture and politics of modern day Spain are a direct result of its past, especially the brutal Spanish Civil War and Francoism. In many ways, Spain served as a microcosm of the rest of the world, reflecting the rise of facism throughout Europe in the mid-20th century. This course provided valuable insight on how we must reflect upon the tragedies of our past. The horrors of Francoism were largest buried, and as a result facism is on the rise once again in the form of extremist political parties.
Acquisition of Language in Heritage Learners
This course covered a large amount of research surrounding how heritage learners (say, individuals growing up in the US with 1st-generation immigrant parents) develop understanding of the heritage language. This course illuminated the incredibly interesting area of bilingualism and bi-culturalism. It also posed questions about the nature of what it means to speak a language (for instance, is "Spanglish" valid Spanish? In some communities, it may be). Overall, this course forced me to think about the mixing of cultures in ways that I had not previously thought of.
Language Learning
Spanish Language
Prior to UF, I had been studying Spanish for several years (since the 7th grade!). However, at UF my understanding of Spanish shifting from a prescriptive knowledge of the language to a deep appreciation of the language and culture surrounding it. As one of the most spoken languages in the world, I am incredibly grateful to have the power to interact with countless cultures across the globe. While I haven't been able to study abroad (COVID-19 is to blame), I look forward to using my language skills professionally as a post-graduate.
Campus Life Events/Engagement
As an international scholar, I had to opportunity to attend numerous campus life events surrounding a wide array of topics. Some of my favorites included learning about Ecofacism, the plight of modern day Haitians, and the politics and trends surround study abroad programs around the world. In addition, I also had the opportunity to engage with my community, such as volunteeringwith Habitat for Humanity and the Gainesville Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Most recently I engaged in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service to plant trees in a local park. All of these experiences have been crucial in helping me to appreciate the diverse cultures around the world and the community directly around me.