International Scholars Program
The International Scholars Program was an amazing opportunity for me to broaden my horizons and think about more than what was just around me. The international courses that I took showed me how to develop a global perspective and cultural competence. Studying abroad truly opened my eyes to how similar people can be, but also to how different they are.
Living in the Dominican Republic for six weeks with a host family provided me with an immersive experience; I saw the hardships, such as no running water or not enough food. But I also celebrated the good things in life: we danced and sang karaoke with our host family, explored the beautiful beaches and placed, and eat delicious food. While abroad, I lived a simple life and was humbled: what I considered necessities in the United States like air conditioning, a car, or even cell service were commodities in the Dominican Republic. I was reminded of how resilient and adaptive we are, as I adjusted to always being sweaty outside, using public transportations or walking to get to places, and not relying on my cell phone. Through this, I received the most out of my time. I talked to the locals, learned how to dance bachata, played dominos with the children, and much more. By stepping out of my comfort zone and plunging into the unknown, I adjusted into a new way of life.
My internship at PACE Center for Girls reignited my passion for working with children. As an English Teacher's Assistant for PACE, I worked with a group of girls that had given up on themselves; they believed they were not worth it because they had been in the past by the people they considered to be friends and family. I was reminded that a little love and support goes a long way. Just even saying "you are doing a great job" may not mean much to an average person, but it meant the world to these girls. While at PACE, I strengthened my listening and mentoring skills: I became their confidant, someone who they could trust and confide in. And I always encouraged and supported them as they tackled both personal and academic issues. This experience reaffirmed my strengths in being able to connect to people--to listen and be a supportive presence in their lives.
Volunteering with Accion Callejera in the Dominican Republic was also influential in my desire to work with children. Even though my Spanish was not perfect, and communication was not always clear between the students and I, the connection and friendship was apparent. I played basketball with them, taught them words in English, and I celebrated my birthday in the childrens' classroom with cupcakes. Above all, I am reminded that communication is not just only words, but it also includes actions and gestures.
This summer, I had the experience of completing a practicum at a site that I had always wanted to intern at: Shands Psychiatric Hospital. It was a dream come true because it allowed me a chance to observe the in-patient treatments that were being provided to patients. In addition, I was able to shadow various therapy sessions to witness the therapist-patient interactions. I talked to the therapists and social workers to gather insight and techniques on how I could improve upon my own skills as a future therapist. I was also able to have more one-on-one conversation with the patients, who came from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Due to my global experience and internationalization skills I have gathered from my time in ISP, I found it easier to connect to the patients and foster an environment where they were able to share their own experiences.
Pre-COVID, my plans were to return to the Dominican Republic with Peace Corps; I would have lived in a rural part of the country for two years as a Youth Development Facilitator. But COVID affected many peoples' lives and plans. Peace Corps volunteers were required to return home from their sites, and those of us who were planning on departing were given tentative delayed departure dates. I was forced to make an extremely difficult decision of either waiting until October to hear more definitive information, or to stay in the United States and find a job. With many unknown factors, I decided upon staying in Florida and finding a job until the world settles into a new "normal" with COVID. As a result, I start a full-time position with my research laboratory after graduating in August. And after my gap year, I look forward to continue practicing my globalization skills, such as cultural competency, in my future career as a psychologist when I work with my clients: it would benefit me greatly to be able to relate to my patients and use the strong cross-cultural communication skills that I have gained from ISP to provide the best care I can.