After four years at UF, it's easy to become comfortable with my location and situation. As I reflect on my time in college and all the experiences that I have had, I strive to never feel so comfortable that I stop reaching outside my comfort zone. Gaining a global college experience has provided me with access to so many differing perspectives, some from those I've met and some from myself. Through this, I have gained a greater understanding of self and an ability to question my perceptions.  

 

     Through studying abroad in Madrid, I was able to have an immersive living experience and meet people from all over the world. ​Living in an apartment with international students, I was able to experience cultural differences and preferences of multiple nationalities. My Italian roommate instructed me on how to properly make pasta and brew coffee, while other roommates shared their heritage from Honduras, the Netherlands, and Cyprus. Living in Madrid, a city that has such as proud hold on its native language, rather than transitioning to English like much of Europe, was humbling and allowed me to live fully in Spanish culture and traditions.

 

     By interning with The Borgen Project, I was able to expand my knowledge of international development policy which helped me understand my intended career field. Through this internship, I reminded myself of the importance of engaging in my state and country’s political decisions and reinforced the idea that our congressional leaders are there to represent the needs of their constituents. I also experienced the challenge of working within the government, as legislation can be slow moving and there are often empty promises made to those engaged in political activism. This experience reinforces how important it is to make your voice heard to your government.

 

     Through my global coursework, I have learned about differing markets and opportunities in international business as well as the significant challenges that come along with performing in different countries. I have also been able to pair my undergraduate business and international development and humanitarian assistance coursework with graduate level international business coursework. This pairing has shown me how international development initiatives can pair with multinational corporations and global industries.

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     This leads me into my prospective career in international venture finance or federal consulting and eventually entering into the field of international economic development. I would love to work at an international corporation which invests privately into startups in international emerging markets. By learning about international humanitarian assistance and food aid, I am aware of how difficult it is to provide monetary or physical aid to a population without negatively disturbing its economy for the long run. International development initiatives provide opportunities for less-developed-countries to expand their economies but can still be politically invasive. By engaging in venture finance activity, I would be able to invest in successful startups in emerging markets which foster innovation, and provide access for their populations in areas such as education, access for girls and women, and basic human rights. This type of approach would allow me to be involved in international development initiatives which are boosting the economies and social initiatives in emerging markets without invading their political sovereignty.

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     I am grateful for the opportunities that The University of Florida, Heavener School of Business and the Hough Graduate School of Business have offered me and even more grateful for the challenges that came along with them. I am also thankful for the ability to get involved on campus and act as a student leader by working with students from all backgrounds and populations. I have been able to grow intellectually and personally during my time at UF which will fuel my career goals and future aspirations throughout my life.