FIU and the Global Medallion program allowed me to expand my knowledge about my community in Miami and other communities worldwide. When I started my academic career at FIU, I was sheltered and didn't know how to engage with student organizations as much as I wanted. I first learned about the Global Learning opportunities through a presentation I attended through the Intelligence Fellowship. 

     

     As a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice, most of my courses are related to global learning and global awareness. In many of my classes for Criminal Justice, we analyzed different cultures and regions. These classes made me more aware of how certain cultures and regions prevent crime and delinquency and the various theories used in their practice. In my Psychology courses, we focused a lot on mental health. We also discussed mental health, stigmas around mental health awareness, and the cultural differences with mental health. I learned that mental health is not just a United States issue; other cultures and regions experience difficulties with mental health. 

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     The Global Learning Medallion offered various roundtables that allowed me to learn about different topics affecting my community. For Transgender Awareness Week, the Global Learning office brought a pannel to discuss LBTQ+ and transgender issues in my community and worldwide. Through this roundtable, I learned about the initiatives organizations and FIU have taken to protect LGBTQ+ rights. Through the roundtable discussing voting, I took the initiative in my student organization and spread information about national voter registration day. This initiative allowed me to encourage the members of my organization to register to vote and take the initiative to vote.

 

     My time at FIU and the Global Learning office made me a better global citizen. In the future, I plan on giving more to my community. I hope to continue advocating solutions for various social issues in my community, especially mental health.

 

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