University of Florida
Global Experiences
During my time at UF, I have been able to explore different avenues that have allowed me to broaden my global awareness and gain new perspectives through the people that I have met and the activities I have done. These have allowed me to grow as a person and given me appreciation for the intricacy of being human.
Study Abroad
For 2 months in 2022, I spent 2 months in Singapore, a thriving city-state located in Southeast Asia. While I was there, I interned for a startup company that breeds black soldier flies to be used as an alternative protein in chicken feed. During the afternoons and weekends, I got to explore the beautiful city and learn about the unique culture.
Engineers Without Borders
Engineers Without Borders is an organization that provides engineering solutions to improve water quality and quantity issues to other countries. The UF EWB Peru team works with Maras Ayllu, Peru, a small agricultural community near the base of Machu Picchu. Since the creation of the team in 2016, we have implemented two projects and are currently working on a third to improve access to water in the local hospital.
In 2021, I joined the fundraising sub team to help raise money to fund materials and labor for our projects as well as to support travel costs for our members to ensure we maintain a working relationship with the community. During my time on the team, I have learned that creativity and teamwork are crucial to optimizing the effectiveness of our team. Over the past three years, we have applied for grants, contacted engineering firms for sponsorships, hosted bake sales, engaged in restaurant fundraisers, and discovered a plethora of other ways to fulfill the goal of our sub team.
This past year, I have served as the Fundraising Lead, which entails directing ten members, managing finances, and being main point of contact for all fundraising efforts. I have led the team in raising over $3,000 through seven fundraisers and communication with corporate sponsors. I have also improved our financial bookkeeping by creating expense reports that can be reused every year, so that future teams can determine which fundraising efforts are most effective.
Overall, it has been fulfilling to work a team of such passionate people to perform humanitarian work. Although my future career path does not directly involve such efforts, I hope to continue to find ways to ensure all people have equal access to basic human welfare.
Salsa Class
Salsa is a form of Latin dancing that combines Cuban and American dance styles. The University of Florida hosts the Gator Salsa club, which provides free salsa classes twice a week, focusing on LA and Casino styles.
I first attended a salsa class with a friend, looking for a new experience to try and interested in learning this type of dance. At first, the class was a little intimidating because salsa is a partner dance. Additionally, Gator Salsa has participants rotate through partners throughout the class. Thus, I was interacting with numerous strangers in the one hour class. Although a little scary and awkward at first, it provided an opportunity to meet people I would otherwise not get to interact with and gave me the tools to being a better dancer by learning to move with a variety of people. Since that first experience, I have been to multiple different classes with different friends. I have learned to interact with new people while developing a skill, which has allowed me to increase my comfortability in new social settings.