In such a globally connected world it is important to know about other cultures, ideologies, languages and customs. The world is so unique and different, and there is always something new to learn about it. Personally, I have felt very privileged to grow up in such a diverse city as Miami. I grew up learning about different cultures, people, and cuisine. However, there is still so much I don’t know about because there is always more to learn about the world and its people. Joining the Global Medallion Program in FIU has helped me grow as a global scholar, given me the opportunity to learn, give back to communities and network with a diverse group of people.

            It feels like yesterday that I started FIU in the Fall of 2016 as a Biological Sciences major in the Honors College. Fast forward four years to today, and it is incredible how much I have grown, learned and experienced throughout my college years. I’ve had many impactful experiences as an FIU panther. As part of the honors college I partook in Global Learning classes that taught me about a multitude of factors that affect health nationally and internationally. As an aspiring physician it was imperative for me to learn about social determinants of health and the factors that affect disease and illness in different populations. In addition, for my class on the Global Burden of Disease, I was able to write a research paper on a disease that has global impact. I have always been interested in studying obesity and diabetes and I had the chance to do so through this research paper.

            I have always believed that medicine and science are inseparable. As a biology student pursuing medicine, I always had an interest in research.  At FIU I had the opportunity to join a Cell Signaling Lab and work on a project that focuses on the effect of Ras mutations on adipogenesis. The importance of this project is that adipogenesis leads to an increase in the number of adipocytes which is linked to a higher risk in obesity and diabetes. Diabetes and obesity are global health problems, so working on this project has really given me global awareness and sparked in me a great interest in this area.

            Being engaged in my community has always been something important for me. Since before college I volunteered in my local children’s hospital. Once I started University, I continued to volunteer at my local hospital, and I also had the chance to participate in two mission trips dedicated to Women’s Rights and Wellbeing. Alternative Breaks made this possible for me and the experiences were eye-opening. Being able to help organizations such as The Center for Advancing Domestic Peace and Haven Housing was an honorable and truly humbling experience.

            Attending Florida International University has been a great experience. I am still working on improving my language skills in French and look forward to learning a fourth language in the future. I have learned so much and met amazing people along the way. However there is still so much left for me to learn. This world we live in is incredibly beautiful. As I continue through my path of life, I hope to see even more of this beauty, be a positive impact to those I meet, and learn everyday more than the last.