My name is Madheline Almanzar and I am a student at Florida International University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, concentrating in International Business and Marketing. I moved to the United States around four years ago as an international student from the Dominican Republic and started my academic journey at Miami Dade College. While there, I got accepted to a prestigious program called the Honors College, where I met an incredible faculty that introduced me several opportunities that allowed me to understand the magnitude of interdependence that exists in today’s rapidly changing world.

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      After two years at Miami Dade College, I transferred to Florida International University (FIU), where I didn’t only learn about internationalization through my International Business curriculum, but also experienced what it is to be part of a truly global community. There are approximately 144 countries represented at this institution, and everyday is an opportunity to learn about other cultures and realize how ethnocentric our judgement can be. Being involved in programs like the Global Learning Medallion has provided me a foundation to appreciate the beauty of diversity while actively participating and taking advantage of the university’s resources.

 

      I haven’t lived in many different countries or hold several nationalities, but today I consider myself a global citizen. I am aware of my own cultural biases, so I can avoid stereotyping; I acknowledge that my actions can deeply affect people I don’t know in countries I have never visited. But most importantly, I understand that the sky is the limit when diversity is embraced and celebrated.

 

Thank you for visiting my page!

 

Best,

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Madheline Almanzar