Hey y'all! There are very few FIU Panteras as in love with our community as I am. While I do place priority on my studies with the international relations field, and specifically on child protection and development topics, I love to dance and longboard skateboard (as well as to dabble in spray paint art).

Hometown

I was born in Madrid but raised across the major cities of FL, starting off in Miami and finishing high school in St. Augustine. I've also lived in Tampa and Orlando.

Major(s)

International relations, Political Science

Minor(s)

International Hospitality

Clubs, organizations & involvement

--- ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) RSO Representative --- Model United Nations Event Planning Committee Member and Select Traveler --- FIU Surf​/​Skate Club skate park special event participator

Describe your college experience

My first friends were my amazing co-ed roomies in the Honors Dorms, and so far, we've gathered a lot of classic Miami stories while navigating our new selves and spaces. I think it's a general consensus that the most difficult part of transition is usually financially related and I'm no exception. But the best thing to keep one loving this place is to see it for what it is: The opportunity to experience a growing city and to be social. If I hadn't spoken to strangers-- from inside an elevator to a downtown thrift store-- I wouldn't have had nearly as much fun.

Tip for future students

-- Do not start skipping class because it becomes addictive and then you may find out that your Prof decided to start grading attendance lol. -- This isn't high school; you need to prioritize loosening up a bit and leaving the classroom​/​dorm for off-campus fun. -- Network, but a lot of the time do it for friendship, we're all people at the end of the day.

Favorite class

International Relations of Drug Trafficking with the famed Prof Gamarra was such a pleasant shock. I'm still focused on one day getting into a career similar to a Child Protection Officer, and it is my opinion that the illicit market is the best teller of all of the effects of modern-day issues and even the recruitment of child soldiers, which is what a CPO combats. Drug trafficking policy is so hard because there is no real solution, and the challenge excites me so much that I even read the suggested book (Gangster Warlords by Ion Grillo). My Mom grew up in the Salvadoran Civil War, and with my knowledge of the region the class highlights root issues of land reform. At the end of the day, a key takeaway is that cycles of violence thrive in failing but not yet failed nation-states.

Career goals

I love writing and deep-diving into policy structure, as well as on-the-ground work. I want to explore a master's degree at George Washington University in D.C after my time here at FIU and then get straight into what I think I do best: Making quick and impactful decisions.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I'm a proud always-been-a-sober-soldier, but I love going to the club in the city and seeing the skyline while I drive my friends around. And the most magical nights I've had usually center on the beach, whether it be finding little late-night unexplored pockets or attending the John Summit ​/​ Calvin Harris concert. A tip on that note-- be smart, don't wait hours in line for a crazy packed concert, come late like I did.

High school or secondary school

Pedro Menendez High School, St. Augustine, FL, USA