My mother always told me that there is more to college than simply earning a degree. At the time, I did not fully understand what she meant. However, now that I am concluding my last few days at the University of Florida, I am looking back on my undergraduate experience and realizing that she was right. I have learned so much outside of my lectures and late nights of studying at Library West. From traveling internationally and engulfing myself in new cultures to becoming heavily involved in the international Syrian crisis, these past few years have been rewarding beyond measures. Not only have I attained skills that will help me successfully tackle my future endeavors, both professionally and personally, but I have networked and met many people along the way who have helped shape me into a better version of myself.

 

My first international experience was a defining moment in my life. My trip to the Peruvian Amazon rainforest was the first time I truly expanded past my comfort zone, because I had never left the United States and I was about to do so by myself. I was able to learn so much about Peruvian culture, including that it is normal to eat Guinea Pig there and this cuisine is referred to as cuy. Volunteering at the Manu Learning Center, I took upon tasks such as surveying different wildlife species, aiding in the interns’ research studies, working in the biogardens, and engaging with the local community on how to incorporate conservation efforts in their daily lives. In addition, some of the other volunteers who I became friends with were from different part of the world and I was able to learn more about their own cultures. This trip lit a spark in me to pursue my dreams and not let them overwhelm me to inaction.

 

My next international experience was less than a year later on a Tropical Ecosystems study abroad program to Costa Rica. This was another Latin American country where I was able to use my Spanish to engage with the community as best as I could and to explore the biodiverse ecology of the region. In this program, I interviewed different volunteer program coordinators to learn the reality of what it takes to run such programs. Some of the coordinators were locals who grew up in Costa Rica whereas others were foreigners who had made a new life for themselves in the country, and engaging on their different experiences enlightened me of how someone’s upbringing can ultimately shape their view of the world.

 

Through both of my international experiences, I was able to grow a practical understanding of how international volunteer programs operate and how they can be both beneficial and harmful, particularly in reference to the local communities. With my trip to Peru I had the volunteer’s perspective, whereas with my trip to Costa Rica I had the program coordinator and local’s perspective. Having a combination of these two perspectives has allowed me to reflect on the performances of international volunteer programs from a holistic outlook.

 

Aside from my travels, I have participated in organizations, campaigns, and events at the University of Florida that have elaborated on my international perspective. An organization that has particularly changed my life for the better is Students Organize for Syria (SOS). My involvement and leadership within SOS has taught me the importance of portraying an accurate image of people or movements, sharing ideas, communicating, and leading. One thing I have found particularly enriching in SOS is that the organization stands for more than simple understanding of another culture (although this is applicable as well). Since SOS is centered around providing relief to the humanitarian crisis in Syria and standing in solidarity with Syrians who have had their voices silenced by both Western powers and a dictatorship, the work I have done through this organization has changed people’s lives. I have learned to strongly stand for what I believe in despite many obstacles and faces of opposition while also not allowing my platform to overshadow those who are not typically given a platform. Although SOS is considered a small organization on campus, the work that is done is critical considering the political and humanitarian issue revolving around Syria. My work in SOS has enriched my life on both a personal and professional level.

 

Another organization that I was heavily involved with in my time at the University of Florida was Islam on Campus (IOC). Being a part of this organization meant a lot to me, because it was my means of emerging into the Muslim community in Gainesville. Many of the members of IOC are from various cultural backgrounds, so I was able to learn secondhand about different parts of the world through these members who have now become some of my good friends. My involvement with IOC led to my engagement with other cultural organizations on campus such as Arab Students’ Association and Pakistani Students’ Association. I have had the opportunity to learn how my new religion is practiced amongst different cultures in different parts of the world. This aspect alone has emphasized to me the beauty of how common beliefs or ideas can be shared across communities who may observe these same beliefs or ideas differently.

 

Mothers are always right. I have gained so much from my experiences at the University of Florida that expand far beyond the classroom. My experiences have shaped me into a well-rounded individual who is ready to enter into the world and genuinely make it a better place. I plan to apply my backgrounds in international volunteer programs, organizing, and political activism to my academic achievements in the fields of biology and anthropology to pursue a career that enriches underrepresented communities.