What grade are you in? I am a “Super Senior.”
What is your major? International Relations & Latin American Caribbean Studies
How long have you been in the Honors College? For the 2018-2019 academic year
What’s an interesting fact about you? I’m an ambivert.
What’s your dream job? What would you like to be doing after you graduate? My dream career is to become an Immigration Judge. After graduation, I will be hosting the second annual Kwanzaa Event in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Upon my return, I will be pursuing my Master’s in International and Intercultural Education.
What are your hobbies? What do you like to do for fun outside of school? My hobbies are cooking, traveling, community service projects, and attending self-development seminars. I’m a boring person, however, I love to binge watch Judge Faith Jenkins Court Television shows.
What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Honors College? Being that I am old enough to be a lot of my young peers (fellow Honors College students) parent. I love utilizing my life experiences to help guide them with achieving their life objectives pragmatically.
How many hours did you complete in the 2018-2019 academic year? I completed 1,039 of community service hours.
Did you find competing those hours an easy or difficult task? I really enjoyed all my opportunities to serve every event and organization because community service keeps me balanced. It does not feel like work at all!
Where did you complete these hours? I completed these hours with the following organizations: FIU Student Veterans of America, The Mission Continues, The City of Sweetwater, The National LGBTQ Task Force, Ujima Men’s Collective, and The FIU Veteran and Military Affairs Office.
What activities did you have to do in each place? Starting with the FIU Student Veterans of America, I volunteered at the Salute to Service event at the Miami Dolphin Stadium a week before Veterans Day. As a member of the The Mission Continues, I have participated in volunteer community service expedition at Dry Tortugas National Park and Big Pine Key. This was in collaboration with partner organizations; National Park Service, ACT -2, and the Monroe County Sherriff Office. For The National LGBTQ Task Force I worked the Registration section at the annual Task Force Gala, ensured all 800 guests were registered, which culminated in a 95% overall log-in rate. This resulted in the acquisition of $633K raised at the event, further assisting National LGBTQ Task Force – Miami in their mission of supporting LGBTQ non-profit organizations in South Florida. As a Facilitator and Mentor with the Ujima Men’s Collective I advised (still continually) SGL youth and men on positive self-concepts, productive and strategic decision making, and cultural affirmation. In addition, I had given a presentation during our annual conference on what it means to be Same Gender Loving (SGL) man of African descent in the military. And lastly, for the FIU Veteran and Military Affairs Office I created the blueprint, assembled the planning committee, and planned the logistics for the Inaugural Veterans and Military Affairs Graduating Veterans Recognition Ceremony.
Which place was the most memorable of the ones you volunteered? The most memorable of all is the Ujima Men’s Collective organization because my voluntary efforts landed me an intern position as the current Program Manager. We are the only non-profit in South Florida that offers a safe space for Same Gender Loving men. A place that culturally affirms us and provides services that promotes resiliency.
What motivated you to go above and beyond the required hours needed for the Honors College? I’m naturally competitive, but a silent one and I love competing with myself. I subconsciously push myself beyond my comfort zone and limitations both externally and internally. I guess it was my time in the US Army cultivated this need to exceed standards. I am no superman by any means, but when I win, it’s always big!