My time at UF has truly been a life changing experiences. As a double major in International Studies and Geography, I came into the program already passionate about understanding the world from multiple perspectives. However, the ISP deepened and expanded this interest by challenging me to move beyond my immediate classes and engage more directly with cross-cultural issues and global systems. Whether it was going to a lecture about the history of Cuban cigar labels, or about the lawfare involved in modern military conflicts, the program helped guide me towards opportunities that I would have otherwise never known existed. Studying abroad in Mérida, Mexico was a turning point in my personal and academic journey. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a place where I had to learn by doing—through language, immersion, and navigating cultural differences firsthand. It was during this time that I began to seriously consider how international systems, especially legal and political ones, shape the lives of ordinary people. This realization strengthened my decision to pursue a career in law and apply for a Fulbright grant after graduation. My goal is to continue exploring how global knowledge and local engagement can work together in meaningful ways, particularly through legal advocacy and international policy. One of the most valuable aspects of this program was the way it connected my interests in language, history, and cultural identity to real-world applications. My upbringing in an Air Force family meant that I was exposed to different cultures early on, but ISP helped me to understand those experiences in a more structured and reflective way. It also gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities I may have previously considered out of reach—such as law school and international fellowships—because I now see how my global perspective can be a strength, not just an interest. 

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