Department of Animal Sciences,
Gainesville, FL
Global Experiences
UF in Sorrento - Study Abroad
Spanish Speaking - Heritage Speaker
Marine Conservation Student Seminar
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UF in Sorrento
During the Summer B 2024 semester, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad for five weeks in Sorrento, Italy, as part of the UF in Sorrento – Multidisciplinary Perspectives of the Naples Bay program. During these five weeks, I lived in the Sant’Anna Institute dorms. Not only was I taking classes at the institute, but I also got to fully embrace what it was like to live in Italy, becoming familiar with the area and participating in day-to-day activities, such as using the metro and going grocery shopping. In this study abroad program, I also had the chance to work with a local marine conservation group in the Marine Protected Area of Punta Campanella. With this internship, I developed both my personal and technical skills in the field while also forming connections with professionals to help build my network.
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This study abroad experience was one of the most impactful global experiences I had during my time at UF. While five weeks may not seem like a lot at first glance, I truly immersed myself in Italian culture and started to feel more comfortable as the weeks went on. Whether it was starting to speak more Italian or learning how to navigate the bus and metro systems more efficiently, I felt like I was building my own personal life there. I met new friends, many of whom were from the U.S., but I also made local friends with the staff at Sant’Anna as well as colleagues in my internship. We shared our cultural differences and learned about each other’s backgrounds, which really helped to open my eyes to the Italian community. This study abroad experience played a significant role in shaping how I approach global experiences and will continue to influence how I learn about new cultures.
Spanish Speaking
During my upbringing, I was raised bilingual, though I often preferred to describe my language skills as ‘Spanglish’ rather than claiming fluency in both languages. As a second-generation Cuban-American in Miami, I was fortunate to be raised in an environment that allowed me to stay closely connected to my cultural roots and language, unlike many other second-generation Americans. Although I was born and raised in the United States, it was much easier for my family to maintain their cultural heritage in Miami, where they could pass it down through generations. Miami is a vibrant city, rich in Hispanic culture, and is home to numerous immigrant families from Latin and South America.
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Spanish is one of the primary languages spoken in Miami, often competing with English. It is quite normal to encounter people who speak both Spanish and English, especially among older generations who immigrated here in the 1960s. This bilingual environment significantly contributed to my family and me staying closely connected to our Cuban heritage. While we learn English in school, Spanish is the language predominantly spoken in our homes, creating a comfortable and culturally rich atmosphere among friends and family.
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From a heritage perspective, being bilingual has been incredibly impactful during my global experiences. Unlike learning a language in a classroom or being a native speaker, growing up bilingual in a cultural context has enhanced my ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. This skill has proven invaluable during my travels through Latin America, where speaking Spanish facilitates deeper connections and interactions. Additionally, my bilingualism has helped me bridge cultural gaps with other groups, such as Italians, whose languages share similarities and whose families often have connections in South America. Being bilingual has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, allowing me to engage with different cultures on a more personal level and enrich my global experiences in meaningful ways.
Marine Conservation Student Seminar
During my time working in Sorrento, Italy, I had the opportunity to attend a student seminar hosted at the Sant’Anna Institute on the topic of Marine Conservation in the Mediterranean. This seminar featured two guest lecturers, both marine biologists specializing in various aspects of research in the Sorrento Peninsula, particularly within the Marine Protected Area of Punta Campanella. One of the lecturers was a graduate student from Spain who focused on marine litter and education in marine protected areas. His presentation emphasized the critical role of science communication in helping the public understand the significant impact of their actions on the marine environment. He discussed the effects of ecotourism and the increasing problem of marine litter observed annually.
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I found this presentation particularly engaging because it resonated with my current role as a student intern at Punta Campanella. In my internship, I am frequently involved in collecting marine litter and observing the impacts of recreational and tourist activities in the area, which are notably heightened during the summer months. It was enlightening to see how effective communication strategies and citizen science projects can be employed to educate the public about these issues while actively involving them in research through community-driven projects.
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Following the seminar, we had the chance to interact with the guest lecturers, discussing their areas of expertise in more detail and learning about the practical applications of their research findings. This interaction provided valuable insights into different research methodologies and the broader scope of marine science work being conducted. It also offered a platform for making meaningful professional connections within the international marine science community. This seminar not only broadened my understanding of marine conservation efforts but also introduced me to innovative approaches in marine research, further enriching my experience and professional development in the field.
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