Learning and its Creative Process

Written by Prof. Dr. Marcela Moyano

Miramar, FL –

The President’s Graduation Reception took place on Friday, June 28th at 10:00 a.m. at the J. Alberto Moyano Auditorium. 

The event started with the pitching of the Business Expo students enrolled in Prof. Jack Rose who meticulously had put together their business ventures displays at the Summer Business Expo 2024. Watch a video of each of the student entrepreneurs in Prof. Rose’s blog post  on the Business Expo.

Followed by the student business pitching, the Wired: Satisfying Narratives Through Shapes, Colors, and Textures art gallery was officially opened and artists, Andres Zorrilla, Fernando Zicarelli, and Charly Silva were introduced. Art dealer and manager German Chavez from Colour Senses Project was also introduced and Dr. Marcela Moyano, Director of Communications of United International College thanked him and the artists for their support in enhancing the arts at UIC. 

Then, Prof. Rose commemorated President Lydia Bautista Möller and mentioned that United International College is about leadership that starts with UIC’s president. He said that leadership channels in the kind of team work that can be witnessed in events such as the President’s Graduation Reception. 

Right after Prof. Rose’s words, Dr. Marcela Moyano introduced the Documentary course that Communications and Mass Media students take as part of their last requirement of the program and presented senior students, Valerie Seguin, film Director, and Renata Diniz, film Assistant Director. 

During the course of six weeks, the students learned about the theory and historical background of the art of documentary production and produced United in Diversity: Voices of International UIC Students. The film features five students native to Colombia, Venezuela, Haiti, Romania, and Russia. The purpose of the documentary is to portray the journey of international students from the moment they decide to embark on the journey of studying in the United States and explore all the challenges and opportunities they encounter along the way. 

The students opened up during interviews with Valerie Seguin and shared their most intimate emotions of their journey. The documentary is an uplifting piece of work that demonstrates to other international students of how their experience is alike and inspires students around the world to embark in such daring journeys that certainly elevates their life. 

Angelica Moyano, Provost of United International College is featured in the film and shares the history of UIC throughout its 24 years of having been established in South Florida and its passion for serving international students. 

The running time of the documentary is 32:02 minutes. After the screening, the audience asked questions to the filmmakers and Ana Maria Socha who was one of the students featured in the film. Everyone in the auditorium was moved and congratulated the filmmaker for having accomplished such a film in a short frame of time. They also thanked Ana Maria Socha and the other students for sharing their personal experiences in the film. 

The reception concluded and everyone was looking forward to celebration the XXII Commencement Ceremony on the very next day. A few of the students who participated in this event were graduating. 

by Marcela Moyano

Future Entrepreneurs Showcase their Business Ventures

Written by Prof. Jack Rose

Miramar, FL – The Summer 2024 term, at United International College, ended with the largest Business Expo in the college’s history, when 22 budding entrepreneurs showcased their businesses to visitors attending the Expo.

Under the direction of Professor Jack J. Rose, students learned not only the challenges of opening up a new business, but the importance of growing their business to achieve a higher level of success. Students had to submit their product/service for approval and identify their primary and secondary target markets. Ongoing marketing research was a key ingredient that Professor Rose emphasized, since each location has different clientele. As a former buyer, he stressed the importance of a merchandise plan, and knowing everything about their customers. Today, localization marketing is the key to all businesses having more than one location. 

From an economic standpoint, most cities want businesses to come to their community to boost the economy – providing employment and becoming involved community members. Globally, student must know the laws of each city/country, and the importance of knowing what marketing techniques are best to reach the target customer.

Chikamo Farms is the brainchild of Kumawuese Chiattitor. The farm specializes in producing organic vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, pepper, carrots, different bean varieties, and celery.

At the Expo, Kuma spoke with Thai Tran, the founder of Chao, featuring traditional Vietnamese Cuisine. Since Thai’s business is built on quality ingredients, a “marriage” was made between the two entrepreneurs.

Diana Carolina Enciso’s Exquisite Clean is a high-end luxury cleaning service and exclusive provider of cleaning and maintenance solutions for luxury home and properties located in the affluent neighborhoods of South Florida.

Rank Marathon Digital Solutions is the service provider created by Sadat Fahim. His company offers a comprehensive range of marketing services, including, but not limited to, Website Audit, Email Marketing, Influencer Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing, On-Page SEO, Of-Page SEO, Google Ads, and META ads. Rank Marathon’s goal is to provide convenient and effective marketing solutions for start-ups and established companies.

Nicholas Lamont Gravely’s 2047 Restaurant is the fulfillment of his dream to open a restaurant featuring American and Soul food, and become an important member of the community by being open 24 hour — serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 24/7. Every item arrives from the kitchen freshly made with the finest ingredients and love. Most important is the customer service experience to keep his customers returning to his business.

SnackSmart’s motto is “Fuel Your Day the Smart Way” and founder Jahed Hosson’s company provides vending machines to any company or organization that wants to promote healthy choices to their employees. These machines offer a wide-range of products, including organic snacks, gluten-free options, protein bars, fresh fruits, and natural beverages.

Sam’s Sweet Bakery attracted many attendees since they were invited to sample some of Samantha Igor’s delectable creations. Her slogan, “Find Happiness in Every Bite” came to fruition as each visitor sampled her baked goods. Within five years, Sam intends to build a great marketing brand and be an active member of the community.

Tanjim Ul Kahn’s Green Buds Waste company specializes in repurposing cigarette butts into a range of eco-friendly products including keyrings, mosquito repellants, pillows, dolls and more. By recycling these discarded butts, the company not only reduces environmental pollution, but also creates unique and sustainable items that serve various purposes.

Zen Rolls is looking to be the premiere establishment for sushi rolls. The brainchild of Maria Paula Malaver, her goal is to become the go-to place for real hand rolls, where besides the traditional rolls, customers will have the opportunity to sample different rolls, all made of the finest quality ingredients.

Marrying his love of baseball and his dream of owning a restaurant, Anthony Monroy, plans to open All Star Kitchens, using a baseball theme motif throughout the venue. His target market are families, students, and tourists who enjoy experiencing different cuisines in a friendly, inviting atmosphere. His future growth of his company includes becoming a source for family events, company picnic, and community events as the only source for successful events in the area.

Aqua Flow Essentials is a business that Benjamin Morganti is extremely excited about since his passion for water sports lit the lightbulb of excitement for his business as an entrepreneur. His tagline, “Flowing Towards Efficiency – Unlocking the Power of Fluid Dynamics for a Sustainable Future” aptly states the intention for his business. Benjamin sees his business location on the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk offering top-quality paddle boards, water sports clothing, and extreme sports gear. His future goal is to grow his business within other beachfront locations throughout Florida and beyond.

Carolina Posse’s Inner Journey Expeditions is a travel agency that seeks to sell tours for women to erotic destinations or with a spiritual vibe, not only to get to know the destination, but to make a healing workshop on different topics such as female lineage, healing of the uterus, healing of father and mother, etc. Her target market is the group of Latin women (because tours will be in Spanish), over 35 years of age, and who are in search for their lkigai (purpose of life).

David Rhead’s Hills and Valleys clothing company reflects his religious beliefs and looks forward to spreading the word throughout the USA and Canada by helping others represent their faith. His target market are Christians, ages 20-35, and is convinced his slogan, “Put God First” will attract more people to love and believe in their faith.

Mikael Silva’s MSS Soccer Club, fulfills the dreams of this Brazilian Soccer player who wants to develop talents for this sport. His ambitious goals are to start with five youngsters that he will coach, and grow MSS Soccer Club in five years to ten coaches, each having a group of 50 kids. With his drive, hard work, and motivation, Mikael will succeed in developing players for not only Brazil, but the world.

Artem Sorokin has created JumpBall Agency to assist athletes to locate schools in the USA and Europe where they can receive a great education and participate in the college of university’s basketball program. A member of the United International College’s basketball team, Artem has the experience in knowledge in navigating this goal for so many young people.

Elite Skills FL was created by Elias Vera and his tagline, “Create Your Own Path,” mirrors his goal for training young athletes interested in basketball, with an emphasis on skills development, fitness training, and competitiveness drills. Within five years, Elias sees Elite Skills FL becoming the only destination for basketball training in the region, expanding their services to include summer camps, specialized coaching programs, and partnerships with school and youth leagues.

by Marcela Moyano

It Takes a Village and Gratitude to Get to Commencement Day: UIC Celebrates its XXII Commencement Ceremony

Written by Dr. Marcela Moyano

Miramar, Florida – United International College held its 22nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Savor Cinema Fort Lauderdale, 503 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 awarding Master,  Bachelor, and Associate degrees to 34 students representing the USA, Pakistan, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Canada, Bangladesh, China, Romania, France, Haiti, Vietnam, Colombia, Brazil, and Honduras. 

The ceremony was opened with the interpretation of the National Anthem of the United States, the Star Spangled Banner by Alin Turculescu, a former Romanian folklore music singer and Business Administration Bachelor Degree recipient. 

UIC’s co-founder and President, Lydia Bautista Moller, delivered her speech and started by congratulating the Class of 2024. She accoladed the UIC Eagle Rays and mentioned her own love for the sport of Basketball. She also urged the students to always look for what makes them happy as the Holistic Model of Education of UIC teaches. 

Jean Souffrant, the Executive Director at Pierre Toussaint Leadership and Learning Center, and Director of Notre Dame D’Haiti Catholic Church served as the Commencement Speaker. He works alongside Father Reginald Jean-Mary who has been an influential agent of change in the Haitian diaspora in the United States, always bringing together Haitian migrants and prominent leaders , and empowering them with a message of hope from a powerful spiritual faith. 

Souffrant started his speech singing a religious song, delivered an empowering speech motivating students to always continue reaching their dreams, and concluded his speech with a teaching of Apostle Paul by stating that “in everything that you do, always maintain an attitude of gratitude…never forget where you came from.” 

Luis Hernandez was the Magna Cum Laude Business Administration Undergraduate Commencement Speaker. Hernandez is an Eagle Ray Baseball student athlete who shared in his speech the nuances of his daily work being a student athlete to reach the moment of his commencement ceremony from his associate in Business Administration. (a dream com true)

Hernandez mentioned that he had arrived from Venezuela as an international student to play baseball. He told the graduating class of 2024 that anyone in the world would love the chance to be in their place as graduates from UIC in the United States. He also recognized that students’ workload and responsibilities might seem stressful and over achievable and added: “we will always find a way to accomplish everything we desire and succeed.” 

You can learn about Luis’ journey as an Eagle Ray Baseball student athlete in a blog post that Prof. Jack Rose wrote about him after interviewing him. Learn about Luis

Angelica Moyano, the Provost of UIC, awarded the diplomas to students. The President guided the Alumni Oath, and the Graduating Class recognized Faculty and family members for their support throughout the years. The ceremony concluded with a sense of accomplishment and immense joy. 

Ximena Caraballo, an alumna from the Communications and Mass Media program, volunteered to conduct the media coverage and live stream of the ceremony. A fine team of volunteers joined to facilitate the Commencement Ceremony including UIC students, staff, and members of the community, including Detective Yesenia Diaz, from the Miramar Police Department of the City of Miramar. 

UIC Eagle Rays have a home away from home and they are always welcome back to study another degree or to share their life stories with their UIC family.

by Marcela Moyano

Diana Carolina Enciso Santana in UIC Collective Thoughts

 

Blog Post Written by Diana Carolina Enciso Santana Class of 2027

Miramar, FL- Collective Thoughts is a blog published once a semester by our UIC students, and features fiction, creative writing, and creative nonfiction pieces of work submitted by our undergraduate students.

Meet Diana Carolina, in her essay on American values, she highlights four key pillars: freedom, equality, individualism, and patriotism, which collectively define the nation’s ethos and identity, rooted in the principles of the Founding Fathers and shaping societal norms and aspirations.

American Values by Diana Carolina Enciso Santana

FREEDOM

One of the foundational values in American society is freedom. Rooted in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, the concept of freedom has been a guiding principle for the nation. Americans value the freedom to express their opinions, practice their chosen religion, and pursue their individual aspirations. This commitment to personal and political freedom is evident in the emphasis on civil liberties and the democratic system. Americans believe that freedom fosters innovation, creativity, and a diverse society. It is considered a fundamental right that shapes the national identity and influences policy decisions, reflecting the enduring influence of the Founding Fathers’ commitment to liberty.

EQUALITY

Equality is another core value that has evolved over time in American society. While the nation’s history includes periods of inequality, the pursuit of equal rights has been a driving force. The belief in equal opportunities and treatment for all is deeply ingrained in the American ethos. From the Civil Rights Movement to ongoing discussions about gender and LGBTQ+ rights, the commitment to equality reflects a shared desire for a just and inclusive society. The Founding Fathers’ principles of equality before the law and the pursuit of happiness continue to resonate, inspiring ongoing efforts to address social injustices and disparities.

INDIVIDUALISM

Individualism is a distinctive American value that emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy and self-reliance. The idea that individuals can shape their destinies through hard work and determination is deeply ingrained in American culture. This value is reflected in the celebration of entrepreneurial spirit and the belief in the “American Dream.” While communal bonds and societal cooperation are acknowledged, individualism remains a defining trait. The Founding Fathers’ emphasis on individual rights and liberties has contributed to a culture that values personal responsibility and the pursuit of one’s unique goals and aspirations.

PATRIOTISM

Patriotism is a pervasive value in American society, reflecting a deep love and loyalty to the nation. Rooted in the sacrifices of the Revolutionary War, this value is evident in displays of national pride, such as the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem. Patriotism is not just about love for the land but also a commitment to the principles enshrined in the Constitution. The Founding Fathers’ dedication to creating a nation where citizens actively participate in shaping its destiny has contributed to the enduring sense of patriotism. This value is seen as a unifying force that transcends differences and fosters a shared identity among Americans.

 

by Valerie Seguin

Celebrating Art and Activism: The Day I Heard the Sounds of the World Premiere

Blog Post Written by Valerie Seguin

Art has always been a vehicle for social change, a medium through which voices are amplified, narratives are reshaped, and communities are united. On March 21st, 2024, the Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora (MoCAAD) welcomed artists, scholars, and activists to the premiere of The Day I heard the Sounds of the World: Art Connecting Communities – Overtown and Coral Gables (2024), a documentary by  Michael Anderson, Five-X Regional Emmy-Award Winning Filmmaker/Storyteller, and featuring the groundbreaking work of Marielle Plaisir.

This event marked a significant milestone in the museum’s journey to discover, commission, and preserve the work of the most advanced contemporary artists of the Global African Diaspora and Africa itself.

At the heart of this premiere was the unveiling of Marielle Plaisir’s latest masterpiece, “The Day I heard the Sounds of the World: Art Connecting Communities – Overtown and Coral Gables.” Plaisir, a multimedia artist and activist, has long been dedicated to exploring the themes of domination, supremacy, and social justice. Her work transcends traditional boundaries, encompassing painting, sculpture, photography, installation, film, and performance. Through her art, she delves into the complexities of colonialism, race, class, and the construction of identity.

Plaisir’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in research and documentation, drawing from documentary history, literature, and sound sources to craft visually striking and emotionally resonant pieces. Her ability to fluidly navigate various mediums allows her to create powerful visual experiences that challenge harmful narratives and offer glimpses of hope for a more equitable future. Marielle Plaisir’s solo exhibition “Strange Fruits” is currently on view at the Coral Gables Art Museum. Her new work “The Day I Heard the Sounds of the World” will join the “Strange Fruits” exhibition and will be on view from April 5-28, 2024.

The premiere of Plaisir’s exhibition was accompanied by a fireside chat featuring esteemed guests Dr. Dorothy J. Fields and Marilyn Holifield. Dr. Fields, a luminary in the preservation of African-American heritage, shared insights into her lifelong mission to raise awareness of South Florida’s black history. Her tireless efforts, including the establishment of Miami’s Black Archives and the designation of historic sites, have paved the way for a deeper understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Similarly, Marilyn Holifield, a trailblazer in the legal profession and arts advocate, brought her unique perspective to the conversation. As the first black woman partner of a major law firm in Florida, Holifield’s journey exemplifies resilience and commitment to breaking barriers. Her passion for the arts, nurtured since childhood, underscores the importance of cultural expression in shaping identity and fostering social change.

To enhance the vibrancy of the event, independent recording artist Alexander Star graced the audience with a captivating performance. With a knack for merging entertainment with social impact, Star added an extra layer of depth to the premiere, echoing the themes of activism and empowerment woven throughout Plaisir’s work.

Beyond the physical exhibition, attendees were treated to a mix-and-mingle virtual reality art experience, marking a significant milestone for MoCAAD. The launch of this virtual reality and augmented reality museum experience signifies a bold step towards expanding access to art and culture on a global scale. Soon, audiences around the world will have the opportunity to engage with multilingual art, spoken word, and music experiences, further amplifying the museum’s mission of inclusivity and accessibility.

Communication students from United International College (UIC) were particularly drawn to attend this event due to the inherent interdisciplinary nature of their field of study. Communication encompasses various disciplines, including media studies, cultural studies, and public relations, all of which intersect with the themes explored in Marielle Plaisir’s artwork and the discussions at the premiere. By immersing themselves in this cross-disciplinary environment, communication students were able to broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of how communication functions within the context of contemporary art and activism. Moreover, attending events like the MoCAAD premiere allows communication students to cultivate their critical thinking skills, enhance their visual literacy, and gain valuable insights into the role of communication in shaping cultural narratives and fostering social change. As future communicators, their participation in such events catalyzes their academic and professional growth, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to make meaningful contributions to society through their communication practice.

For faculty and students from art classes at United International College, this event also served as an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of art and activism. Through Plaisir’s evocative artwork, Dr. Fields’ dedication to preserving heritage, Holifield’s trailblazing leadership, and Star’s dynamic performance, attendees were invited to reflect on their roles as agents of change in their communities and beyond.

As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us continue to champion artists, scholars, and activists who dare to challenge the status quo and envision a more just and equitable world through their creativity and passion.

Join us in exploring the intersection of art and activism at Miami MoCAAD, where every brushstroke tells a story, and every voice is heard.

* ******

by Valerie Seguin

Mikael Silva in UIC Collective Thoughts

 

Blog Post Written by Mikael Silva, Class of 2027

Miramar, FL- Collective Thoughts is a blog published once a semester by our UIC students, and features fiction, creative writing, and creative nonfiction pieces of work submitted by our undergraduate students.

Meet Mikael, a keen observer of American society, whose insightful essay delves into the fundamental values that define the fabric of contemporary America. From his experiences transitioning from Brazil to Virginia and immersing himself in the vibrant culture of Miami, Mikael’s exploration captures the essence of American values with depth and clarity. Join us as we embark on a journey through Mikael’s reflections, gaining new perspectives on freedom, opportunity, and individualism, and their enduring significance in shaping the American identity.

American Values by Mikael Silva

First, I lived in Ferrum, Virginia and it was a totally different experience compared to my hometown in Brazil and Miami. Also, I have visited some places in the United States of America such as New York, Maryland, and North Carolina. Everywhere I went I observed differences in behavior, property, lifestyle, and ethics. In the Ferrum, I had a more country life and in Miami a beachier vibe which is very similar to life in Brazil.

One of the fundamental values deeply ingrained in American society is the search for freedom. Based on the nation’s founding principles, Americans value the ability to make choices, express opinions, and live without unjustified restrictions. This value includes political freedoms, such as the right to free speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of assembly. It also extends to personal autonomy and the individual life pursuit. The belief in liberty as a fundamental value is evident in documents such as the Declaration of Independence, which set out the fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Today, the concept of liberty continues to shape American identity and informs debates on issues ranging from civil liberties to economic policy.

American society values opportunity – the belief that hard work, determination, and talent should be recognized with the chance to achieve success and prosperity. This value is deeply rooted in the American Dream, the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve their goals through merit and effort. From the original frontier spirit of expansion westward to the promise of social mobility, the belief in opportunity has inspired the aspirations of generations of Americans. While challenges such as economic inequality and systemic divides persist, the belief in the transformative power of opportunity remains a driving force in American society.

American society places a high value on individualism, the idea that each person is unique and has a value and humanity of their own. This value is based on the belief that individuals should be free to pursue their own interests and goals without interference from the government or society. Individualism is celebrated in American culture through narratives of personal success, the importance placed on personal autonomy, and the emphasis on individual rights and responsibilities. While this value can sometimes lead to a sense of rigid independence, it also promotes innovation, creativity, and the search for individual achievement.

In conclusion, the ideals supported by the Founding Fathers—individualism, equality, freedom, and democracy—remain relevant in contemporary American culture. The significance of individual liberty, equal opportunity, civil freedoms, and civic participation is emphasized by these ideals. They create social change, creativity, and advancement by adding to the vibrant and varied fabric of American culture. Even while the country is still facing difficulties and inequality, the persistent dedication to these fundamental principles acts as a light of hope, encouraging citizens to work into a more ideal union in which everyone is free to follow their aspirations and advance the common good.

by Valerie Seguin

Cagdas Sanligencler in UIC Collective Thoughts

 

Blog Post Written by Cagdas Sanligencler Class of 2027

Miramar, FL- Collective Thoughts is a blog published once a semester by our UIC students, and features fiction, creative writing, and creative nonfiction pieces of work submitted by our undergraduate students.

Discover the essence of American values through Cagdas Sanligencler’s insightful essay, where he explores themes like change, equality, informality, and time. Join us on a journey through the intricacies of contemporary American society, as Sanligencler delves into what these values mean and how they shape our everyday lives.

Literary Essay- American Values by Cagdas Sanligencler

Change and Mobility

America has this amazing power to shape people’s stories. What keeps America exciting is
how people always welcome change, making things grow with new ideas, being able to
adapt, and making positive social changes. The idea of going up in life, which we call the
American Dream, is like a quiet message saying, “Hey, no matter where you’re from, you can
totally go up and change your story.” Also, the ability to move around, change jobs, or start
over is like showing how strong we are – getting back up after tough times. In this place
where we often reinvent things, we don’t get scared of change; we like it. Moving around isn’t
just a far-off dream; it’s something we’re born with, making our ongoing story about moving
forward and having lots of possibilities.

Equality

Equality is a cornerstone of American values, deeply ingrained in the nation’s history and
ethics. I know its significance and impact on both my life and the lives of others.
Equality is really important for a couple of reasons. First of all, it’s a big idea in the United
States-the belief that all people are created equal. It is written in the Declaration of
Independence and it says that every person has value. Equality also helps people get along
better. When everyone has the same opportunities, it makes things fair. Think of it as
everyone playing the game by the same rules. And it’s not just a rule, it’s about treating
people with respect. Like school, work, or laws, equality makes sure that no one is left out or
treated badly. It’s about making sure that everyone has a fair chance to do well.

Informality

Informality holds a significant place in American culture, influencing interactions, language,
and behavior. I appreciate its role and impact on American society for several reasons. First,
it is consistent with the fundamental principle of equality, as Americans believe in treating
everyone with respect, regardless of social status. Informality plays a critical role in breaking
down barriers and fostering a sense of inclusiveness. In addition, casual interactions
contribute to openness and create a friendly atmosphere where people, such as store clerks
and waiters, often introduce themselves by their first names. This practice reflects the
American spirit of accessibility and connectedness. Finally, informality allows for flexibility
and adaptability, demonstrating Americans’ comfort with change in various aspects, including
dress, language, and daily routines.

Time

In the busy rhythm of American life, time is super important, it’s like precious money.
Americans really care about being efficient and on time for things like meetings or classes
because they believe that time equals productivity. Time is not just a ticking clock; it’s a
chance to make dreams come true. If you miss a moment, you miss an opportunity. Time
also keeps things moving, like when new ideas and changes happen, from cool tech startups
to important discoveries. In this place where every second counts, time is not just a ticking
clock; it’s the steady beat of ambition that makes dreams possible.

 

by Valerie Seguin

Maria Malaver in UIC Collective Thoughts

 

Blog Post Written by Maria Malaver Class of 2027

Miramar, FL- Collective Thoughts is a blog published once a semester by our UIC students, and features fiction, creative writing, and creative nonfiction pieces of work submitted by our undergraduate students.

Today we embark on a compelling exploration of American values through the unique lens of immigration, as presented by Maria Malaver in her insightful essay.

American Value through an Immigrant’s Perspective by Maria Malaver

We can define value as a person’s morals or ethical standards; their assessment of what matters in life. Those values define the behaviors of human beings in society, their relationships with others, their beliefs, and their achievements. For American people,  as I have observed for the past five years, there are some values that they follow like; individualism, the importance of time, direct communication, and freedom.

We can interpret individualism as a value that emphasizes the rights, freedoms, and autonomy of the individual. Americans often prioritize personal choices, self-reliance, and the pursuit of individual happiness and success. This value encourages independence, entrepreneurship, and personal responsibility. This is something that you can see in any atmosphere around, for example, I’ve noticed that now of paying a bill at a restaurant, they prefer to do it separately. For example, they don’t want someone else to pay for something that they consume even though it’s a celebration or something important.

Another value is the importance of time, if you invite any American to your house or a meeting in a restaurant, they will be on time at exactly the hour that you said. For me as a Latin woman, that was new and more respectful than what we do in Latin America. Because if someone tells you to arrive home at 7, that means to arrive at 8, I know that does not make any sense!! But that is not how we grew up and now I have tried to change that to the American way. You can’t play with people’s time and should consider all Latinos around the US.

Generally, Americans value clear and factual communication. Of course, this can vary depending on the individual, but overall, you will find that Americans will choose to be direct, even if it means hurting or embarrassing another person. For me, it seems rude at the beginning, but through the years I found that important because sometimes people don’t take you seriously or they expect that you say what they want to hear and not what they really need.

Last but not least we have freedom value, a fundamental American ideal, freedom comes from the idea of liberty. The freedoms of expression, assembly, speech, and religion are greatly valued in America. This principle supports the notion that people must be free to live their lives following their own morals and convictions, so long as they do not violate the rights of others. I would say that one is my favorite one, the peace that you can breathe here talking about freedom than in my country Colombia is huge. Not only in the religion, but it is also more about what you really want to do with your life and there’s no one around judging you for that.

To conclude these statements, it seems that those values came years ago when the Founding Fathers of the United States provided valuable insights into the values and ethics that shaped the nation and continue to be influential today. They work so hard to make this country free and have those important values that make this a good society.

 

by Valerie Seguin

Collective Thoughts UIC Students Spring 2024

 

Blog Post Written by Dr. Debbie Mendez

Miramar, FL- Collective Thoughts is a blog published once a semester by our UIC students, and features fiction, creative writing, and creative nonfiction pieces of work submitted by our undergraduate students.

Our mission is to provide a platform to showcase the unique voice of the developing and emerging writer and to foster the love of writing.
During January and February, we as Americans, take time to celebrate the men and women who have made an impact on American life. In January, we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King and in February we celebrate President’s Day. These national holidays pay homage to the remarkable leadership and enduring legacies of the leaders who shaped our nation. During this time of reflection, we would like to share our thoughts and give thanks to those who came before us!

Stay tuned to read the essays of :

Diana Carolina Enciso, Class of 2027
Maria Malavar, Class of 2027
Cagdas Sanligencler, Class of 2027
Mikael Silvia, Class of 2027

by Valerie Seguin