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.
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.
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.
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
Exploring the Behind the Scenes of WPLG Local 10: A Fascinating Learning Experience
Blog Post Written by Valerie Seguin
Pembroke Park, FL- On a sunny Tuesday, March 5, 2024, students and faculty from United International College- UIC- embarked on an eye-opening visit to WPLG Local 10, a renowned television channel in South Florida. Led by Mayte Padron, the Community Relations Director of Local 10, the visit offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the dynamic world of broadcast journalism and production.
The experience began with a captivating voyage through time, tracing the rich history of Local 10 since its inception in 1957. From its humble beginnings to its evolution through different locations, owners, and pivotal moments, the chronological exploration provided invaluable insights into the channel's growth and impact on the local community.
Venturing further into the heart of the station, the group stepped into the bustling newsroom, an open space buzzing with activity as reporters worked tirelessly to cover breaking stories. With Mayte Padron's guidance, visitors had the unique opportunity to stand at the reporters' desks, immersing themselves in the adrenaline rush of recording a breaking news segment.
Amidst the flurry of activity, the group encountered William Damas, the Chief Photographer of Local 10. With over 19 years of experience, Damas shared his expertise in managing a team of photographers and editors, offering a glimpse into the meticulous process of capturing and editing news content. His dedication to excellence and attention to detail emphasizes the station's commitment to delivering high-quality journalism.
Professor of Communications & Mass Media at UIC, Joey Lamar Ashley stated: “I am incredibly proud that our communications and business students had the opportunity to learn, first-hand about the importance and impact of broadcasting journalism and newsroom production on this tour. This is a pivotal time for mass media influence, and it’s always a great highlight for me to have our students at UIC come on these spectacular tours to really see that their passions are valid and that they can become the future storytellers of the newsroom.’’
Continuing their exploration, the group delved into the control and production rooms, witnessing the master control at work. Responsible for overseeing the technical operations of broadcasting, the master control team ensures the seamless transmission of programs, commercials, and other content. This critical behind-the-scenes role highlighted the intricate coordination required to maintain a flawless on-air experience for viewers.
Edward Espinoza, a Mass Media and Communications Bachelor student at UIC observed “It was really good and educational to get to know how things work behind the scenes. The responsibility that every person has to bring a clear message to the audience was really inspirational.”
The journey culminated in an unforgettable encounter with the faces of Local 10: anchors Kristi Krueger and Jenise Fernandez, along with weather producer Jordan Patrick. Warm and welcoming, the anchors graciously shared insights into their roles, while Jordan Patrick offered fascinating insights into the intricacies of weather forecasting and the use of green screens.
Reflecting on the visit, Mayte Padron emphasized the importance of exposing students to the diverse array of careers within the television industry. From journalism and production to meteorology and community outreach, Local 10 showcased the myriad opportunities available to aspiring professionals.
“It was a pleasure to host the multinational students of United International College at our Local 10 studios. The students’ varied interests in writing, editing, and animation speak to broadcast journalism’s mass appeal. We wish them continued success in the field and are honored to have played a role in their journey.” added Padron.
As the group bid farewell to Local 10, they departed with a newfound appreciation for the dedication and passion that fuels the world of broadcast journalism. The visit served as a testament to the power of storytelling and the vital role that media plays in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
“We are so grateful to Mayte Padron and WPLG for giving UIC Communications and Mass Media students the opportunity to witness the behind-the-scenes of their production studios. Media industry tours are highly inspirational for our students as they demonstrate what their future can become.” Dr. Marcela Moyano, Director of Communications and Advancement at UIC.
The visit to Local 10 Channel was made possible through the collaboration between the Communications and Mass Media program of United International College and the Community Relations Department of Local 10, exemplifying the importance of fostering connections between academia and industry to provide students with invaluable real-world experiences.
Speaking on Radio Taught Online
Written by Dr. Marcela Moyano
Miramar –Students of the Communications and Mass Media program of United International College enrolled in the Speaking on Radio course during the Summer term and embarked on a challenging journey to learn how to announce and manage their voice through UIC’s distance learning modality due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When I was offered to teach this course, I immediately knew it was going to be a challenge. I teach audio editing and voice announcing in this course. I was excited about embracing this challenge and getting the best out of it” Dr. Marcela Moyano, course’s professor.
UIC has an audio studio equipped with a radio station for students to practice their learning. Since this group of students was not going to enjoy the benefits of learning in this state of the art facility, UIC’s communications program administration had to ensure that students would have all necessary equipment to learn.
Therefore, each student enrolled in the course received by mail a USB Cardioid Digital Condenser Microphone for their practice and production work. In addition, they all were given access to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Application and downloaded Adobe Audition CC for their audio editing needs.
The course began and Dr. Moyano started teaching them through UIC’s Online Campus successfully instructing breathing and voice management techniques, and audio editing. The course methodology implemented exceeded students’ expectations and students were excited to have their own equipment at home.
Week seven of the eleven-week course, was a memorable one. Students premiered their South Florida Mosaic radio show, in which pieces of News were featured by Martha Rodriguez, Arts by Daniela del Valle, and Culture by Carolina Portilla. The show was live streamed on Facebook and had five episodes. The show also featured Stephany Jimenez, the creator of The Bird Movement; Santiago del Valle, Production Manager; and Valentina Bilbao, a world acclaimed visual artist. The South Florida Mosaic concluded with live streaming of students’ audio stories on the last episode of the season.
The South Florida Mosaic Season
Also, the charismatic radio talent Tamara Gant, mostly known in South Florida as Tamara G. and co-host of mornings on 101.5 Lite FM with Julie Guy, known for their long running show as “Those Two Girls in the Morning,” visited the virtual class and inspired the students to follow a career on the radio industry. Tamara shared with students her experience and passion on radio and demonstrated some announcing techniques she had implemented that same week. Students applied some of her news writing and announcing tips in the upcoming radio shows.
The course concluded with an hour session with WLRN anchor and voice talent Christine DiMattei. In preparation for her lecture, she shared with Dr. Moyano scripts to be distributed to each student. On the day of her class, students role play being professional announcers with DiMattei. She introduced them as reporters and they would read each of the scripts. Then, she would critique their delivery and emphasize ways of improvement. At the end of the class, students were confident and excited that they had received a private lesson from a talented, acclaimed, and numerous award winning professional.
UIC’s focus is on hands-on education and this course is a clear example of how UIC embraces technology and creativity to provide students with most enriching learning experiences.
Learn more about the Communications and Mass Media program
Crafting a Public Relations Campaign Proposal
Miramar, FL- On April 6, 2020, seven UIC students started taking PUR 301: Introduction to Public Relations taught by Dr. Marcela Moyano. The course began only two weeks into the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine and was delivered online through UIC’s Online Campus.
The first weeks of the course students learned the fundamental concepts of Public Relations, which prepared them to develop a Public Relations Campaign Proposal for their startups or a client’s company.
Students carefully identified a Campaign Overarching Objective, the publics that were going to be targeted in this campaign and specific goals, strategies, tactics and key messages. They developed a campaign budget and calendar, and finalized their campaigns with an evaluation instrument to assess the success of their campaign.
On May 4th, Jessica Levy, founder and president of Levy, a public relations, events, and social media agency, virtually visited the class and shared with UIC students her experience as an expert in the field. She shared with them examples of initiatives executed with her clients that demonstrated the value of public relations. As a result of this talk with Jessica, students were able to understand the nature of the field and picture themselves as PR practitioners.
On May 25, students submitted the first part of the P.R. Campaign Proposal. They continued editing their work and adding to their proposal on a weekly basis. On June 15, they were ready to deliver their final presentations. Daniela Del Valle, prepared a campaign for her audio visual company, DVSA Corp, and invited her partner, Santiago Del Valle to listen to her final presentation and give her feedback.
Martha Rodriguez prepared a campaign for ATR Group, a real estate agency. After much thought and feedback from the professor and classmates, she successfully completed her campaign. On the day of her presentation, she shared with the class that ATR Group was already implementing some of the proposed tactics in her campaign.
“I am a graphic designer and now I study Communications & Media at United International College. This term I took the Public Relations class with Professor Marcela Moyano. I am so impressed because I had never imagined how much I could learn. For the final project we had to make a public relations campaign proposal for a company, I chose to do it for a team of real estate agents. It was incredible and hard work because I had to do a careful investigation of the team on its public, competitors, mission, vision, and then design the proposal with a main objective and three goals with excellent strategies, tactics and messages to reach them. I really enjoyed doing it. I was able to learn more than I ever imagined.”
Renata Diniz, developed a P.R. Campaign Proposal on her company Tasty Bites. As most of the students, she also did a wonderful job crafting her tactics and coming up with creative ideas to engage new customers.
All the course was delivered through UIC’s online classroom, The Big Blue Button, which facilitated and enhanced student interaction through break out rooms. Students truly embraced technology and excelled at it! This can be appreciated through their public relations campaign proposals.
Learn more about UIC Communications and Mass Media Programs
Stichiz Talks to UIC Communication Students on Radio Unilatina USA
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Post by Alix Paez
Stichiz Talks to UIC Communication Students on Radio Unilatina USA
On May 04, 2019, the Communication and Mass Media students of UIC enrolled in the Speaking on Radio course with Professor Michael Greci interviewed Stichiz for their radio show. Stichiz is a trilingual international award-winning entertainer and artist on the rise published across the globe. Stichiz is passionate about music and is an amazing radio personality.
During her visit to UIC, students not only learned about radio related topics, but also were inspired to strive toward achieving their goals at all cost. They were also motivated to be more creative in the ways to become successful.
Students were honored by receiving her amazing book “Tu Es Belle: You Are Beautiful: Abby’s Great Day” as a gift, which has positive messages for kids and adults as well. This extraordinary book is available through Amazon.
Students were able to learn about her and her personality through her interview on the radio show. She said that she started writing since she was 9 year old and she is already planning to write another great book.
Listen to her Radio Interview
