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.
Future Entrepreneurs Showcase Their Business
Blog Post Written by Prof. Rose
Miramar, Florida – Students in Professor Jack J. Rose’s Business Expo class will showcase their business at the Fall Business Expo Showcase on Friday, December 8th, at United International College, 3130 Commerce Boulevard, Miramar from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Dr. Alberto Moyano Auditorium.
MD Alif Uddin Abir’s Coastal Manufacturing Company specializes in manufacturing high-quality products for various industries, utilizing advanced technologies and efficient processes.
Etereo House is the brainchild of Azul Barrios, a combination of a restaurant and nightclub to be located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. With a fusion of both, Etereo House will be a two-story establishment, with the restaurant on the first floor and the nightclub on the second floor. Her target market is college students because Etereo House will be a meeting place for nightlife and networking with peers.
Nedge Beubrun looks forward to opening Nedge’s Haitian Restaurant and enhancing the image of Haiti by showcasing their culture and flavorful foods. Her primary target market is the ever-increasing Haitian population and her secondary market will be introducing the Haitian culture and cuisine to non-Haitians.
A professional tennis player, Mariano Cabrera looks forward to opening Competition Tennis Academy, a high-performance tennis academy where children learn, grow, compete and develop as players in tournaments to reach a professional level. Mariano has traveled the world showcasing his exceptional tennis skills and his enthusiasm will result in successful entrepreneurial enterprise.
Cruz Developers is a web development company that provides customized solutions for clients through coding and programming. Entrepreneur, Elian Guillermo Cruz Rivera, intends to provide services for website design development, maintenance, and support to his primary target market, medium-sized businesses that require professional and efficient web development solutions, helping clients grow their online presence and enhance their digital marketing strategies.
Perspectuvas Cruz Photography is a professional photography business dedicated to capturing the beauty and significance of life’s most memorable moments. Entrepreneur, Elin Guillermo Cruz Rivera, has always had a passion for photography and is a believer in creating exceptional visual stories, that will be treasured forever.
Hotel Lindeza is the dream of entrepreneur, Luis Hernandez, to provide lodging services offering a variety of rooms/suites with many amenities, such as a fitness center and a restaurant focusing on providing a healthy lifestyle for their guests. Luis has always been a sports participant and, as a member of the UIC Baseball Team, he recognizes how difficult it is to be a sports enthusiast while maintaining a healthy lifestyle when traveling, whether for work or on a vacation. Luis also loves to be around people from all over the world and looks forward to welcoming global guests.
Gallardo’s Healthy Food is a meal prep and delivery service conceived by entrepreneur, George Gallardo, a member of the UIC Baseball Team. His business provides healthy pre-made meals to individuals and families with busy schedules who are keen on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. His goal is to convince customers and clients that junk food is unhealthy and his services are geared to educating everyone how a healthy lifestyle can become your best friend. His primary target market are individuals age 20-40 and his secondary market are for those over 40 that includes educational classes on nutritious foods that contribute to longer lives.
Jajees Pack & Ship is a professional preparation, packaging, and shipping service created by entrepreneur, Moeez Tanveer. His business specializes in assisting individuals and businesses with preparing documents, and securely packaging items for shipping, and coordinating the logistics to ensure safe and timely delivery. His target market is small and medium-sized businesses, and individuals needing cost-effective shipping solutions. His secondary market is e-commerce sellers needing safe and secure packaging and delivery of merchandise to their clients.
Reflections on Life by Edward Espinoza, Class of 2026
Blog Post Written by Edward Espinoza, Class of 2026
“This season, we pause to give thanks for our incredible students here at UIC.” Dr. Deborah Mendez, Collective Thoughts Editor
We´re all familiar with the fact that being a rockstar is a synonym for party, deprivation, excess and many other outrageous activities. Sex, drugs, and rock & roll has been the standard classification of an unbridled lifestyle that most musicians have accomplished through the years in order to maintain a status within the media and the audiences. But this behavior is getting into a more complicated place when it comes to explaining the reasons for premature deaths in the industry.
Being a musician, besides the personal satisfaction of playing, composing and being creative with others, contains a lot of emotions and uncertainty when it comes to understanding the behavioral aspect before performing live, doing an interview or simply being the focus of the media environment on a daily basis. Some people in the industry are extroverted and like to be the center of attention, while others are shy, introverted and quiet, with a natural tendency and commitment with the music and the audience.
Taylor Hawkins, an amazing drummer with an unbeatable talent and a powerful connection with the people was touring with his band (Foo Fighters) in 2022 as a part of their South American tour. They’ve played in Chile, Argentina and Colombia, but before playing in the last country and going to stage, he started to feel sick and experienced a lot of chest pain. He called 911 from his hotel room asking for help, but when the paramedics arrived it was too late. He was pronounced dead at the age of 50 years, on March 25th of 2022. He was suffering with insecurities, depression, personal deficiencies and stage fright, which he can only control by taking different types of medications, including antidepressants. The toxicological report states that more than ten different types of drugs were found in his body. He was the drummer for the Foo Fighters for almost 26 years and now he’s gone.
Mental issues can affect us all without even knowing how to manage or behave in specific situations. He was having a mental disorder by not being emotionally stable and not being able to show how he really felt while playing live or being in a crowded place. He sadly chose the path of drug use, even though he wasn’t a drug addict, that was the only thing that kept him away from his fears and insecurities. He had a beautiful family, an amazing band, and influenced a lot of drummers (including me), but this wasn’t enough for him in order to feel complete and blissful.
Being mentally and emotionally stable is more important than being the center of attention and this is why we need to encourage ourselves to maintain a solid awareness and relationship with our emotions and feelings without being affected of what other people think or by the media glorification for being a rockstar that could attract more people, money, readers and viewers all over the world. It’s important to feel good on the inside so we can share our emotions in a more healthy way and with a positive perspective when it comes to doing what we love.
Collective Thoughts is a blog published once a semester by our UIC students, and features fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and art submitted by our undergraduate students. Our mission is to provide a plat-form to showcase the unique voice of the developing and emerging writer and to foster the love of writing.
Giving Thanks by Cagdas Sanligencler, Class of 2027
Blog Post Written by Cagdas Sanligencler, Class of 2027
“This season, we pause to give thanks for our incredible students here at UIC.” Dr. Deborah Mendez, Collective Thoughts Editor
I am thankful for the unwavering support of my family. Their encouragement and belief in my abilities have been my pillars of strength. Moreover their sacrifices and selflessness have shaped my character and instilled in me a sense of responsibility. I appreciate the little moments of joy we
share, from the family dinners to heartfelt conversations.
Each family member contributes uniquely to this tapestry of support, creating a network that goes beyond a mere connection; it is a profound source of strength. Their encouragement has fueled my determination to overcome obstacles, and their belief in my potential has been a constant motivator. I carry with me the invaluable lessons and love bestowed upon me my family, forever grateful for the unwavering foundation they have provided.
Collective Thoughts is a blog published once a semester by our UIC students, and features fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and art submitted by our undergraduate students. Our mission is to provide a plat-form to showcase the unique voice of the developing and emerging writer and to foster the love of writing.
Reflections on Life by Matthew Ancrum-Smith, Class of 2027
Blog Post Written by Matthew Ancrum-Smith, Class of 2027
“This season, we pause to give thanks for our incredible students here at UIC.” Dr. Deborah Mendez, Collective Thoughts Editor
Who would have thought that a knock at my door would change the entirety of my life forever? It was the beginning of eighth grade and everything was going as planned. I was just starting to find my passion in life when I heard a stranger’s voice say, ̈we are taking your kids from you.
I never knew my freedom could be snatched in the blink of an eye. I will never forget the screams of my sisters and brothers. I was sitting there in shock as tears rolled down my face. I sat in the back seat of the car looking out the window terrified, not knowing what would happen next. I was placed in foster care. I was not able to go outside when I wanted to. I was trapped inside of a building surrounded by kids I didn’t know. Not only was I transferred to a new home, but I was sent to a new school and, not knowing anyone, I had to adapt. I couldn’t see any of my friends. It felt like a nightmare day in and out. I just wanted to be back home with my family. It was hard at first, but, luckily, I was always the kid who liked to socialize. So making new friends for me is not hard at all.
My love of basketball inspired me to strive for greatness. I feel like I belong every time I am surrounded by others while playing basketball. It gave me purpose, it was my reason to not stop and give up. I found love in the beautiful sport of basketball and never took it for granted. I would play for hours outside in the sun all alone, and it made me feel better. Although taking my freedom away almost killed my spirit, playing basketball motivated me. The small moments when I could get to play basketball made me sink away from life not worrying about any of my problems.
During the eight long months with DCF, I learned that when life gives me hardships to overcome I have to keep striving and pushing to become a better person. I can’t let what life throws at me bring me down. I have to keep a smile on my face to show the people around me I am strong and resilient. I let my best character shine through my hardest times to keep me progressing. I had problems, I set goals, and I conquered my obstacles.
Collective Thoughts is a blog published once a semester by our UIC students, and features fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and art submitted by our undergraduate students. Our mission is to provide a plat-form to showcase the unique voice of the developing and emerging writer and to foster the love of writing.
UIC Celebrated its First Class of MBA Graduates
Written by Dr. Marcela Moyano
United International College celebrated its XXI Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the historic Savor Cinema, 503 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The graduating class of 2023 represented the very first 5 students graduating from the Master of Business Administration MBA program, 11 students earning a bachelor degree and 5 students graduating from associate degrees. Nationalities represented by the students were Venezuela, Russia, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Pakistan, Ecuador and Vietnam.
Academic Director of United International College, Angelica Moyano, welcomed graduates, families and friends to the XXI Commencement Ceremony of United International College.
Lydia Bautista Moller, co-founder and president of United International College addressed the graduating class and reminded them about the urgency of their leadership in a world currently facing a fast technological upheaval and climate challenges.
Dr. Marcela Moyano welcomed Mr. Gagan Bajaj, an Oracle Certified Instructor responsible for organizing and delivering training sessions.
Commencement speaker Gagan Bajaj shared with the graduates his own journey as an international student in the United States. Gagan is the son of a diplomat father from India who lived his childhood in multiple nations before he came to the United States to achieve the American dream of earning his higher education, becoming a US citizen and raising a family in the United States of America.
“It’s easy to be consumed by the pursuit of material wealth and professional success, but true fulfillment comes from living a life of purpose, compassion, and authenticity. Remember to nurture your relationships, to cherish moments of joy, and to make time for the things that bring you genuine happiness” advised Gagan to the graduates.
UIC was honored to have had Mariela Herrera, a Summa Cum Laude Business Student, as the Commencement Speaker representing the graduates. She took this opportunity as a challenge to seek within herself and find her inner strength and freedom. She urged her fellow classmates to welcome their new journey as UIC graduates and was grateful for the education earned at UIC.
She concluded her speech by telling the graduates “Many of us are individuals who left behind everything we knew to seek new opportunities on this land looking for a dream. Today is the day we start dreaming again. Even though it is the end of a journey, it is the commencement of another. So, dream again now, but now, with a new tool in your pocket and tons of wonderful experiences and new friends and colleagues.”
Congratulations to the first five UIC students who earned the MBA degree from United International College last Friday, June 23rd. Angelica Moyano, academic director of UIC, told the graduating class: “you are the first class of UIC’s MBA program. Thank you for believing in us when we were just starting the program.” Sandra Valentin, Muhammad Azmat, Coc Le, Luis Loha, and Asad Khan now belong to the 14.4% of people in the United States with a Master, Doctorate or Professional Degree.
The Commencement Ceremony is always a day to commemorate the hard work of UIC students and their completion of a major life achievement. UIC enjoys celebrating with families and friends and makes sure that graduates know that their alma mater is always ready to welcome them back home. Go Rays!
