Social Media Today
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Post by Prof. Jack Rose
Social Media Today
On Wednesday evening, March 6th, Ofelia Zambrano, Founder and President of Presto Advertising visited Professor Jack Rose's Principles of Marketing class to talk about her company and the importance of social media today, not only for marketing your business, but not having negative social media on your personal sites.
"Social media needs to be part of any marketing plan in today's world of advertising and promotion," Ms. Zambrano stated, reviewing the positives of social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. "They are a great tool and marketing your business, both for maintaining and seeking new customers.
Mrs. Zambrano also shared how negativism on personal social media sites can hurt one's chance for an employment opportunity. "Today, many employers will use social media to find out information about you." "Anything negate can have a direct impact on whether or not you are offered a position." Professor Rose shared some examples of how negative social media prevented a company to hire the candidate.
Ms. Zambrano told the students how she got started and how networking is very important. "It's hard work, but if you really want to be successful, you'll succeed."
Following the presentation, Professor Rose presented Ofelia Zambrano, Founder and President of Presto Advertising with a Certificate of Appreciation for being an entrepreneurial role model for our students.
Kayaking at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
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Post by Tuan Nguyen
Kayaking at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Dania Beach, FL- I had a wonderful day during my school beach field trip. I was so excited and prepared a lot for that trip. At the park, everything was perfect until I found out that I had forgotten some items at home. I was in a bothersome situation that should not be part of our trip. Therefore, I wrote this essay to give some advice for people planning their next kayaking experience.
First, you should wear comfortable clothes because the kayak is very small and moist. On that day, I saw a lady wearing a white skirt and spend a lot of time to get on the kayak, and also her face was very uncomfortable when she was kayaking. She tried to paddle and always looked down because she was scared that her clothes would get wet and dirty. Comfortable clothes could be the best choice in that situation, so you should wear swimwear or shorts. It could make you feel comfortable while you paddle as well as you enjoy nature while kayaking in the canal.
Second, you should wear neoprene shoes when you go kayaking, because the water can get in the kayak very easily, and you have to walk from the rental court to the kayak ramp to get on the kayak. It could be a challenge when you have to take your sneakers off to get on the kayak; not to mention that you have to leave your sneakers at the ramp without any attention. Also, a sun-shielding hat, and the paddling gloves could help you a lot in a very hot day and can protect your hands.
Third, you should prepare a list of very useful personal items, such as: sunglasses and sunscreen for a sunny day, and water and snacks for the break time. They also sell water and snacks at the park, but there are not many choices. If you want to save money and have more food and drink choices, you should bring them with you. Moreover, your ID and credit card are the most important items that you must bring to make the rental and don’t forget a water proof case to protect your phone, ID, and credit card from the water. I didn’t know that the rental company requires ID and credit card. I had left them in my car, so I had to go back very far to the parking lot to get them. It drove me crazy even thought it was my fault.
Finally, you should be smart when you go kayaking. The fee of kayak rental was charged by the hour. You should know the exact time to go and come back to avoid being charged extra fees. Moreover, if you are excited about this activity, I advise you to buy your own kayak, because if you go kayaking once a week, you would spend hundreds per month, and after a few months the amount of money that you spend could be over the value of a new kayak. In addition, when you own a kayak, you don’t have to worry about the closing time of the park because you can go to any boat ramp, and not only the one at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
To conclude, you should follow the advice listed above and do a check list to make sure your kayaking experience is exceptional. Everyone has a different idea about preparation, but this is my kayaking experience after the Spring field trip with United International College.
A Few Hours into Micro-Farming
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Post by Laura Steudel
A Few Hours Into Micro-Farming
Miramar, FL- This past March 13, 2019, I was able to attend the Miramar Community Garden along with my Holistic Human Development class, where we met Elsi Rose, the Development and Capital Management Coordinator of the Miramar Community Garden. Elsi’s enthusiasm towards the project was palpable, and her happiness at reaching others with the project’s mission was inspiring.
The project started taking shape back in 2009 and was finally planted and started in May 2010. The Garden is located in Fairway Park at 3700 Largo Drive and expands 3,150 square feet. It is the first demonstration of “micro-farming system” or “urban farming” in Broward County. The most amazing part is that it’s tended by its very own volunteers, and as of now they have about 45 members who work continuously on the garden. These volunteers are separated into groups, and each of these groups has their very own team leader, this way the garden is tended to every day by a rotation of different volunteers. The garden is very organized, and each section is denoted by letters, which represent crops assigned to each group. Nine years in the making, you can see the amazing development of the garden, where a variety of crops are spread out, crops of tomatoes, papaya, bananas, eggplants, yucca, peppers, kale, oregano, and much more can be seen spread out. You can literally make a salad of your own by just walking around this amazing garden, and how amazing is that?
We were also able to see the different projects that are being developed in the garden. They have installed their very own hydroponic system, which was a first for us to see; they even make their own compost and run events every third Saturday of the month, actually, this last Saturday March 16, after they worked on the garden during the morning hours, they opened their gates to invite their members and friends to a Raw Food Recipes demonstration. This just shows that this garden is not simply to sustain and an opportunity to grow organic produce, but a gateway to healthy living while helping others connect not only to their environment but also with their community. The Miramar Community Garden makes you wish for one of these amazing gardens in every corner, such a simple bare space repurposed to support the environment and its very own people.
There is so much to be done, and so many amazing people involved, like their very own “Farmer Alex” who works tirelessly in expanding and teaching others about growing their plants and produce. You will also get to meet their very own kitty protector, who will immediately greet you as soon as you enter the garden, and many more interesting people, ready to teach and support one another. Everyone is welcome, you don’t even need to live in Miramar to participate and become a member, just fill out the application in here, or email Elsi at erose@ci.miramar.fl.us, or start small and simply start your very own garden of herbs, in your kitchen window sill! If you simply want to learn more, follow them on their Facebook page here.
Public Radio Nerds: A Tour to WLRN
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Post by Ximena Caraballo
Public Radio Nerds: A Tour to WLRN
March 19, Miami, FL- As a student of Communications and Mass Media of United International College, I must say that every time, I am more convinced of how fascinating this career is. On March 19, my Speaking on Radio class had the opportunity to take a tour of WLRN Channel 17 studios in down town Miami.
As soon as we arrived, we met Mrs. Adrienne Kennedy, Executive Producer of WLRN Public Radio and Television, who welcomed us and hosted our amazing two and a half hour tour. First of all, she explained to us how the radio works, along with the building for radio and television production were designed. Then we went to the area of control rooms and studios where programs such as Sunshine Economy are recorded.
Then, we met Ms. Pilar Uribe, who is a renowned Colombian actress. Uribe, aside from being a television artist, is also a talented voiceover actress in both Spanish and English for WLRN. She kindly explained how she is successful in both worlds.
Afterwards, we went to the Newsroom where we met Ms. Alejandra Martinez, who is the associate producer of Sundial, she told us her responsibilities such as interviewing, producing and publishing her stories on WLRN. Finally, we visited the television area where the studios dazzled my classmates and me. It was an enriching tour that motivated me to continue studying more about this wonderful and exciting media field.
Learn about our Communications and Mass Media Program
Critical Thinking Students Tour the Stunning Wynwood Walls
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Post by Prof. Aleksander Chonevski
Critical Thinking Students Tour the Stunning Wynwood Walls
March 4, 2019, Miramar, FL- Prof. Aleksander Chonevski, took his students enrolled in the Critical Thinking course on a tour to the Wynwood Walls. He wrote the letter below to his students:
Dear United PHI 225 Critical Thinking students,
I would like to share a photo we took together when we experienced the Wynwood Walls today. Thanks to all of you for attending the short class. I appreciated your curiosity and your many positive questions. You may ask why we chose this art-based lifestyle modern-contemporary presentation and how it integrates with our Critical Thinking?
Shaffee (2019) in Thinking Critically, reminds us to predict and then achieve our goals. We are becoming effective decision makers in our controversial complex world with an organized fashion in becoming powerful problem solvers. We have the chance to became familiar in a world that is part of the performing arts, the greatest worldwide Art Basel cultural festival, that is close to our community, and exposing student's hearts, souls, beliefs, life-stories, anecdotes, and metaphors in the free world and in our world where each individual builds. You are part of that as well.
In learning how to understand this concept at this moment, all of you can now understand other languages, other thoughts, and different ways of thinking. Do not forget that we are looking at the same figure/picture with the different lenses, developing different ideas. Each of us connects with different stories and to understand the world in such complex way, you have learned what is valid and what is sound (your midterm test), what is inductive and deductive (again). Your arguments support your ideas, (bravo for all of you who brought us different ideas) via concepts and support your beliefs; however, this doesn't mean that you are right or wrong. Eventually, this will become your verdict. In this critical process, your verdict must be proven by your individual abilities to enlighten your career path just as the murals on the Wynwood Walls.
Even though this trip was short, I feel that all of you received excellent benefits. Just look at your faces in the picture and note that you are happy and smiling.
I would like to extend a special thank you to our visitor, Photographer Vanoti (who came to share his experience as an artistic photographer with us).
I apologize that the exhibit was closed but I found that this trip was extremely productive as we saw many works of arts while walking around the block.
Aleksandar Chonevski, Ph.D. Student,
Researcher, Lecturer, & Institutional
Outreach Advisor
Behind the Scenes of La Voz
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Post by Ximena Caraballo
Behind the Scenes of La Voz
February 9, 2019, Miramar, FL- A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go with my classmates of Speaking on Radio, to the recording of the TV Show, LA VOZ USA. There was a long wait to get in the studio, but when we finally were inside, everything was amazing. The place was incredible. The set was mesmerizing with lights, cameras and ultimate sound technology. Everything was neat and organized. The crew was very large, and several crew members walked from one side to the other to take care of every detail and to ensure that everything went according to the plan. Minutes later, the jury members arrived. Prominent singers such as Alejandra Guzman, Carlos Vives, Wisin and Luis Fonsi composed the jury. Once everything was in order and ready to begin, the show began. The contestants delighted us with their magical voices and transmitted all their adrenaline. Three hours later, one of the assistants thanked us for having gone, and extended the invitation for a next time. Without a doubt it was an extraordinary afternoon with a great lesson. From my behind the scene experience, I learned that it requires a large crew and a lot of dedication to produce an amazing show to entertain TV viewers.
Thanks to our Communications and Mass Media alumni, Sandra Fierro and Manuel Romero, who are part of the production of La Voz, for extending this invitation to our UIC students.
Learn about our Communications and Mass Media Program
Miramar Police Academy: My Amazing Experience
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Post by Ximena Caraballo
Miramar Police Academy: My Amazing Experience
June 14, 2018, Miramar, FL- I never thought that working at the Police Department could be so amazing, until I had the opportunity to walk through the door and take the Free 14-week Miramar Citizen’s Police Academy.
A few months ago, United International College gave me the opportunity to take the Police Academy course. The registration process was quite simple. I filled out a form with my personal data, my ID and I submitted the application. The Police Department of Miramar ran a background check on me and accepted me to enroll in the course. I can say that today I am extremely grateful and satisfied to have shared 14 weeks with a group of professionals dedicated to serve the community.
On my first day of class, I arrived at the Police Department building and I was very nervous. I was entering an unknown and imposing world. But, I must specify that the kindness started from the first "Hello". The front desk officer asked me for my ID. After reviewing his list, he invited me to wait a moment, with a big smile, while someone was finding my information in their registrants’ list. A few minutes later, a lady, who has volunteered for more than 10 years in the Police Department, arrived. She welcomed me and then walked me to the elevator and to the classroom where I would take the course. There, we waited for my classmates who would be with me in this journey for the following 14 weeks.
At 7 o'clock at night, a very friendly officer invited us to sit down. The friendly officer was the boss. With a big smile and pretending we were lifelong friends, he introduced himself, "I am Chief Dexter M. Williams". All his exposure was with incredible humility. After that, he went over the agenda. He also told us about Ms. Oona Hall, the Public Affairs Specialist, as our support and contact in the Police Department. In the following week, we met her. She was super friendly. She hosted us every Tuesday and also introduced to us all the officers and described their role in the Police Department.
During the 14 weeks, I learned many aspects behind the scenes of the Police Department, but the ones that particularly caught my attention were: Crime Scene Investigation (C.S.I), I was impressed by the care it requires to manipulate and analyze evidence; Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T,); strength, discipline and control; as well as how to behave in case of danger. In addition, I also learned that K9, (k-nine) is the canine brigade, which requires a lot of dedication in the training and care of dogs.
Moreover, I learned about Personal Defense such as how to identify a dangerous situation. Also, the First aid class was amazing and it serves to help infants, children and adults while the ambulance or someone certified arrives to the emergency scene. Another important aspect was Internet fraud. We learned to be alert to risks and identity theft, in social networks.
Finally, we celebrated an emotional, sublime and important graduation ceremony. I had the satisfaction of having shared with quality professionals who love their work and, above all, demonstrate their great vocation. For all this, once again, it was an incredible experience to participate in this course, and I would do it again if I could.
UIC Students Showcase their Entrepreneurial Projects
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Post by Prof. Jack Rose
UIC Students Showcase their Entrepreneurial Projects
October 26, 2018, Miramar, FL- Students in Professor Jack Rose’s Business Expo class put into motion a successful Business Expo showcasing each of the students’ entrepreneurial spirit. After visiting the FITCE (Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo) event held at the Broward County Convention Center on October 27, the students began planning their own expo at UIC. “By attending the FITCE Expo, students attended workshops and visited the many booths from around the world. This event gave them the opportunity to visually see and experience a great expo and apply what they learned at FITCE for their own expo,” Rose said.
Silvia Fong introduced her Ohla Tea Cookies and provided samples of her homemade gingerbread and star cookies. Participants enjoyed the samples and complimented Silvia on her delicious cookies. In fact, many asked Silvia if they could buy tins of her cookies for holiday gift giving.
Gianna Corrales showcased her Space Saver Roll Bags from PG Creations, which is available on Amazon. These space saver bags are great for storage and travel lovers and doubles carry on items. The bags are available in small, medium, and large and can be reused. Many showed interest with their upcoming holiday travel plans.
Anna Maria Socha’s Casual Fashionista Shopper was a hit with many attendees who just don’t have the time to shop. Anna also provides her service as a stylist and states, “Let me be your personal shopper and stylist,” and offers complete shopping and stylist services to women, men, and children of all ages. She picked up several new clients at the expo.
Maria Vivas’s family owned business, MASO Tourism International, LLC, offers complete travel services, including air tickets, transportation/car rental, food, hotels, excursions, tourist packages, cruises, insurance, permits, and conferences, call designed to make their client’s trip a pleasure. Her display was loaded with lots of destination sights and enticed attendees to explore some great places to visit, explore, and have a memorable vacation.
Following the expo, Professor Rose gathered his class and congratulated them on the expo stating, “I am so proud of you and know your entrepreneurial skills will bring you on a journey to success.” He challenged the students to seek their dreams and offered his experience and guidance on their future endeavors.
South Florida Business Leaders Discuss the Future of Business at UIC's Entrepreneurial Hour Conference
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Post by Marcela Moyano
Florida Business Leaders Discuss the Future of Business
October 26, 2018, Miramar, FL-United International College (UIC) held its 14th Annual Conference in partnership with Miramar Commissioner Darline Riggs, this year entitled The Entrepreneurial Hour and focused on “The Future of Business,” on October 25 at the Miramar Cultural Center.
Angelica Moyano, Academic Director of UIC welcomed conference participants, UIC students and delegation of faculty and students from United Colombia. Miramar Commissioner Darline Riggs opened the academic sessions by giving a presentation on the business and economic growth of the City of Miramar and funding opportunities for small business owners. Commissioner Riggs also mentioned that the City of Miramar is the fastest growing City in the nation.
Brian Jacob, Founding Partner of Collective Ventures LLC, was the keynote speaker of the conference. His presentation focused on The Future of Business. Jacob said “People will pay for a great experience” and urge business owners to market products that “will improve humanity.” He also mentioned artificial intelligence as part of the new paradigm of business ventures.
The Power of Team Building followed Jacob with panelists representing leading industries and organizations. Robert Barcelo, Senior Business Development Manager of Port Everglades, Joseph Blatnik, Sales Executive of ADP, Stan Bostic, National Director of Communications and VIP Program of Rick Case and Jacqueline Chirino Sarduy, Operations Manager of Indemnity Security and Investigations Inc, constituted the panel and was moderated by Angelica Moyano. The leading topic of this panel was about building personal relationships with a strong team and customers in order to grow a great business. They also mentioned the undeniable interconnection between customers that results in business.
The Power of Networking panel featured Sandy-Michael McDonald, Director of the Office of Economic and Small Business Development of Broward County; Claudia Mosley, Co-Founder of Merchant Processing Solutions; Robert Goltz, President of the Miramar Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Yamilet Strauss, Co-Founder of Merchant Processing Solutions. Panelists agree that networking must have a targeted purpose and is not about “me” but about “you.” People usually collect business cards, but do not follow up. Panelists even demonstrated how to best pitch their business in less than one minute to the audience.
Luis Capo, President of El Dorado Furniture, opened his presentation with a video that features the history of El Dorado Furniture, which starts with the journey of the Capo family migrating from Cuba on a boat named El Dorado. The video portrays the overpowering development of El Dorado Furniture in South Florida since 1967. “The culture and value of El Dorado Furniture is People” said Capo. He stressed the importance of the human contact despite the advance of technology. And, he listed Walt Disney, The Beatles, and many others who had been initially rejected and their creative art had revolutionized the masses. He concluded his inspirational speech citing the Capo’s family success despite the struggle; and the Moyano’s family growth of United International College despite the immigration and death in the family struggle.
Lydia Bautista Moller, president of United International College closed the conference and restated the importance of building powerful relationships in order to grow strong businesses. She shared the Model of Holistic Education of UIC and urged the audience to follow their dreams and their ultimate life goal to live a happy life.
Inside Miramar and El Dorado Furniture were the Diamond sponsors of the conference. 1on1 Real Estate sponsored the tote bags. Cotsco and PaYa to Go sponsored breakfast and coffee breaks. Jon Smith Subs sponsored the conference lunch. Panda Express and Alday LLC Argentinean wine sponsored the Networking Hour. ADP Printing and Signs sponsored all the printed materials. Presto Advertising managed the social media campaigns of the event. Publix, Sergio’s, and Zico Coconut Water also sponsored the event.
The conference was named after United Radio USA weekly radio show “The Entrepreneurial Hour” hosted by Robert Goltz and Stephanie Cates, which is sponsored by the Miramar Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce, Weston Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Pembroke Park West Park Chamber of Commerce, and airs every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The conference was broadcasted live on United Radio USA and United International College YouTube Channel. Audio and Video Recordings of conference can be accessed of those two pages. For more information, please contact marcela@uinternational.edu