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.

A friend of the Miramar Community Garden

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.

Miramar Police Chief Williams and UIC Students
Daniel Esparza, Ximena Caraballo, Chief Williams, Carolina Portilla (from left to right)

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.

Brian Jacob and the Team of Collective Venture LLC and Lydia Bautista Moller, President of UIC

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 Team building Panelists

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.

The Power of Networking Panelists

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.

Luis Capo, President of El Dorado Furniture, Ela Chavez and the Team of El Dorado Furniture with Angelica Moyano, Academic Director and Lydia Bautista Moller, President of UIC

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

Picture Gallery of Conference

Conference YouTube Video Archive


Conference Audio: Presentations, Panel Sessions Personal Interviews



UIC Students Dive into the Tropical Greenery of South Florida at Tree Amigos Growers

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Post by Marcela Moyano

UIC Students Dive into the Tropical Greenery of South Florida at Tree Amigos Growers

On Tuesday, August 14, 13 Associate degree students enrolled in the English Composition II class taught at United International College in Miramar, FL participated in a field trip to Tree Amigos Growers as part of their Observation Essay writing assignment.

The purpose of the assignment is to observe an environment in detail and to be aware of all sensorial capabilities to better understand a given reality. Santiago Arroyo, a co-owner of Tree Amigos Growers gave a tour of the farm to the students and talked to them about sustainability, organic farming, bee pollination, and permaculture. He showed students the diversity of food plants and trees in the farm, and even invited them to some plant tasting experiences.

At the end of the tour and conversation, students were able to purchase small plants to take home with them. For some of them, this was going to be their first experience growing plants. At the end of the field trip, Santiago gave students Holy Basil leaves to take home. Students are now reflecting on the observation experience and working on their essay. We look forward to their first drafts. United International College is grateful to the great contribution of Tree Amigos Growers to the youth and intellectual community of South Florida.

Tree Amigos Growers: A Sustainable Mission by Gianna Corrales

There are many wonderful and incredible places in South Florida that you could not imagine. That is the case of a special place I visited this week, a nursery called “Tree Amigos Growers”. What could be special about a nursery other than sowing seeds, watering them, watching them grow and selling them? This organic greenhouse, Tree Friends Growers, is a unique place where the sustainable philosophy of its owners shows not only their passion to grow organically for those who seek to eat healthy and fresh foods in their own gardens, but also cultivate a sense of community support through their agricultural business.

To begin with, the nursery is not on a main road, so I arrived after a few laps around the area. The first impression I had of the place was that it was quite rural, and I did not find it attractive or interesting. The entire group of students and our professor, Marcela Moyano, approached to meet with our host. The co-owner of Tree Amigos Growers, Santiago Arroyo, received us and that is how our tour began which would show me later that my first impression was wrong. Santiago’s introductory talk was enough to know that he is not only very knowledgeable, but also eager to share his gardening wisdom with everyone. His passion for what he does is obvious, and his dedication and willingness to help everyone puts his business in an unusual place of small businesses that truly add value to their community and the people around them.

After that, we started walking through the farm, our host explained to us how the soil of South Florida is favorable for growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. The dark color of the earth and the

white of the sand come together forming a soil full of nutrients (See Fig. 1). Meanwhile, I began to recognize my surroundings and get in tune with my senses as I observe. The mixture of aromas that only nature provides in this place were accentuated. At that moment some images of my childhood came to my mind. I remembered my exciting adventures with my cousins at my uncle’s farm. The farm was on a mountain surrounded by the coast about two hours from Caracas, in Venezuela, a climate quite similar to Florida. I felt the same sensations of simplicity, and at the same time joy while we spent hours immersed among different trees and exotic plants playing as explorers.

FIG. 1. Soil in South Florida. Santiago Arroyo Co-owner of Tree Amigos Growers. Davie, FL. August 2018.

The tour continued and all around, plants and trees looked healthy, green, and growing. Meantime, Santiago promoted the participation of everyone by asking the name or type of trees or plants that we observed, some of them very popular such as; turmeric, lychee, yucca, moringa, among many other species (See Fig. 2). I was delighted to see with my own eyes and even more here in Florida, the large number of regular veggie plants, medicinal herbs, and fruits that can be grown fresh and 100% organic consumption. We not only admire these leafy plants and trees, we also savor some of them. When chewing the reddish leaf of the cranberry hibiscus for example, it gives the typical flavor of hibiscus tea with a sweet taste at the end (See Fig. 3). We also tested an impressive leaf of a plant called “Spilanthes” which when chewing it, leaves a fresh feeling in your mouth as if you had just brushed your teeth. We ended the tour very encouraged to start our own garden at home. Some of us even bought plants, and Santiago graciously gave us branches of a type of basil to make tea at home.

FIG. 2. Right: Yuca Plant. Lychee Tree. Tree Amigos Growers. Davie, FL. August 2018.

Finally, this experience at Tree Amigos Growers enchanted me from beginning to end. It is admirable to see the effort with which these people contribute to conserve our planet, their desire to help others learn to cultivate native and tropical superfoods, as well as their commercial ethics. They exist with a sustainable mission as a small business in the South Florida community, where they work to improve the health and well-being of their residents. I really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know this extraordinary place and one of its owners, Santiago Arroyo. His appreciation of natural wonders led to the creation of a unique organic nursery in Florida.

FIG. 3. Cranberry Hibiscus Plant. Tree Amigos Growers. Davie, FL. August 2018

A Marvelous Experience by Haiskel Tovar

On Tuesday August 14th, of this year, we the UIC English Composition II students had the opportunity to enjoy an amazing field trip at the nursery Tree Amigos Growers. At the beginning, when our professor informed us about the field trip, I thought, well we are going to go to a nursery; I imagined we would see beautiful plants for the garden, some flowers and that would be everything. But I was wrong, because Tree Amigos Growing is much more than a simple sale of plants.

Tree Amigos Growers is located in David, specifically at 10900 SW 48th Street, FL 33328. Unexpectedly the field trip was a marvelous, enriching and enjoyable experience. We were welcomed by one of its owners, Santiago Arroyo, who showed us that he has great experience in the agricultural field. With a lot of dedication he explained to us the benefits of cultivating our own organic food including how to prepare the soil for our garden. He also taught us about perennial plants, annual plants, and how the permaculture concept is applied in their place, while he took us around the area and showed us all the vegetables, plants and trees that grow there.

When we arrived, after giving us a captivating welcoming, Santiago gave us an explanation about the importance of growing our own organic food, because we would definitely know that it would be authentically organic, it has no harmful chemical additives and it will not be genetically modified. Then, he explained how to prepare the soil before planting any plants. For example, he showed us one of the ways they use to remove weeds from the ground. This consists of covering the ground with a black plastic sheet, which provokes weeds to die and then they remove it. With this method, they do not need to use chemical pesticides.

Although, the first impression I had of the place is that it was small, and in reality I was wrong. They have a large green house where they have planted a variety of trees and plants. Santiago explained to us that they grow annual plants, which are plants that only grow one season and die, like tomatoes, sweet pepper, basil, and sweet potatoes. Also they grow perennial plants, that could grow back every season, for example turmeric, papaya, pineapple, moringa, coffee, sugar cane, and cranberry hibiscus plants, whose leaves have a very nice cherry flavor. Additionally, they have soursop, banana, Florida peach, mangoes trees, among other variety.

Equally important, is the growing system applied in Tree Amigos Growers, which is based on the Permaculture Philosophy. Santiago explained that this concept consists of creating a growing area that is similar to a natural environment where the ecosystem is respected, and the interconnection of the various elements that make it up is maintained. This involves planting several types of plants in the same area, which will interact and benefit each other. For example, he showed us a place where they planted sweet potato plants together with other plants, in this case the plants of sweet potato will contribute to nourish the soil, because they capture nitrogen from the environment and by their characteristics can transfer it to the soil and this would help the other plants that are around.

Finally, when the field trip ended, my classmates and I reached the same conclusion. We felt that we learned a lot. Santiago was able to transmit his knowledge to us. Undoubtedly, he encouraged us to start our garden of edible plants. Even if we have a little space, we can make the most of it and sow in pots. In conclusion, this field trip was a marvelous, enriching and enjoyable experience.