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
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.
Travel and Tourism Students Visit Port Everglades
blog by Gianna Corrales
Travel and Tourism Students Visit Port Everglades
On Thursday, August 16, 2018, students enrolled in the Cruise Market course taught by Prof. Kiyomi Onoyama had the exclusive opportunity to visit the facilities of one of the most diverse seaports in the United States, Port Everglades. Thanks to the invitation of Ms. Maisy Alpert, the Director of Public Relations of Port Everglades, located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the students learned important aspects about the operations of South Florida’s powerhouse port, which is one of the three main cruise ports in the world, one of the most active container cargo ports in the United States, and the main seaport of South Florida for petroleum products.
In addition, Ms. Alpert explained in detail the economic impact of Port Everglades’ activities for both, Broward County and the State of Florida. Likewise, the students were able to see the infrastructure improvements planned for the upcoming cruise season as well as for the future. The students were amazed and interested in all the development plans of Port Everglades and its environmental actions that contribute to the conservation of fauna and flora of the region.
Undoubtedly, this was a very enriching experience for Travel and Tourism Management students of UIC since they did not only gain some knowledge in the field of travel and tourism, but also had the opportunity to learn and get involved in the management of the industry and the labor market.
Students From All Over The World Graduate From United International College Earning Business and Tourism Bachelor and Associate Degrees
Guest blog by the LinkedIn Careers Team
Students From All Over The World Graduate From United International College Earning Business and Tourism Bachelor and Associate Degrees
Miramar, FL- United International College celebrated its 16th Commencement Ceremony on June 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the Miramar Cultural Center Artspark with 3 students receiving Bachelor Degrees in Business Administration, International Business Management, and Travel and Tourism Management; and 11 students receiving Associate Degrees in the same programs. Moreover, students represented 8 nationalities such as Colombia, Venezuela, Vietnam, Peru, Argentina, Romania, El Salvador, and Bangladesh.
The ceremony started promptly at 7:00 p.m. with the academic procession of the Faculty, board of trustees, commencement speaker, Mr. Jaime Florez, UIC’s President, Lydia B. Bautista Möller, and graduating students.
Mrs. Bautista addressed the students and reminded them that their dreams are achieved one step at a time. She also mentioned that UIC encourages its students developing their entrepreneurial spirit, which not only impacts the life of the student/entrepreneur, but also directly impacts the local economy.
Ms. Phuong Tran, commencement speaker, recalled how thankful she was for having received support from her professors and students when she most needed it. She said: “don’t forget those who brought us here today.” And, she mentioned how the graduation night was a great day to remember and celebrate those difficult moments that became successful stories. She was also thankful to have received the chance of education as an international student from Vietnam through a scholarship from United International College
Also, Mr. Jaime Florez, a friend of the United family throughout generations, a distinguished journalist, and currently the Regional Political/Hispanic Communications Director of Governor Rick Scott’s campaign for the US Senate, addressed the students and motivated the graduating students to take advantage of all the opportunities available in Florida to start their business and become successful entrepreneurs.
The ceremony concluded with the anthem of United International College and the oath of the graduates. A reception followed the commencement ceremony in the Ansin Family Art Gallery. For further information, please contact Marcela Moyano at (954) 607-4344.
LinkedIn Jobs: It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know
Guest blog by the LinkedIn Careers Team
How Well Do You Match Up with Your Dream Job?
How You Match is the checklist you see on the right of the job description in the above photo.
With its newly unveiled feature, “How You Match”, LinkedIn analyzes if you’re a good fit for a job position. Utilizing your education level, skills, years of experience, and current job title, you can see where you align, and where you may fall short. No matter the job function (e.g. finance jobs, consulting jobs, or information technology jobs), LinkedIn provides you with real-time results.
If you meet most of the requirements, go ahead and apply with LinkedIn’s 1-Click Apply button! If there are some big gaps, you can either make updates to your profile or find a better match.
If you are a UIC'S Student or Alumni, join LinkedIn now and become part of this great network
LinkedIn Jobs: It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know
LinkedIn Jobs: It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know
Guest blog by the LinkedIn Careers Team
Your soon-to-be awarded degree is likely a requirement for your dream job. But what is going to set you apart from everyone else who just graduated college with the same qualification? Your network!
Harness the power of your network, providing you an edge in your career search
Do I even have a network?
LinkedIn is helping soon-to-be grads from around the country tap into their professional community—whether they realize they have one already or not. LinkedIn has the power to uncover 1st and 2nd degree connections that will boost your chances of getting hired for highly sought-after jobs in a competitive market. We found that 70% of people were hired at a company where they had a connection.
One of the easiest ways for students to make connections is through the LinkedIn Alumni tool. It’s a simple way to explore and create alumni connections from your school. You can lean in on where they work now and in what cities. Simply search for your school and select “see alumni” to get started. You can access career paths for more than 23,000 colleges and universities worldwide.
Your First Job is a First Step!
Even if you land your dream job right out of college, the most successful professionals will warn you about complacency and how it may negatively affect your earning potential over time. Searching for jobs can seem like a daunting task, especially right after you've just landed one. It’s ideal to continue interviewing and keep an open mind for your next career move. LinkedIn has made it easier than ever to keep your options open even when you’re not actively seeking alternative employment. It’s called Open Candidates and it’s as easy as updating your LinkedIn career interest preferences. By flipping the switch, you privately signal to recruiters that you’re interested in new opportunities.
What Now?
Create or update your LinkedIn profile today. There is no other place where you can access such a wide range of knowledge, skills and resources to help you reach your goals!
If you are a UIC's Alumni, join LinkedIn now and become part of this great network