Challenge

Throughout my career and personal journey, I’ve sought opportunities to bridge cultures and foster mutual understanding through professional teaching, international education, cultural exchange, and volunteer work.

Action

In 2014, I spent a year teaching at an English academy in Daegu, South Korea, which broadened my perspective on language learning and cultural adaptation and planted the seed for my later career in international education. That role followed a gap year studying at a meditation school in South Korea, where I immersed myself in practices of reflection and intercultural living. Later, in Mendoza, Argentina, I volunteered in almond fields as part of a meditation retreat, where collaboration and service created meaningful cross-cultural connections. During my college years, I served as a cultural ambassador for Puerto Rico at competitions in the Dominican Republic and Türkiye, sharing Puerto Rican history and traditions with international audiences. I also traveled to Colombia with classmates, participating in cultural exchange activities that deepened my regional awareness.

Impact

These experiences strengthened my cross-cultural awareness, adaptability, and communication skills while building lasting international relationships. They continue to shape how I approach outreach and program management today, especially with international organizations—grounding my work in cultural understanding, inclusivity, and the belief that meaningful engagement begins with respect for diverse perspectives.