Welcome!

As an FIU transfer student, I have been diligently working on my Bachelor’s for the past two years. Somewhere along the way, I realized the breadth and depth of my education expanded far beyond our nation’s borders. Luckily, FIU recently introduced the Medallion of Excellence in Global Learning, which has allowed me to both showcase the work I had already done, and increase my focus on becoming a global citizen. These are my stories!

Trip Conclusions

Globalization and Sustainable Development in the Rukullakta Indigenous Territory, Ecuadorian Amazon: Trip Conclusions

Challenges to Entrepreneurship

For all its benefits, globalization has some serious drawbacks, in particular with regards to entrepreneurship and sustainable development in small communities. Because we live in an increasingly globalized world, traditional ideas of supply and demand are distorted. This seemed to be the case with all four sustainable development projects we studied. I got a strong sense of a “If we build it, they will come” mentality from most of the people with whom we spoke. So much so, that after the initial nine days in the Napo province, I felt as if it was only a matter of time before each of the projects succeeded. It wasn’t until we visited the artisanal marketplace in Quito that I realized the magnitude of the obstacles in the way of each project’s success.  A globalized world creates an illusion of a seemingly boundless market. That illusion, one in which legions of people willing to buy products and services are just waiting to be reached by the producer, is very enticing to entrepreneurs.

However, the four projects we studied, tourism, chocolate, artisanal jewelry, and wayusa, all exist in marketplaces that are saturated with similar goods or services. Even if the chocolate, tourism, and jewelry projects are able to break into their respective markets, as Runa has done, there are other challenges that must be overcome. For example, the consumer base for the chocolate, tourism, and jewelry projects is mostly made up of tourists, making it necessary to take the chocolate and jewelry products to the tourists in Quito and in areas along the coast. Transporting and coordinating the transportation of the finished goods add an additional expense to the producers. Other challenges are those faced by tourist accommodations and attractions such as Cabañas Sapo Rumi and other small, family-owned tourism initiatives. Because safety is a primary concern for many travelers, larger, more established places with many online positive reviews tend to draw in the most business. Lastly, Runa is competing in an international beverage market that is not only thoroughly saturated, but also almost completely dominated by industry giants. Nevertheless, in spite of the obstacles, each project has promising features.

Benefits to the Community

In the case of Wiñak chocolate, one of the most promising characteristics is Freddy’s commitment to community involvement. When we spoke to Freddy, he mentioned that the main goal is to find funding for the machinery needed to create a finished product. Although it may be difficult to find the no-strings-attached funding he wants, the work he is doing in the meantime benefits the community. For example, Freddy mentioned that the finished chocolate product he had was made by adolescent volunteers from the community. Freddy also mentioned that although he is not receiving a paycheck, he encourages community members to volunteer by offering them the trips to receive training as enticement. That model has a positive effect in the community because it can instill a work ethic in the community’s young people and because it can lead to them learning skills they would not otherwise learn and expose them to experiences, such as international travel, that might otherwise not be there or be too expensive to be feasible.

Although the women to whom we were introduced by Angel have many obstacles in the way of their project’s success, their efforts also have a positive impact on the community. It may be difficult to break into the traditional jewelry market, even with one of their team member’s experience. However, because they can sell their jewelry or rent some of the more expensive items for costumes or school activities, their efforts promote cultural continuity.

Cultural continuity is also promoted by the tourism and wayusa efforts. Our experiences in Sapo Rumi, in particular the hike to the Tree of Life, the wayusa ceremony, and the conversations with Dr. Uzendoski, left me with the impression that promoting educational tourism to non-Kichwa persons is tied to promoting Kichwa culture within Kichwa communities. Specifically, by promoting educational tourism, Kichwa knowledge can be passed from one generation to the next. For example, the wayusa ceremony we attended in Sapo Rumi was very different from the one we attended in Silverio’s home. The wayusa ceremony conducted by Federico in Sapo Rumi was much more elaborate, and in hindsight, seems catered to tourists. However, the cleaning and story-telling that took place, in my understanding, are indeed part of Kichwa culture and in order for educational tourism to continue, those involved in the industry will need to have a thorough understanding of the culture. Moreover, wayusa becoming commonplace at meals also promotes cultural continuity. 

Life as a Capitol Hill Intern: Part II

Briefings, Hearings, and the Art of Crafting Memos

After getting situated my first week on the Hill, I began to attend briefings and hearings. It was amazing! I loved the grandiose rooms in which the events were held, the senior Members of Congress whose remarks I was able to hear, and the plethora of free food. Attending hearings and briefings has been one of my favorite parts of my internship.

The first hearing I attended was definitely the most impactful one.  On February 25^th, I attended the Legislative Presentation of the Disabled American Veterans to the Joint House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees. The event was powerful and moving. The room was filled to capacity, and at least three hundred of those in attendance were members of the Disabled American Veterans organization. It was an honor to be in a room surrounded by brave men and women who stood up for our country. The main purpose of the hearing was for the Disabled American Veterans to emphasize to Congress the need to pre-appropriate funding for Veteran Affairs. National Commander Joseph W. Johnston’s closing remarks remain with me. He said “ We were there when our nation counted on us, and you can still count on us. That’s why this nation will never be overrun by enemy forces.” His words filled me with such a strong desire to support his petition, and I left hoping that Congress would increase the budget allocated to Veteran Affairs.

Another event that left me feeling as if Congress should allocate funds for their proposed legislation was a Briefing on the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, or the ABLE Act. The purpose of the briefing was to inspire interns and Hill staffers to encourage their Member of Congress to Support the ABLE Act. The ABLE Act seeks to “to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the tax treatment of ABLE accounts established under State programs for the care of family members with disabilities” (Govtrack.us). In essence, the ABLE Act would provide the funding necessary for continued research towards improved treatment and possible cures for muscular dystrophy and Duchenne’s disease. Although persuasive, this briefing was one of my least favorite. The stories shared were far too depressing for me.

One of the main reasons interns attend briefings is so the legislative assistants can get the information presented without having to attend the event. They get the information from the memos interns write. Crafting memos is truly an art form. In order to prepare Congressional briefings, experts in their respective fields prepare for weeks, sometimes months, by gathering and interpreting years’ worth of research. Then, they compress their data into several handouts and remarks that last anywhere between forty minutes to an hour. Lastly, they spend ten to thirty minutes answering questions from the well-read and well-informed audience. In order to write a memo, I must then condense all that information into a one page double spaced memo. Writing memos that reflect both the main ideas and the most crucial details is a careful balance, and one that I’ve gotten very good at maintaining.

Receptions, Mixers, and Coffees

Spend more than twenty minutes on the Hill, and you will undoubtedly hear the imperative to “network, network, network!” As a newcomer, it may seem odd at first, but soon you will understand what people mean when they say “this city runs on relationship.” Those relationships often get their start at networking events such as mixers, happy hours, and receptions. Luckily for me, Capitol Hill provides almost infinite opportunities to network.

Attending receptions has been one of my favorite after-work activities. Again, the free food is always a great perk, but that is far from being the best part. When I attended the 90^th anniversary celebration of the State Department’s American Foreign Service Association, I met former Ambassador Laura Kennedy. When I attended the Cuban National Council awards reception, I met Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Later that week, I had lunch in her office with a member of her staff. When I volunteered at the National Council of La Raza annual gala, I ran into and briefly chatted with current US Ambassador to the Organization of American States, Carmen Lomellin. Capitol Hill receptions range widely in purpose, attendance, and even dress code. However, each event provides invaluable opportunities to meet people and is a stepping stone towards building relationships with them.

The next step in building a relationship is the follow-up. Following up with people you meet at a mixer, happy hour, reception, or any other event is vital to surviving DC. In this “town,” as the locals call it, who you know is extremely important. The entire city is filled with brilliant, motivated, ambitious people in all walks of life. Having a stellar résumé is rarely enough to get a decent job. Knowing where and when to apply is the key. Therefore, building relationships with people who might be able to help in your career is a common goal here. Those kind of transactional relationships have been my least favorite thing about life in DC.

Although not required by my internship program, networking is strongly encouraged. I was not as diligent about building those relationships as I could have been, but I justify it because I have one more year left of my undergraduate studies left. However, the real reason why I was not too motivated to “build relationships” by networking is because I do not believe real relationships are built that way. Meeting somebody at an event, following up with them on an informational interview, and then staying in touch via email does not sound like a meaningful connection to me. Many people dedicate themselves to expanding their network, and having coffee with as many people as they can. I, however, decided that instead of building a weak, albeit expansive, network is not how I want to do things. Instead, I dedicated myself to strengthening existing ties, and carefully nurturing new ties. I did so by reconnecting with former colleagues and employers, and by building meaningful relationships with only a select few number of new people I’ve met. As a result, I feel confident that although my circle of acquaintances did not grow as much as some of the other interns’ did, my circle of professional and academic references did grow. In the long run, I think the people with whom I built actual meaningful relationships, not DC “meaningful relationships,” are the ones who will be invested in my success.

Conclusion

                As my twelve weeks as a Capitol Hill intern begin to wrap up, it’s hard to believe I almost turned down the opportunity. Accepting it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far. I think about all the things I didn’t get to do. I didn’t go to Gettysburg, I didn’t get a White House tour, and I didn’t meet my goal of visiting two museums per week. However, with an opportunity as amazing as this one has been, dwelling on what I didn’t do is silly. Reflecting on what I did do is awe inspiring.

                I was at an intern for the Washington, DC office of Congressman Joe Garcia. I attended the National Council of La Raza 2014 Awards Gala, an event that made headlines. I toured the Organization of American States. I guided constituent tours of the United States Capitol Building. I accessed restricted areas of the Capitol building complex. I introduced my congressman before he addressed the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. I attended a film screening in the Capitol Visitor Center with Representative Tony Cardenas. I participated in a higher education summit and listened to the remarks of Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

                Most importantly, however, I was immersed in a world I did not know existed. I had heard about politics of Washington, but I was still astounded about some of the things I witnessed. I had heard about the constant after-work happy hour events, but I never expected to be turning down requests almost daily.  But the good will always outweigh the bad. I was surrounded by amazing hardworking individuals who are all seeking to improve the world. Some of there were politicians and Hill staffers. Others ran nonprofit organizations. Others were involved in the private sectors. Yet they all had a zest for life and a motivation to use their skills to advance the welfare of others. My Capitol Hill experience has been utterly rewarding and life changing. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Life as a Capitol Hill Intern: Part I

Orientation Week 

The very first day of orientation, the ambassador to the Organization of American States, Ambassador Carmen Lomellin, spoke to us. She is an amazing, inspiring woman, and a fantastic speaker. She spoke about her Chicano background, and her experience as a high-ranking Hispanic woman. She gave us, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Spring 2014 intern class, plenty of useful advice, both ideologically and practically. What resonated most with me was that she told us to embrace our Hispanic heritage, to not be offended if we are hired for a job because of it, and to realize that it brings something extremely valuable to the table. She also advised us to reach out to people and ask for their help, to send hand-written thank you cards for their time, and to cultivate relationships. As an example of the importance of cultivating relationships, she told a story about an “eager, skinny, tall kid” who made “a lot of noise” while as an intern in the office. Eventually, he became President of the United States. Ambassador Lomellin praised him for cultivating relationships and building his professional network from the time he was an intern. She does not credit all his success to his interpersonal skills, but encouraged us to use his example and show others we are worth their investment of time and training by working hard in any position we may find ourselves.

Many other prominent Hispanic leaders spoke to us during orientation week. They spoke about such topics as balancing Hispanic heritage and family pressures with educational goals, being a minority in their chosen fields, and having to break down barriers and build coalitions in order to achieve common objectives. As they all told their stories, I paused to think about what my own narrative would be. For a long time, I have wanted to become a teacher. I love working with kids, I love to teach, and in the three summers I’ve spent as a teaching fellow, I’ve learned I am very good at it. However, another important reason why I want to teach is because it is proactive and helps me fight off feelings of helplessness. There are so many problems in the world: modern-day slavery exists, evil corporations take advantage of the vulnerable, rape is used as a weapon of war. Even in my own community, it is impossible to ignore the problems: homelessness is prevalent, people are denied jobs due to their race or gender, and tomatoes growing in Homestead are not only environmentally taxing, but rely on the exploitation of farm workers. Teaching, however, helps me feel like I can make a difference. In the microecosystem of my classroom, I can help cultivate self-esteem, love of learning, and a commitment to social justice. Yes, reading and writing and math and science will also be taught, but I believe in a well-rounded education. I chose to teach because I can help bridge the achievement gap, even if it at the glacial pace of twenty to thirty students per year. Orientation week, however, helped me see that I can effectuate change within a larger sphere of influence if I chose a different career path. Hispanic and Latinos are underrepresented in government jobs, in the non-profit sector, and in the corporate world. Yes, South Florida is my community, but I also belong to the broader community of Hispanic and Latinos living in the United States. Don’t I have a responsibility to advocate for them, too? However, if I do choose to go down that route and begin a prominent career, am I simultaneously choosing to give up on family? These and other questions have framed the context of my experience here in Washington, DC.

The Awe of the Hill

                It is absolutely impossible not to be awed your first day as a Capitol Hill intern. On the walk up to either the House or Senate office buildings, from nearly every direction, the view of the Capitol building itself is breathtaking. After several minutes of standing with the other interns, taking pictures, and trying not to look too eager, I finally walked inside Longworth House Office building. I went through security, took the elevator, took more pictures, and eventually went into the office of Congressman Joe Garcia.

That first week, I felt overwhelmed. I felt underqualified. I felt overqualified. I was quickly disillusioned by what went on in the House, only to have my faith in the legislative branch renewed time and time again.

The Intern ID

Every Capitol Hill intern receives an ID. The shiny new intern badge is so exciting at first. It lets us use the “Members and staff” entrances, and grants us access to restricted areas of the Capitol. It is thrilling to have it, use it, and show it off. That feeling eventually wears off. Although not immediately noticeable at first, the intern ID has a light green overall color tone. Only interns have “green badges.”

IDs for full-time staffers are blue, and Members of Congress have their easily identifiable lapel pins.

                Most Capitol Hill interns go through a three-stage relationship with their IDs. First is the awe stage. Again, it is impossible not to be awed by the fact that you are interning for the legislative branch of the United States government. There, that first two weeks, interns wear their badges with pride. It is always easy to spot the new arrivals because they are still wearing their intern ID.

                The second stage in the intern/intern ID relationship is the hiding stage. As will be discussed further in the next section, Capitol Hill is an extremely hierarchal place, and the wearing your shiny green intern badge easily identifies you as an intern from across the room. As such, Capitol Police, members of the custodial staff, tour guides, and others in general are usually very helpful and try to send you in the correct direction. However, their help reaffirms that you look as lost as you feel. Hiding your intern badge is a way to look a little less lost.

                The third stage is the separation stage. I’ve not yet reached it, but I know it’s coming. Sometime soon, my last day as a Capitol Hill intern will arrive. When that day comes, I will have to return my ID. Those who trade in their intern ID for a full-time staff ID look at this day as a victory. Those of us who leave DC, particularly without concrete plans of coming back, realize that turning in the intern ID symbolically concludes our time as “Hillterns,” and ends the privileges and responsibilities associated with the title.

The Hierarchy of Capitol Hill

Staff hierarchy within my office. Individual offices vary slightly.

Capitol Hill is an extremely hierarchical work environment. (The pyramid to the right depicts the hierarchy within most offices. The Member of Congress, who is an elected official and obviously the most important person in the office, is not included in the pyramid.) Therefore, as a Capitol Hill intern, you quickly realize that you are the bottom of the totem pole. You are the person your office will send to collect signatures on a letter, or to deliver birthday cards from your Member of Congress to other Members, or to run down to the Flag Office to pick up a certificate. As a Capitol Hill intern, you are a well-dressed errand runner.

However, that is not the bulk of what you do. At least, it isn’t the bulk of what I do. I attend briefings and hearings on behalf of the staffers in the office, write memos and reports on said briefings, conduct background research for specific projects, and create such amazing Excel tables that the Yale-educated legislative assistant felt compelled to ask me to teach him to create them. I have loved my time as a Capitol Hill intern. It truly is the embodiment of the saying that “you get out of an experience what you put in to it.” As an intern, you have the choice of sitting idly at your desk, waiting to be given a meaningful assignment, or you can be diligently working, seeking out occasions to learn and grow. Every day presents new learning opportunities, and it is up to me to seize them.   

A Floresta Amazônica

Ainda que esta foto não foi tomada na Amazônia brasileira, minha viagem pela floresta andina foi ótimo! Se você quiser ler mais sobre minha pesquisa, leia o blogue que escrevi sobre a minha viagem de pesquisa. 

A Floresta Amazônica se encontra na região norte da América do Sul, e seu território expande-se através de nove países. A maior parte da Floresta Amazônica (sessenta por cento) fica no Brasil, nos Estados do Amazonas, Amapá, Mato Grosso, oeste do Maranhão, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima e Tocantins. Essa região é chamada Amazônia Legal. A Floresta Amazônica é subdividida em três partes: a floresta montanhosa andina, floresta fluvial alagada e a floresta de terra firme. Só a floresta fluvial alagada e a floresta de terra firme formam parte de Amazônia Legal. No entanto, a importância da Floresta não está com os nomes das regiões, nem com o número de países que atravessa. A Floresta Amazônica é a maior floresta tropical do mundo. E patrimônio de todos nós que moramos na terra.
A Floresta Amazônica é um grande ato de equilíbrio. Tudo o que a floresta produz é aproveitado para que ela floresça. O solo da floresta não é rico em nutrientes, mas todas aquelas árvores podem crescer porque têm os nutrientes da decomposição das folhas, frutas, e os animais mortos. No clima da Floresta Amazônica é quente e úmido, e chove quase todos os dias. A Floresta é tão diversa que tem milhares de espécies de flora e a fauna, incluindo oitenta por cento das espécies animais do Brasil e até vinte por cento das espécies vegetais do planeta.
Também é preciso falar do famoso dossel florestal. Nas folhagens das árvores formam uma camada conhecida como dossel. E ai onde a maioria das espécies da floresta moram, e aquelas espécies têm adaptações diferentes que lhes permitem moram lá. Por isso, o dossel florestal éum dos principais interesses da comunidade científica.
Não obstante, os científicos não são os únicos que estão focados na Floresta Amazônica. Muitos grupos ambientais têm seus olhares fixos na Floresta. Alguns deles são o Greenpeace no Brasil, a Fundação Vitoria Amazônia, e o Instituto de Pesquisa Ambiental da Amazônia. Sua missão é proteger a floresta através da educação ao publico e da promoção de programas que conservam a biodiversidade e o ambiente. Esses grupos, e muitos outros, existem porque a Floresta Amazônica enfrenta ameaças de muitos lados. De um lado tem as corporações que querem minar o ouro ou o petróleo. Eles não se preocupam quando poluem a terra ou aos rios. Rios poluídos não são maus só para a biodiversidade dos peixes, mas também para as comunidades pesqueiras que precisam dos rios limpos para se sustentar. Mas algumas ameaças à floresta vêm das mesmas comunidades locais na forma do desmatamento ilegal. E lucrativo cortar as árvores e vender os troncos, mas muitas famílias pobres não o fazem por avareza. Em vez, eles o fazem pela necessidade para poder viver.

Para concluir, a Floresta Amazônica e um lugar único no mundo. Ninguém pode saber quanta informação científica nem quantos segredos a floresta guarda, mas todos sabem que as riquezas da Floresta são de valor inestimável. Só temos uma Floresta Amazônica. Assim mesmo, só somos uma raça humana. Juntos, tivemos que trabalhar para assegurar que nossos filhos e nossos netinhos ainda cheguem a ter uma Floresta para eles disfrutarem, explorarem, e protegerem.