Thank you, Valencia College.

Being a Puma holds great honor, and I've proudly borne that title for the past two years.

My journey within the Valencia College community has been one for the books. Initially, when I stepped foot into Valencia College, I felt like a fish out of water, eager to wrap up my time there as swiftly as possible. However, as semesters flew by, I discovered that Valencia had much more to offer—a nurturing environment where I could truly flourish.

By my second semester, I found myself enrolled in the Seneff Honors program, a privilege that allowed me to connect with fellow students brimming with the same thirst for growth as myself. Engaging in Valencia's events and workshops became a regular part of my routine. I participated in street clean-ups, attended the Seneff Honors conference hosted at the West Campus, joined Zoom workshops discussing topics ranging from semesters abroad to mental health issues, and even had the pleasure of watching the show "Hamilton" with my Seneff Honor peers. Each of these experiences served as small building blocks on my path towards completing my journey at Valencia.

Seneff honors students before entering the Hamilton Show

Reflecting on the past two years, I can confidently declare that I've been a proud Puma, and that pride will continue to resonate within me.

It was during my second year at Valencia that I ventured into the VGD program. Initially, I joined with the intention of embarking on my childhood dream of studying abroad. However, as I delved deeper into the essence of the VGD program, I found myself pondering why I hadn't joined sooner. The VGD program not only helped me embrace the global citizen within me but also taught me the essence of global citizenship.

To be a globalized citizen means to appreciate diverse backgrounds and to acknowledge the global issues that affect not just me, but also you and everyone around us. It's about understanding these issues on a global scale and seeking solutions that transcend borders.

As I prepare to bid farewell to Valencia College as a student and transition into an alum, I do so with a heart filled with gratitude for the honor of being a part of this community.

My graduating congratulation letter from Valencia

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Reflection

Throughout my time at Valencia and within the VGD program, I've undergone significant growth, evolving into a more globalized citizen. Engaging in workshops and attending in-person events has undoubtedly been the highlight of my Valencia experience. The opportunity to share my journey and experiences with others has been a true blessing.

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