Major: Government and Politics
Global Studies Program: Discover the World:
Europe (Salamanca Cohort)
What is your background?
I am 2nd generation Puerto Rican American, currently living in New
Jersey. Aside from brief periods in Mexico while visiting
family in southern California, I have never traveled abroad.
I was a student on the Staten Island Campus.
Where are you originally from?
Brooklyn, NY
What student clubs, sports, or extracurricular
activities are you involved?
Presidents Society, Student Government, Orientation
Leader, Criminal Justice Association, Latin American Student
Organization, Future Alumni Association & the Multi-Cultural
Student Organization.
Why did you decide to study abroad?
It has always been one of my goals in life, to live and
study in another country. The opportunity for study abroad at
the Rome campus is actually the main reason I chose St.
John’s.
What appealed to you about the particular program you
selected?
The innovative approach of a multi country study abroad
program in three of Europe’s most sought-after countries.
What did you like best about studying abroad?
Experiencing European customs and traditions, and being
able to identify and analyze their ways of life as the ancestral
foundation of both my Caribbean heritage and American culture.
What was your most memorable experience?
I don’t have a single most memorable experience, or
favorite city or culture. Every country I visited, both in
and out of the program, created a “most memorable”
experience. Salamanca had the most profound connection to the
Age of Discovery. Rome had the most breathtaking sunsets and
delicious cuisine. Paris, I had the most unexpected bond with
Paris because of its remarkable similarities to New York
City. Both in its landscape, ethnic make-up and patronage to
hip hop culture, Paris was my most surprising and non-stereotypical
experience in Europe.
How has the study abroad experience affected you now
that they are back in New York?
Unfortunately it was a very difficult transition returning
to daily life in New York after traveling like a rock star for four
months. However, there were some life changing, and arguably
life saving, customs I picked up on while was I out there.
The most important being; work to live, not live to work. For
the most part, Americans define our success by the money we make
and the titles we hold. To attain such things is relatively
easy given the resources available to us in this country. The
most difficult challenge is being able to balance professional
responsibility and quality time in your personal life, whether it
is with family, the pursuit of travel, a passion for art, dinning,
etc. Since my return home, I’ve let go of my workaholic ways,
and have seeked to find that balance which will ultimately lead to
a much more rewarding and happy life.
Would you recommend studying abroad to a
friend?
Absolutely! DTW fulfilled one of my life’s
dreams. It was everything I expected and more. I
was probably most happiest during my time abroad because I knew I
was blessed with an opportunity most people, and certainly not
anyone in my family, will ever experience.