Storytelling has always captivated me because it provides a window into the human experience. From an early age, writing stories and crafting poetry allowed me to explore my own emotions and sparked a desire to understand the emotions of others. My global experiences throughout my studies so far have allowed me to creatively explore storytelling through psychological and intercultural narratives.

 

Participating in the ISP program and traveling to both Poland and Scotland during my undergraduate studies were pivotal to my growth not only as a student, but as a more well-rounded person. Specifically, the Summer Undergraduate International Research Program (SUIRP) grant from the UF Center for Undergraduate Research changed the trajectory of my career path and has influenced my research interests in further graduate study. The SUIRP program is unique in that I traveled alone to the country of my choice on a research grant. Truly, the only people I knew in Scotland were my mentor and my flatmate (whom I only met for a 30-minute WhatsApp call). I’d never been on a ‘solo’ international trip of this scale before, so I was rightfully terrified. I was diving into the complete unknown, where everything could go completely wrong, and I was 1,000+ miles from home to fix it. However, diving headfirst into this experience has taught me that (as cliche as it sounds) I really can do anything. Even with a broken phone, I used problem-solving and adaptability. Thus, my campus involvements, global experiences, and research have contributed to both my confidence and intercultural skills. 

 

Traveling internationally has spotlighted the kindness of strangers and of those around me. I was constantly taken aback by the selflessness of the people that I met, even on first meeting. I truly believe that intercultural experiences create the most long-lasting friendships and relationships. Most of my friends abroad were Scottish, British, French, Dutch, etc. - all individuals from a variety of backgrounds and diverse perspectives. This allowed me to gain a deeper and richer understanding of storytelling, and it has influenced my overall global values. Compassion can be found anywhere in the world; we are all brought together by the shared belief, need, and want for connection and shared stories. 

 

Furthermore, this experience has opened my eyes to the field of global mental health. I now have a clearer path to the values I want to integrate as a future psychologist. I hope to incorporate globally and culturally-informed perspectives for trauma-based models as I pursue a future PhD in Clinical Psychology. SUIRP and my international research experience have also provided me with incredible opportunities to meet professionals in my research fields of interest at two conferences in Dublin and Glasgow, conduct full-time research, and even visit a women’s rehabilitative prison in Stirling. Moreover, I examined the cross-cultural differences of the forensic space. For example, the scope of practice in the UK is focused largely on rehabilitation and assessment. The UK and the US also have different approaches when it comes to the impacts of policing and its approaches to governmental trials. It has been such an enlightening experience to explore the multicultural definitions of justice within both the clinical and carceral spaces. Though this, I hope to continue working in a global clinical space in the future. 

 

I can look back on my global experiences, tangible communication skills, and interpersonal skills as memorialized in my ePortfolio. Therefore, in a way, the ePortfolio is my own personal story on the importance of global education and my cross-cultural skills. During my time abroad, I also made curated playlists with a song each day that reminded me of something that happened, whether it was a lyric, the artist, or just the song's general vibe. Even if I did nothing that day besides research, a small act of kindness or an interaction with one person would make the day more unique and memorable. When I relisten to those playlists, each note represents a story and a memory from that specific day. While some memories can become a blur with time, I can use my experiences and the playlists to further reflect. Using this art of storytelling, I am prepared to pursue a career that builds on the skills and lessons gained from the International Scholars Program and my global experiences.