Global Campus Activities
SPN 3350: Span Grammar/Composition
I decided to take a Spanish grammar and composition course because I wanted to reconnect with a part of myself that I felt I was losing. Spanish was my first language, but once I started school, English took over almost everything. Growing up in Orlando made it easy to stop practicing Spanish, and over time I realized how much of it I had forgotten. By middle school, I saw that my weak Spanish skills were affecting my ability to connect with my parents, who only speak Spanish. I did not want language to become a barrier in my own family.
For a long time I was embarrassed to speak Spanish because of my American accent. People would make comments, and it made me self conscious. Eventually I realized that anyone who speaks more than one language understands the struggle, and the people who were criticizing me usually only spoke one language. That helped me push past the fear. I took Spanish classes throughout high school and made good progress, but I still felt that I needed more practice, especially with writing.
In college I enrolled in a Spanish grammar and composition course. I had decent conversation skills from speaking with my family, but I had almost no experience with formal writing. The course was very challenging, and I even got a D on my first exam. It was a tough moment because I had worked so hard to improve. I talked with my professor about my background, and he was incredibly understanding. He gave me extra exercises to help me catch up to the rest of the class.
The books we read in the course opened my eyes to how beautiful Spanish literature is. I enjoyed them so much that I kept reading outside of class and have now read almost all the recommended books. My Spanish has improved a lot, and even though I know I still have room to grow, I am proud of how far I have come and excited to keep learning.
PorColombia club:
Being part of PorColombia, UF’s Colombian cultural club, has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. Even though I was born in the United States, my Colombian heritage has always been an important part of my identity, and this club has given me a space to embrace and connect with that side of myself in a really genuine way. From the moment I started attending events, I felt welcomed by people who understood the culture I grew up hearing about at home, even if my experiences were slightly different.
PorColombia events are always filled with energy and warmth. Watching soccer games together has become one of my favorite parts—the atmosphere is so lively that it feels like I’m watching a match with family back home. It reminds me how passionate and united Colombian communities can be, and it gives me a sense of belonging that is hard to find anywhere else on campus. The club also hosts general body meetings where we discuss topics about Colombian culture, music, and history. Some of what I learn is completely new to me because I didn’t attend school in Colombia. Hearing these stories and perspectives has helped me understand the country in a much fuller way, beyond what I learned at home or through family.
Being involved in PorColombia has allowed me to connect with my roots in a deeper, more intentional way. It has helped me appreciate my heritage not just as something I grew up with, but as something I actively participate in and continue to learn about. I feel proud to be Colombian-American, and the community I’ve found through this club has made that pride even stronger. Overall, PorColombia has given me friendships, cultural knowledge, and a sense of identity that I truly value.
Hispanic Latinx Student Assembly
The Hispanic Latinx Student Assembly ceremony was one of the very first events I attended at UF, and it ended up shaping my college experience. As a first generation Latina, I was honestly terrified of starting college. Everything felt new and overwhelming, and I did not have anyone in my family who could guide me through what to expect. Walking into an event full of people who shared my culture and similar life experiences felt comforting in a way I did not even realize I needed. It opened my eyes to how big, warm, and welcoming the Latino community is at UF.
The ceremony was filled with energy and joy. There was a photo booth, culture clubs, live music, and everyone was so open and excited to celebrate who we are. It was a beautiful experience, and to this day I still remember the feeling of belonging I felt in that room. Some of the people I met that night have become my closest friends. I truly made lifelong friends by choosing to step out of my comfort zone and attend that event, even though I was nervous.
I am very sad that the current political administration has cut back on DEI programs, which led to this ceremony being canceled. This was not just a fun event. It was something that helped students like me feel seen and supported during one of the most stressful transitions of our lives. It was necessary, and it made a real difference in my growth and in the lives of many of my friends.
Going to college was overwhelming, and being first generation meant I was used to figuring out everything on my own. I knew that if I did not put myself out there, I would be doing a disservice to my experience. Attending this ceremony was one of the best decisions I made. It reminded me that I was not alone in wanting to find community. I grew up in a Hispanic household surrounded by Latino culture, and I worried that moving to Gainesville would mean losing that connection. Instead, I found an even bigger community than I expected. It encouraged me to attend more cultural events, meet more people, and fully embrace my identity throughout college.