PITT HOME |FIND PEOPLE
Through the Vira I. Heinz Program for Women in Global Leadership, Victoria had the opportunity to study international relations, Spanish, and political science in Cuba. She spent two months there emerging herself into Cuban culture to better understand Cuba and its people. She stayed with a husband and wife as well as with three other girls studying in the same program as her. The heat was exhausting and the relaxed mindset of people was frustrating to her at times. Little did she know she would soon hold this same mindset. Everyone is always in a rush in the U.S but in Cuba time is relaxed and flexible. Victoria eventually adapted to this more relaxed and flexible approach to life and time. She realized she doesn’t always have to be in a rush to move on to the next thing or activity, but should enjoy what she’s doing at that moment. Victoria took classes on social revolutions in Latin America and Latin American film, both important in explaining Cuba’s political views and social issues. She also took a cooking class and a dance class since food and salsa dancing are very relevant to Cuban culture and life. While abroad she learned the importance of personal relationships among people. She was impacted by observing how friendly Cuban people were to one another and how everyone was willing to help one another, even if they just met. This changed her viewpoint on materialist tendencies within the United States. Victoria no longer wants materialistic things to take precedence in her life. Instead, she wants important issues and those who she loves to take precedent. Next, the professors who taught her classes became family to her. They helped her practice Spanish and made sure she was doing well not just within the classroom but in getting accustomed to living abroad. Although Victoria faced machismo through her cultural emergence with large amounts of catcalling, the educational value behind it was well worth it. She realized the importance of appreciation for people and the things she owned. She also realized that not everyone is as fortunate as she is when it comes to opportunities and everyday life. Cuba taught Victoria more than she could’ve imagined and Cuba changed her for the better. Victoria feels more prepared toward becoming an immigration attorney after her experience in Cuba. She has gained newfound confidence which will be helpful to her in the courtroom. She also had the experience of seeing where some immigrants come from originally and what caused them to migrate in the first place. These experiences can help her make connections within her future career in ways other people might not be able to.
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Supported by The Heinz Endowments | University of Pittsburgh
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