Lena from the U.S. joined us in 2017-2018 for our Masters Degree in International Relations. Here is her story…
Being a high school student is incredibly difficult. It is confusing, paradoxical, and frustrating for many. For me, the emphasis was on confusion. I had no idea what my strengths and weaknesses were, what I wanted, or who I was. I was desperate for some direction and purpose.
In 2012, at a time when I felt most disordered and unfulfilled, it all came to a head, and I participated in an exchange program with Argentina that changed my life. Suddenly, my heart was being filled in ways that I had never felt before. It was as if everything that I was looking for was suddenly right in front of me. I fell in love with every aspect of my time in Buenos Aires—the people, the language, the food, and the passionate nature of the culture.
As I grew older, my fascination and deep appreciation of Argentina began to infiltrate other parts of my life. No longer was I simply desperate to be with my “sisters” and “family” in the country…I yearned for it to become a more intricate part of my life. As my interests developed within the States, I became involved in the social justice community of my University. This is when I began to imagine combining my love for Latin America and the Spanish language into a unified educational pursuit. I do not want a surface-level, visiting-basis, foreigner relationship with my dear Argentina. I want to be a true part of the country, as I feel the country is a true part of me.
Studying International Relations will fully culminate the educational and cultural passions that have brought me to this point. I am fervent about the world and its people. I maintain the belief that a better world—filled with human rights, justice, and equality—is possible. I am captivated by the unique political position of Latin America within the world and the focus on growth in relation to globalization and foreign policy. As the world continues to change and globalization becomes more and more inevitable, how will Latin America position itself as a global player? So many factors make Latin America a unique partaker in foreign relations, and I find it fascinating. I would be able to focus on discourse with international professors and students from around the world. An educational experience outside of the United States will both challenge and shift my own culturally biased perspectives so that I can develop a more authentic understanding of Latin American politics.
Additionally, my language competence in Spanish has not only improved in this program, but I was also able to put it to a practical use that makes me feel proud and accomplished. I am fully committed to immersing myself in the study of in the international relations focusing on South America. I will be able to refine my Spanish vernacular and expand my terminology from a political perspective. This program will help me to move towards beginning a legitimate political and/or social career within Latin America, allowing me to put my talents to a sincerely meaningful purpose that can potentially make an impact on the world.