One word to encapsulate my internal reasoning is Ubuntu, which means, “I am what I am because of who we all are.”
Ever since I was a child, the desire to help others has been a staple in my life, and this obsession over humanitarianism is credited to my unique upbringing. Born to a Colombian mother and an African American father, I have witnessed cultures collide firsthand. My family and I lived in Cartagena, Colombia, from 2011 to 2014. From this experience, I garnered the ability to recognize, analyze, and understand what happens in the world around me. Without these basic skills, I would be lost in a world of confusion and exclusivity.
During my time in Colombia, I noticed a lot of the problems that plagued the community were similar, if not identical, to the ones back in the United States; furthermore, these issues seemed to affect people who looked like me. This conundrum has followed me over the years, and I strive to resolve worldwide systemic issues. These thoughts would intensify after the summer of 2023.
As a Patricia Robert Harris Fellow (Howard University Fellowship), I was blessed to intern in Cape Town, South Africa. During my time in Cape Town, I was interning with a local NGO performing arts school, “The Rainbow Academy.” Here I worked as a fundraising consultant and hosted numerous events to help generate some income for the school. Throughout my time, I was able to meet and connect with young adults who welcomed me with open arms. This internship further shaped my perspective on the interconnectedness of the world and fueled my passion for humanitarianism.
Fast forward 10 years since leaving Cartagena, and I am interning at the pinnacle of unity and peace, the United Nations. Gratitude is an understatement. My internship with the Education and Outreach Programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery has been astounding. Being able to work with such amazing individuals has truly been a blessing. People here are from every continent but still treat each other with the same level of respect and admiration.
Internally speaking, the people who work here have phenomenal character and work ethic. These characteristics are contagious and even energize my own work. Before starting this internship, I was overwhelmed with a sense of surrealism, and as this internship comes to a close, the feeling remains. It is difficult for me to conceive of this experience in its totality. There is so much history tied to this international organization, and to contribute to its nobility is a privilege. Nothing is perfect, but the goals and motivations of this institution are just. The people behind the scenes are working very hard to maintain, establish, and preserve peace and order in the world.
Now, I must take time to credit my soon-to-be alma mater, Howard University. Without the opportunities provided to me through the university, I would not be able to secure this internship. I hope to bridge the gap between the United Nations and Howard University and establish a mutual relationship between students, faculty, and institutions. A special thanks to Ralph J. Bunche Center and faculty who have helped me along the way.
Also, thank you to the UNA-USA team, who truly made this internship possible. The UNA-USA fellowship helped me tremendously during this internship, and without their financial support I could never fulfill such an amazing opportunity. Of course, a major appreciation for my family, who continue to encourage me to become the best human being I can be.
I am what I am because of who we all are.