By Sofia Tascon
I’ve learned more about the government of Valencia, Spain as I have been preparing my interview questions. While I was familiar with the structure of their national government, when it came to local government I did not look much into it until one of the leaders of my Editing, Writing, and Media Program pointed out as a worthy look into it. I’ve discovered that Palacio de la Generalitat Valenciana is the palace that acts as the official office for government officials and work. I’ve learned they have a president, currently Carlos Mazón where his agenda is posted online for significant events. Their regional government is composed of a smaller board. I hope to visit this historic monument while abroad.
Funnily enough, my Global Scholars summer experience does not start until a couple of days. However, since the beginning of the Global Scholars Program, I have grown in my confidence of my research skills and my ability to independently write and communicate my ideas. I’ve expanded on my knowledge of types of research, such as learning how to write proposals, to interview individuals, and steps to community engagement. These skills are extremely relevant towards my CBI, where I will be interviewing locals in a city I’ve never been to before, thus requiring me to put myself out there and have the confidence to walk up to someone new. Being able to practice interviewing someone this past spring at the Undegraduate Research Sympousium was great training to what my summer project mainly consists of.
This summer I will be going from one country to another. From the United States to Europe, where culture differentiates in many way. I have been researching the different cultural norms. For example, in Spain the common times for eating are much later in the day/evening than the U.S. I am prepared for changes such as these. When I actually arrive, I will be able to detail all the differences or any waves of cultural shock that I experience. I will also be writing for the Nomadic Noles Magazine, a new experience as I have not wrote for a news magazine in a while. I will also be able to take note of all the new experiences I am having as a student studying abroad for the first time, from something as little as flying without my parents for the first time to as a grand as exploring a new continent in one of the additional trips that I’ll take. The relationships I will form that will greatly influence my experience are my roomates, directors, co-writers, and friends.
Some goals I have set for this summer is to get out of my comfort zone, say yes to many opportunities, and take time to also explore historical monuments that spark my interest as a Political Science major. I love walking around museums, looking at grand churches, and listening to local tour guides. Other opportunities after this project would be programs like Social Science Scholars or undergraduate research partnerships in collaboration with other professors. I hope to make astounding memories to last a lifetime.
HSF House Blogs 