By: Noraly Paul
Who I Am and My Plans
Hello to you! My name is Noraly Paul, and I am a sophomore majoring in Public Health at Florida State University. I knew I wanted to go to university after high school because education has and will always be the most important thing. No one can take away what you know or have learned— it’s yours to keep. So, being a scholar is important to me. I want to learn and grow in my academic achievements and intellectual understanding. Pairing this with wanting to understand the world around you gives you a Global Scholar. It means you get to expand what you know through going out into an environment new to you. Learning how to connect with someone without speaking the same language is powerful. That is what I want to become.
Becoming a global scholar means viewing myself as part of a global community. I am going to carry out the tenets of “global scholarship” through my planned summer experience and capstone project by putting myself out there. Putting yourself out there is easier said than done because the fear of being perceived and judged is enough to make you not step out. But, through mentorship and the support system behind me, I’ve developed the passion to understand cultural differences and want to go out and see. So, through working with local organizations in Miami, I am right in the environment of a new community. One that is vulnerable to the changes, climate and economically, in Miami, FL. Understanding that though I am from Miami, I am not part of all the different communities. So, this is forcing me out of my comfort zone and pushing me to think beyond my experience and get to know those who are much more vulnerable.
I plan on working alongside a non-profit organization by the name of The CLEO Institute, based in Miami, FL. Their goal is to encourage climate change action while supporting the communities that are affected. It is inspiring to see that this is a women-led organization prioritizing equity and justice for those locally and globally as well. I will be volunteering at their community events that range from educating the local communities on the recent changes happening in the community to working with local schools to empower students with the knowledge and leadership skills in the face of climate change. As well as interviewing 1-2 members due to their being greatly educated and experienced with climate change and economic advancements in Miami, I can learn from them.
I am truly looking forward to meeting various communities in my city and truly becoming immersed in caring for others through education and aid. I have done it before, and it’s truly eye-opening to see how you do not need millions of dollars to help those right in your backyard. Even helping those across the globe from your own backyard. I’m cautious about how the organization operates in person. Though I can research and communicate with them online, it will be completely different in person. I hope it is a friendly environment where I can carry out a symbiotic relationship.
My CBI
I am greatly interested in the local community of Miami, Florida, because it is one of the richest places for diversity. From the different colorful cultural foods, different music styles, dancing, and even the cultural background and tongues of those walking around. It truly is the goldmine of melting pots. You can find all cultures across the globe in this beach city. That is the unique thing about Miami and why I was interested in researching. Another special part of Miami is the ability to meet those from across the globe without leaving the country. In addition, through research, it is seen that Miami is “ground zero” for climate risk here in the U.S.
I will be in the center of Miami, where a major urban development project and climate change are happening. I have heard about gentrification and how many black homeowners have been losing their housing to million-dollar companies buying properties all over Miami. I want to take the time to understand their communities and take the time to research, interview members, and overall see firsthand how these pressures are and will continue to impact the marginalized communities in Miami. I hope that through my structured inquiries and the impact of this research to showcase how deep community engagements and taking the time to get to know these communities impacted can foster great change.
Not giving up on these vulnerable communities and entering their domain through their eyes is the most effective way to showcase their voices and how real-life consequences are happening to the local communities of Miami. Behind the glitz and glam we see online, some real people need to be heard and respected. I hope to bring their voices with me through my summer research.
To integrate and engage with my host community respectfully and effectively, I will listen to the community. Rather than going in with preconceived notions on how they will behave, I come in with an open mind, ready to learn. Along with actually going to where these communities are through the organization’s local events, joining clubs, and local family businesses. This includes the local fish market on the corner of the street, signing up for the local yoga class, supporting the local art pop-ups, and supporting the local mom-and-pop shops that have been here since the 80s.
This will allow me to work and interact authentically with these communities to foster trust and respect. I can uniquely share my culture/values in exchange for learning theirs while being myself. These communities know when those are part of their community, so showing up how I am currently lets them know I am from a different community. With this, I will integrate myself into reciprocal activities in Miami, such as dance/music classes, community events, and volunteering. These forces others to talk and meet new people, where you are there to exchange perspectives.
HSF House Blogs 