Former UIC Intern to Media Trailblazer: Ximena Caraballo’s Inspiring Interview with Alejandra Oraa

Ximena Caraballo, a distinguished alumna of United International College's (UIC) Communications and Mass Media program, has exemplified the power of storytelling through her recent interview with journalist Alejandra Oraa. This feature not only highlights Oraa's journey in journalism but also underscores Caraballo's commitment to empathetic communication.

Alejandra Oraa: Communicating with Empathy

In the interview published in Miami Pocket, Caraballo delves into Oraa's experiences, shedding light on her journey to becoming a prominent journalist—a journey that includes her 15-year career as an anchor on CNN en Español. Oraa emphasizes the importance of empathy in journalism, stating that understanding and connecting with audiences is crucial in today’s media landscape. Caraballo’s thoughtful questions and narrative style allow readers to better appreciate Oraa’s dedication to authentic storytelling.

Caraballo's Role with the UIC Eagle Rays

Beyond her journalistic endeavors, Caraballo made significant contributions to UIC's athletic community. As an intern with the UIC Eagle Rays, she was instrumental in enhancing the department's media presence. Her responsibilities included developing social media strategies, branding initiatives, and live-streaming events, all of which played a pivotal role in promoting the college's athletic programs.

Caraballo's dedication to her internship exemplifies the practical application of her academic training. Her efforts not only increased visibility for UIC's athletic teams but also fostered a stronger sense of community within the college.

A Testament to UIC's Educational Impact

Caraballo's achievements reflect the comprehensive education provided by UIC's Communications and Mass Media program. Her ability to seamlessly integrate empathy into her journalism and her proactive approach to her internship responsibilities underscore the program's emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

As Caraballo continues to make strides in the field of communication, her journey serves as an inspiration to current and future UIC students. Her story is a testament to the opportunities that arise from dedication, empathy, and a commitment to excellence.

For a deeper insight into Alejandra Oraa's perspective on empathetic communication, read the full interview on Miami Pocket

by Marcela Moyano

Remember the Laughters, the Tears, and the Memories We Share

Written by Ana Regina Bucio
Collective Thoughts, a Publication Series edited by Dr. Debbie Mendez

Mexico City, DF, Mexico— It was October of 2012, and I was coming back from school, but unlike other days, my parents didn’t pick me up. Anyways, I was so excited to arrive home and see my new baby brother, the sun was shining, my eyes were bright, my feet were eager to run faster, and my arms were ready to hug. When I arrived, I crossed the yard and opened the front door, and a cold breeze came out of the house.

I was looking for my parents until the door to the furthest room opened. There they were, waiting for me with smiles on their faces, but I could see the sadness in their eyes. I ran to their arms and asked them what was wrong, then my eyes dimmed, my feet felt heavy and tired, and my arms fell, unable to hug. My baby brother had gone to heaven that day. I was devastated. Suddenly, I began to think of all the things I could have done with him, all the clothes my parents had bought for him, and the dreams of having a brother that vanished rapidly. The following months felt empty, despite my daily routine remaining the same: going to school, doing homework, taking baths, reading, and sleeping, and on some weekends that we went to the park or watched a movie, something was missing, someone was missing.

I felt guilty about enjoying those moments for months because I wanted my little brother to share them with me. I started to neglect enjoying time with those still around me, mainly my
parents, who I now realize were going through a harder time than I was. I was selfish to think it only affected me. But then, faith came again into our family when one day God blessed me with not one, not two, but three little siblings who make me the happiest person on earth today. They brought light and laughter back into our home. I slowly learned that it was okay to share and rejoice in life again, knowing that my brother was watching over us. Years passed, and later, just when I thought we had begun to heal, my mom received a call from the hospital, but this time it was about my dad. My aunt had brought him there because he had been having a bad pain and when he was admitted by the doctors they told us he had a bad incident going on inside of him and that it was a miracle he was still alive, on the other hand, the procedure they had to do came with a 90% death rate. It was the scariest event we had ever faced, and that made me realize more than ever if I had enjoyed the time with my dad enough and if I was prepared in case the procedure failed. And I realized that you will never be prepared to let someone you love that much go, but that is another story altogether.

Through all of this, my little brother taught me to enjoy every moment of life, be grateful for those who are still with us, and to allow myself to feel the sadness of loss. It's okay to miss
someone and cry their absence, but we must also honor them by living our lives fully. My heart learned that moving forward doesn't mean forgetting, it means carrying their memory with us.
Whether it's talking to them through the stars or sending cards to those far away to remind them they are lovable, just let them know, because we never know when our last moments will be, so it's better to remember the laughters, the tears, and the memories we share, rather than regret the things you wished you had said or done with them.

--------------

Collective Thoughts is a blog published once a semester by UIC student authors. Our blog is open to an array of genres, including fiction, essays, and creative writing pieces. Our blog is an open space for our UIC students to IMAGINE, CREATE, and INSPIRE as they share their creative expressions. The mission of Collective Thoughts is to provide a platform to showcase the unique voice of the developing and emerging writer and to foster the love of writing.

For media inquiries or more information about Colective Thoughts, please contact:

Dr. Deborah Mendez
dmendez@uinternational.edu
English Adjunct Professor

Dr. Marcela Moyano
Phone: (954) 258-5663
Email: mmoyano@uinternational.edu
Director of Communication

Mrs. Ana Maria Socha
uicadmissions@uinternational.edu
Phoe: +1(786) 734-7750
Admissions Coordinator

by Marcela Moyano

Super Bowl Champion, Global Graduates, and Unforgettable Stories Define UIC’s 23rd Commencement

Dania Beach, FL — United International College (UIC) proudly held its 23rd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the historic Savor Cinema in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The event celebrated the academic achievements of students from 14 countries, including Bangladesh, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, Turkey, Vietnam, and Venezuela.

The ceremony began with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, performed by Alin Turculescu, a UIC alum in International Business Management, native of Romania, and professional singer.

Degrees were conferred upon 35 graduates, including:

15 Associate of Science degrees in Business Administration, International Business Management, and Travel and Tourism Management
6 Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration and International Business Management
14 Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees

UIC Co-Founder and President Lydia Bautista Moller addressed the graduates, reflecting on the college’s 25-year educational innovation, diversity, and student transformation journey.

Sylvester Williams, Super Bowl Champion, first-round NFL draft pick, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, delivered the keynote address. He recounted his extraordinary journey from homelessness to NFL success and urged graduates to lead with discipline, faith, and persistence. “As you embark on this journey, I want you to dream big—bigger than you ever have before… If you stay committed, stay honest, be accountable, believe in your purpose, and never give up, you have a chance,” Williams said.

Undergraduate Student Speaker Valentina Perez shared her journey from the ESL classroom to receiving her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She is the producer of United in Voices, the first student-created podcast at UIC, and an Event Project Coordinator for a California-based corporate event agency.

“To my undergraduate brothers and sisters—together we will represent United International College by taking the journey to success and will apply our knowledge, determination, motivation, enthusiasm, and desire to reach our goals and our dreams. Why? Because we can,” said Perez.
“This here today represents a milestone not only for me but for all of my ancestors. I have become the very first person from my family to obtain a bachelor’s degree from the United States of America.”

Representing the graduate class, Sanjin Alam of Bangladesh offered a moving tribute to perseverance in the face of adversity. She completed her MBA while her mother and brother were battling cancer, and was grieving the loss of her father.

“Being a woman who returned to academics after a long break, I have realized that the strength we need is already within us—we just need the courage to believe in it,” Alam said. “To all the dreamers out there, know this: one small step taken with purpose can lead to unimaginable change. Whether it’s helping one person or impacting thousands, every act of kindness matters.”