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.

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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.”

The full ceremony can be viewed on UIC’s official YouTube channel.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Dr. Marcela Moyano
Phone: (954) 258-5663
Email: mmoyano@uinternational.edu

For admissions information, please contact
Mrs. Ana Maria Socha
uicadmissions@uinternational.edu
Phoe: +1(786) 734-7750

by Marcela Moyano

Super Bowl Champion Sylvester Williams to Inspire UIC Graduates at 23rd Commencement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2025

United International College to Hold XXIII Commencement Ceremony on May 3rd in Fort Lauderdale

Dania Beach, FL — United International College (UIC) proudly announces its XXIII Commencement Ceremony, to be held on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the historic Savor Cinema, located at 503 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

This year, the college will celebrate the academic achievements of students representing 14 countries, including Bangladesh, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, Turkey, Vietnam, and Venezuela.

UIC will confer degrees to 35 graduating students, 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.

Lydia Bautista Moller, Co-Founder and President of United International College, will address the graduating Class of 2025. Bautista founded United International College in 2000, opening its first campus in Davie. This August, the college will celebrate its 25th anniversary under her leadership.

UIC is honored to welcome Sylvester Williams as its 2025 Commencement Speaker. Williams is a Super Bowl Champion, NFL first-round draft pick, successful entrepreneur, and nationally acclaimed motivational speaker. His powerful journey from poverty and hardship to the NFL’s biggest stage is a testament to resilience, faith, and determination. Today, he inspires audiences across the nation to push boundaries and lead with a champion’s mindset.

This year’s Undergraduate Student Speaker, Valentina Perez, will share her inspiring academic journey. A graduate of the ESL program at United Language Institute and now a recipient of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Valentina is the producer and director of the United in Voices podcast, the first-ever student-produced podcast at UIC. She is an Event Project Coordinator of Go Gather,  a full-service corporate event management agency based in California.

Representing the graduate class, Sanjin Alam, from Bangladesh, will serve as the Graduate Student Speaker. Sanjin will be awarded an MBA for her outstanding research on consumer reviews in the digital era, offering practical strategies for businesses to enhance competitive positioning, long-term growth, and customer satisfaction in today’s digital economy.

"As an international student, completing my MBA at United International College has been a journey of transformation and resilience. The supportive environment, dedicated faculty, and diverse community at UIC played a vital role in helping me overcome challenges, adapt to new experiences, and ultimately achieve this milestone with confidence and purpose," adds Alam.

Following the ceremony, graduates and guests are invited to take photos in the beautiful courtyard of Savor Cinema, located just a block from Fort Lauderdale’s scenic New River. The celebration will continue at Masa & More, a charming waterfront restaurant offering a 10% discount to all UIC guests. Reservations are required at (754) 200-5931.

Access the XXIII Commencement Ceremony of United International College program 
The ceremony will be streamed live on YouTube at UIC's YouTube Channel

For media inquiries or more information about the event, please contact:
Dr. Marcela Moyano
Phone: (954) 258-5663
Email: mmoyano@uinternational.edu

by Marcela Moyano

United International College Hosted Pitch & Thrive Business Expo Showcasing Student Entrepreneurs

Dania Beach, FL — Students enrolled in the Entrepreneurship, Creativity, and Innovation course at United International College, led by Professor Jack Rose, hosted the Pitch & Thrive Business Expo on Friday, April 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the college’s new campus at 249 South Federal Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004.

At the Expo, students presented their business ideas, outlining their primary and secondary target markets, the products and/or services they offered, and their five-year visions for growth. The event provided students real-world experience pitching their ventures while engaging with the community and receiving valuable feedback.

Professor Jack Rose emphasized both the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, stating, “Opening a business is a challenge, but for long-term success, the most important ingredient is growing your business.” He added, “Demographics change frequently, and data analytics are crucial. You need to know what you're selling, who your customers are, who could become your customers, how to build lasting relationships, how to expand product lines, and the importance of maintaining a strong customer database. Most importantly, listen to what your customers are trying to tell you.”

This year’s Expo featured the most diverse and innovative range of student-led business concepts. Many international students developed ideas for businesses in their home countries, researching relevant regulations and market dynamics to support their plans.

To highlight the event’s theme of innovation and practical application, each student showcased their unique entrepreneurial journey through detailed business models. From fashion and fitness to food delivery and financial technology, the ventures reflected a wide spectrum of industries, underscoring the students’ diverse backgrounds and interests. These ventures not only embodied the course's core principles—creativity, adaptability, and vision—but also offered attendees a glimpse into the future of global entrepreneurship through the lens of the next generation of business leaders.

Student Ventures Featured at the Expo Included:

• Football Link – Marcelo’s athlete management agency launched in São Paulo, Brazil, connecting players with teams through a global network of clubs and universities, with future expansion plans in the Americas and Europe.

• Instant Classic – Dominic’s vintage retail business specializing in collectibles, apparel, and accessories targeting Generation Z and high school drama departments, with plans to open stores in major U.S. cities and an e-commerce platform.

• Campos Tennis Academy – A high-quality tennis training center aiming to develop skills, community, and sportsmanship across all ages and levels.

• Ecotourism – A custom travel experience business focused on sustainability, eco-lodging, and conservation, with goals to expand internationally.

• FanEscape – Mariana Diaz’s luxury sports travel concierge service, offering curated experiences for sports fans worldwide.

• Healthvery – A personalized health-focused meal delivery service offering dietary consultations and collaborations with healthcare providers.

• Titan Forge Fitness – A high-performance training facility providing expert-led strength and conditioning programs for athletes and enthusiasts alike.

• Plus Ultra – Andre’s athletic supplement brand featuring fast-dissolving tablets and gummies designed to enhance performance, starting in Fort Myers.

• MG Waterspots – A cold therapy brand specializing in ice bath tubs for athletes and wellness seekers, with plans to expand from Hollywood, FL, to a nationwide online and showroom presence.

• Sharif’s Auto Solutions – A car sales and service business offering pre-owned vehicles, maintenance, and customer-first support.

• Techtonic Shift – Rakibul Islam’s electronics company offering phones, laptops, and accessories, with a customer-focused, global growth strategy.

• Next Level Soccer Training – Carly Jure’s private soccer training business for youth athletes, launching in Miami with regional expansion plans.

• Daljinsko Upravljanje d.o.o. – Dora Kos’s European-based distributor of reliable, high-quality electronics, committed to excellent logistics and customer care.

• Trusted Lawyers – Jairo Martinez’s Miami law firm offers personal injury legal services with a strong record of trial success and client advocacy.

• USA Shopping – Kevin Mejia’s international shipping company facilitates the purchase of exclusive U.S. goods for customers in Colombia.

• Da Jungle Boxing Club – Nicholas Moultry’s professional-level boxing academy based in Miami, focused on building talent and promoting boxing as a positive outlet.

• Pari Couture – Parnya Nadeem’s custom fashion brand blending elegance and sustainability through couture and ready-to-wear collections.

• ThermoKicks – Roberto Oviedo’s tech-fashion hybrid that uses thermochemical materials in footwear to change color with temperature, merging style and innovation.

• Athleisure Avenue – Damon Phillips’s urban apparel retail business offering high-end sneakers and sportswear in Miami, with ambitions to rival major U.S. chains.

• EcoThread Apparel – Zahidul Rizve’s sustainable clothing brand uses organic and recycled materials to promote conscious fashion.

• LGR WORLD – Leonardo Gondos Rodrigues’s bold streetwear label targeting youth who value style, cultural influence, and self-expression.

• Sanda’s Crypto Hub – Filip Sanda’s educational platform for beginners in Web3 and crypto, focused on the Solana blockchain, with free resources available.

• Jordan’s Auto Shine – Jordan Washington’s mobile and on-site premium car detailing service offering high-end treatments for luxury vehicles.

For media inquiries or more information about the event, please contact:

United International College
Public Relations Office
publicrelations@uinternational.edu

by Marcela Moyano