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

Final Exam Meets Fieldwork: UIC Public Relations Students Take Learning to the Streets of Wynwood

In a vibrant blend of academics and real-world immersion, students from United International College’s Public Relations Campaigns course wrapped up their semester with a unique off-campus final exam. Under the direction of Dr. Marcela Moyano, the exam took place in the heart of Wynwood at Panther Coffee, a locally beloved roastery with global impact.

The Day Begins in Wynwood

At 9:30 a.m., students arrived at 2390 NW 2nd Ave, where the warm aroma of fresh-roasted coffee welcomed them to a space that would serve as both classroom and inspiration. Each student opened the day by delivering a one-minute pitch on their Public Relations Campaign Proposal, highlighting the overarching goal and the most relevant strategy of their personal project.

These brief but impactful pitches reflected months of hard work and preparation, setting the tone for the morning.

Learning Through Ethical Business

The group was met by Anthony Vinciguerra, Director of the Global Solidarity Haitian Partnership, who provided valuable context about the day’s deeper mission. Panther Coffee sources beans directly from the COCANO Coffee Cooperative in Northwest Haiti—a partnership that supports Haitian coffee growers and promotes sustainable business practices.

Students then heard from Mike Van Tyle, Panther’s head of roasting and coffee sourcing. He shared Panther’s story, his personal journey, and the ethical motivation behind their ongoing work with COCANO.

He also demonstrated how to roast coffee beans and spoke with students about the art and science of quality coffee production. Van Tyle emphasized the importance of long-term relationships with farmers, walking the group through the various development stages that ensure consistency, sustainability, and excellence in every cup.

Brewing Ideas, Writing Strategy

Students had a chance to taste Panther’s Haitian COCANO coffee. Then, the students settled in to write their final exam. Students crafted strategic Public Relations Campaigns tailored to Panther Coffee and COCANO based on their morning immersion and learning about fair-trade coffee and relationships of solidarity.

“Fuel Your Day, the Panther Way” is the tagline created by Karyna Shapsuk to target Gen Z audiences through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with the goal of increasing Panther Coffee’s social media following. “Panther Coffee should be more than a coffee shop; it should be a creative, cultural hangout spot,” she explained, envisioning the brand as a hub for connection and lasting impact.

UIC’s Vision in Action

This experience reflects United International College’s commitment to transformative, hands-on learning that prepares students to engage with real-world issues. Dr. Marcela Moyano’s Public Relations Campaigns course doesn’t just teach communications—it embodies it, cultivating future professionals who understand the role of strategy in creating ethical and lasting impact.

by Marcela Moyano

Valerie Seguin: An Inspiration to Future Communication and Mass Media Arts Students

Blog Post by Dr. Marcela Moyano

Dania Beach, FL- During the COVID 19 Pandemic, Valerie Seguin transferred to United International College from Talk International in the Summer of 2020. She enrolled in the Communications and Mass Media program coming from a 15+ Finance career in France. Valerie adds that she joined this program because communications was a field so foreign to her that it was worth exploring for a bachelor's degree. Valerie is originally from Bordeaux, France.

In the Spring of 2021, Valerie took a course on Podcasting and produced Wellness Whispers, a Podcast on the Mediterranean Diet. In the third episode of her podcast, she interviewed, Dr. Michel de Logeril, a published cardiologist and nutritionist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the School of Medicine at Grenoble University, France. This episode has had several views and provides important information on the Mediterranean Diet.

During the same semester, she took Photography and exhibited her work at the J. Alberto Moyano Gallery at UIC. She developed her passion for photography and purchased the latest Sony photography technology to continue capturing what her eyes were seeing with her camera lens. On one of her trips to Sicily Island, she took breathtaking pictures of the Ancient theatre of Taormina. She sent these pictures to Dr. Guido, her Photography professor to curate the best picture for a second exhibition. Valerie exhibited once again her photography, this time based on her passion for photography that she developed as a result of the course.

In Animation I and II courses, Valerie worked for a year developing illustrations and animating her illustrations for her Short Film Zen Zone (2023) with a running time of 2:52 minutes. The short film depicts the common reality of a working mother who struggles with balancing her household responsibilities and work demands. When she cannot find a balance and her stress is unsustainable, she collapses and needs a solution to continue her life. This film resonates with every working mom who sees herself identified in this animated story.

Valerie also exhibited her drawings as a result of her Drawing course. One of her drawings illustrates a typical French dinner of cheese, grapes, bread, and wine. A much-longed meal for Valerie and her husband while living in the United States.

As an advocate for women’s empowerment and to emphasize the importance of the role of women in society, Valerie represented the character of Super Woman in the Theater and Performing Arts final performance. Her script illustrated women’s strength, resilience, and determination in the face of life's challenges.

Valerie concludes her academic coursework with the Documentary course at United International College where she, and her classmate, Renata Diniz, produced and directed, United in Diversity: Voices of UIC International Students (2024) with a running time of 32:03 minutes. Their documentary depicts UIC international students and their process of arriving and adapting to live in the multiversity of South Florida as international students. The film was submitted to a few of the South Florida film festivals.

Communication students are required to complete a 3-credit 145-hour internship before graduation. Valerie chose to intern in the Communications Office of UIC. Valerie assisted the Communications Director of UIC with all the internal and external communication efforts of the college. She put her camera to use during all the Media Day of the UIC Eagle Rays teams. She also updated the multiple websites of UIC using WordPress. She also developed a monthly newsletter with the latest information about the college. She extended her work in the internship as part of her Optional Practical Training (OPT) and continued working for UIC.

As highlighted in this short article, Valerie put all her best efforts into every assignment in every course. This article just highlights a few of her courses. Her other professors could cite the relevancy and singularity of her work. She earned an A in every course and she accumulated a GPA of 3.9. and graduated Manga Cum Laude in the Summer of 2024.

After 10 years of living in the United States, Valerie and her husband Jean-Bernard, returned to France. They plan to live in Sicily. Valerie acquired several communication skills and developed a talent that she can apply anywhere in the world. Your UIC Family will always be here for you. Amusez-vous et profitez bien de votre voyage!

by Marcela Moyano

Nicolas Guzman Camacho in UIC Collective Thoughts

Blog Post Written by Valerie Seguin

Dania Beach, FL- Collective Thoughts is a blog published once a semester by our UIC students. We are pleased to present the work of our 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.

Nicolas Guzman Camacho, Class of 2028 reflects on how the birth of his son reshaped his priorities, transformed his perspective on work-life balance, and redefined his understanding of fulfillment.

A pivotal time in my life by Nicolas Guzman Camacho

The birth of my son, four years ago, was a turning point in my life and reshaped not only my priorities but also myself. I was used to very long hours at work, back-to-back deadlines, and not being able to say “no” through my work as a software engineer. As a matter of fact, my professional identity was closely stitched together with this unending rhythm of productivity, leaving little room for personal well-being or deeper connections.

Reflection about the big picture hardly occurred before the birth of my son. The demands of my job consumed me and made the job first priority. Days were full of tasks and responsibilities that intellectually had fed me yet physically exhausted and emotionally numbed me. The thought of balance was a far-off myth buried beneath expectations- both those I had of myself and those others had. In many ways, I was the product of the environment that I had chosen: one that rewarded dedication with success but quietly eroded the boundaries that define a fulfilling life.

The moment I held my son in my arms for the first time, everything shifted. It was like a blindfold fell off and suddenly I could see what it truly meant to be present, to fully invest in the life I was living. This tiny, fragile human was utterly dependent on me, and with that knowledge came a deep sense of responsibility- not just to his well-being, but to the kind of parent and person I wanted to be. And then, the questions I had avoided or neglected began to surface: What kind of example was I setting? What legacy was I building?

The answer to these questions proved to be quite transformational. That means! I made that very hard decision to quit my demanding job and took another one that allowed remote working. This shift in work schedule allowed me to be more present with the family, to witness the milestones and the ordinary moments that I would have otherwise missed. The healthier path that I chose then brought regular exercise into my routine and made me more conscious of how I wanted to invest my time and energy.

Looking back, the birth of my son was not only a turning point but a catalyst for transformation. It taught me about the importance of balance, time, and joy that cannot be replaced by anything else when one is present for their loved ones. Now, my priorities have shifted in ways that I could never have envisioned, and though the path to that realization was not without its challenges, the journey has proved extremely rewarding. Nowadays, I am not only a better father but also more complete and with a clearer understanding of what is truly important in this life.

by Valerie Seguin

Parnya Nadeem in UIC Collective Thoughts

Blog Post Written by Valerie Seguin

Parnya Nadeem, a student from Islamabad, Pakistan, in the Class of 2028, reflects on a transformative moment in her aviation journey in her essay, The Flight That Redefined My Path, where an ordinary flight turned into an extraordinary test of resilience, responsibility, and leadership, reshaping her career and reigniting her passion for flying.

The Flight That Redefined My Path by Parnya Nadeem

In a pilot’s life, each flight is a unique journey, but some flights become pivotal moments that redefine who we are. For me, it was an ordinary flight that unexpectedly turned into a profound learning experience. This flight reshaped my understanding of responsibility, resilience, and the sheer joy of being in the sky.

Before this flight, my career as a pilot had settled into a predictable rhythm. My days were filled with pre-flight checks, meticulous navigation plans, and the routine of commercial routes. While the excitement of flying was still present, I found myself longing for something more-something beyond the daily grind.

I remember a particular day vividly. It was supposed to be a routine flight from a bustling city to a smaller regional airport. The weather forecast had warned of some turbulence, but nothing out of the ordinary. I was confident in my skills and the aircraft’s performance. However, little did I know that this seemingly ordinary flight would become an extraordinary test of my abilities. As we climbed into the sky, the turbulence hit us with a force I hadn’t anticipated. The plane began to shake, and the familiar hum of the engines turned into a roar. I could see the anxiety in the eyes of the passengers behind me, and I knew I had to stay focused. The turbulence wasn’t just a bump in the road; it was a violent reminder of how unpredictable aviation can be.

In those intense moments, I had to draw upon every ounce of my training and experience. My co-pilot and I worked in sync, communicating calmly and executing maneuvers with precision. The cockpit was filled with the sound of our voices, steady and reassuring. Outside, the plane tossed and turned as if it were a leaf in the wind.

I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility. It was no longer just about following procedures; it was about ensuring the safety and comfort of everyone on board. Every decision was critical, and every second mattered. As the turbulence eventually eased and we landed safely, I felt a mixture of relief and exhaustion. But more than that, I felt a deep sense of clarity.

In the aftermath of that flight, I found myself reflecting deeply. The experience had reinforced my respect for the unpredictability of aviation and highlighted the importance of staying calm under pressure. I realized that being a pilot is not just about technical skills-it’s about embracing challenges with grace and leading with confidence.

This flight became a turning point in my career. It reignited my passion for flying and gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I understood that even in the routine, there are moments that test and define us. I began seeking additional training and eagerly engaged in discussions about handling emergencies. The incident had transformed into a valuable lesson in resilience and empathy.

by Valerie Seguin

A Heartwarming Thanksgiving Celebration at United International College and United Language Institute

Blog Post Written by Valerie Seguin

A Heartwarming Thanksgiving Celebration at United International College and United Language Institute

On Thursday, November 21st, the UIC and ULI community came together to celebrate Thanksgiving at the Dania Beach campus. With the perfect South Florida weather—sunny and warm—the day was a beautiful testament to gratitude, unity, and joy.

The event began with the screening of the documentary United in Diversity: Voices of UIC International Students (2024), directed by Valerie Seguin and Renata Diniz and produced by Marcela Moyano. The film, which highlighted the diverse and inspiring stories of UIC’s international students, resonated deeply with the audience. During the Q&A session, many students expressed enthusiasm for a follow-up documentary featuring athletic students, an idea that Valerie encouraged communication students to develop as a future project.

After the screening, everyone gathered in the campus backyard for a delightful Thanksgiving lunch. Beneath the shade of a majestic century-old tree, a long table draped in elegant cloths created a picturesque dining setting. Under a nearby tent, an impressive array of dishes awaited, many of them contributed by students eager to share their favorite recipes. At the heart of the feast were a perfectly roasted turkey and succulent pork, generously provided by the college. The air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of traditional Thanksgiving flavors, and the cheerful chatter of friends and colleagues added to the festive atmosphere.

The celebration extended beyond the meal as students made the most of the beautiful weather. Some formed impromptu volleyball teams, laughing and cheering as they played on the lawn. Others sat in small groups, enjoying relaxed conversations and connecting with friends. Soft music played in the background, adding a serene and joyful touch to the occasion. The sunny skies, warm breeze, and vibrant energy of the gathering turned the backyard into a haven of togetherness and celebration.

This Thanksgiving marked the first of its kind at UIC’s Dania Beach campus, and it was nothing short of a success. It showcased the spirit of sharing, gratitude, and community that defines UIC.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this event possible—from the students who brought dishes to the professors and staff who worked behind the scenes. The kindness and unity shared that day remind us of the importance of gratitude and the strength of the UIC family.

Happy Thanksgiving, UIC! May this tradition continue to grow, bringing warmth and joy to our community for years to come.