End of Term

By:

Romina Pinto

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Romina Pinto

<i>"Hello" in your host country's language:</i> Hello <i>Home Institution (your U.S. University/College):</i> University of South Carolina <i>Expected graduation year:</i> 2022 <i>Destination city & country:</i> Canterbury, United Kingdom <i>Program provider:</i> University of Kent <i>Major/minor:</i> Major: International Studies Minor: Linguistics <i>Demographics:</i> First-generation, non-traditional <i>Future career aspirations:</i> After graduation, I would like to pursue a master's degree abroad in Global Security and Borders or in Violence, Terrorism, and Security. My goal is to be a part of an international project or international nonprofit organization to help bring the best practices to law enforcement or assistance generally, to improve the lives of people. Especially vulnerable communities, where families face violence or other critical issues that threaten their safety and impede their development and progress. <i>Top 3 goals for your time abroad:</i> 1- Broaden my knowledge and gain the necessary expertise to strengthen my professional competencies regarding international cooperation and international security matters. 2- Increase my understanding regarding the UK's new role in Europe as the Brexit process takes place and how this affects the UK and neighboring countries. 3- Engage with a diverse community from whom I can draw more insight and different perspectives into the world, as well as establish lasting friendships and a network of contacts to further a cultural and professional collaboration.

This past week was the last week of the term. Seminars were scheduled as usual, but attendance was low. In the seminar for the module on Terrorism and Political Violence, I was the only student in attendance. The seminar did not proceed as normal, but the professor offered to use that time to go over any questions I may have. I am glad I had that opportunity because I was able to ask Dr. Voller questions regarding my second essay for this module. For this essay, the prompt requires that I write about whether I agree with Alan Dershowitz’s assertion that terrorism works. On the other hand, I have already submitted the second essay for the module on Foreign Policy Analysis and Management about Chinese foreign policy in the South China Sea, and I am almost done writing the second essay for the module on The United Nations about U.N. peacekeeping operations. I hope to have it ready in the next couple of days. On the last day of school, the campus looked almost empty, as many students already have gone home for the holidays. I am sad that this term has come to an end because I have really enjoyed studying here, but I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity. I also feel happy that I have accomplished one more of my academic goals, and I am looking forward to the next semester at the University of South Carolina. This weekend, I went to see friends in London, to wish them a Merry Christmas and say goodbye since soon I will be leaving the UK. It was nice to see them after such a long time! Wafaa and I have also said our goodbyes. She has been great! She is caring, and she always made sure I was ok and that I had everything I needed. We have become good friends, and we will stay in touch!