Language has been one of the most transformative forces in my life. My first language is Spanish, the language of my family, culture, and early education. Over time, I have also become fluent in English and French, and I am now studying Italian. Each language has opened intellectual and professional doors, but more importantly, each has shaped the way I understand people, institutions, and the world itself. Growing up as a native Spanish speaker and later pursuing studies in English required persistence and humility. As a first-generation college student and an international student in the United States, I completed higher education in my first language. Studying, writing academic papers, and participating in complex discussions in English demanded far more than vocabulary acquisition—it required learning how another culture structures arguments, expresses nuance, and conceptualizes ideas. At times, I felt the pressure of translating thoughts in real time, ensuring that my ideas were not lost between languages. Like many multilingual students, I often found myself serving as a bridge for others, helping interpret systems, documents, or processes that were not readily accessible in Spanish. These challenges, however, became strengths. Navigating education in a second language sharpened my discipline and adaptability. It strengthened my listening skills and heightened my sensitivity to context and tone. I learned that language is not merely grammatical structure—it reflects history, values, and collective memory. French further expanded my analytical and diplomatic capacity, particularly in multilateral settings where precision and cultural awareness are essential. Now, as I study Italian, I am reminded again of the humility required to be a learner and the joy that comes from discovering new conceptual frameworks. Professionally, multilingualism has been central to my work in international public service. Moving between Spanish, English, and French allows me to build trust across regions and foster cooperation between diverse stakeholders. It enables me to understand not only what is being said, but how it is meant. Language, in this sense, is diplomacy in action. After graduation, I plan to continue advancing in international cooperation and sustainable development, using my linguistic skills to strengthen cross-cultural dialogue and inclusive policymaking. I am particularly committed to mentoring young multilingual and first-generation students, encouraging them to view their linguistic background not as an obstacle, but as a strategic and intellectual advantage. Being multilingual has required resilience, but it has also given me perspective, empathy, and opportunity. My languages are not separate tools; they are interconnected lenses through which I understand the world—and through which I seek to make a positive and lasting impact.

Migrating to a new home requires resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to one’s aspirations. My personal and professional journey reflects those values. I am a first-generation college student from Costa Rica and an international student who pursued academic opportunities in the United States—an experience that profoundly shaped my character, worldview, and sense of responsibility. Being the first in my family to attend college carried both honor and pressure. I did not grow up with a roadmap for navigating higher education, financial aid systems, or international academic pathways. Every step—from applications to visas to adapting to academic expectations—required independent research, persistence, and courage. Studying in the United States as an international student meant adjusting not only to a rigorous academic environment but also to a new culture, new norms of participation, and the reality of being far from home. There were financial constraints, moments of uncertainty, and the constant responsibility of making sacrifices worthwhile—not only for myself, but for my family who believed in my potential. These experiences strengthened my resilience. They taught me to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth and to see obstacles as opportunities for discipline and creativity. Over time, I learned to navigate complex systems, manage limited resources responsibly, and maintain academic excellence while adapting to a foreign environment. As a first-generation student, I also developed a deep appreciation for mentorship, institutional support, and the transformative power of education. Professionally, I have dedicated my career to public service and international engagement. Living and working across borders has reinforced my understanding that global challenges require cooperation, empathy, and well-prepared leadership. My academic formation in the United States provided me with analytical tools, exposure to diverse perspectives, and a belief in evidence-based policy and innovation. It also showed me the value of inclusive dialogue and cross-cultural collaboration. Through further studies in the United States, I plan to deepen my expertise in international cooperation and sustainable development, with a focus on creating long-term, practical solutions for communities facing structural challenges. My goal is to translate academic knowledge into policy initiatives and institutional strategies that strengthen governance, promote equitable economic opportunities, and enhance regional collaboration. I am particularly committed to mentoring young leaders from immigrant and first-generation backgrounds, helping them access opportunities that once felt distant to me. Ultimately, my story is one of perseverance and purpose. The obstacles I have faced have not limited me; they have refined me. As a first-generation college graduate and former international student, I understand both the privilege and responsibility of education. Through continued study and service, I am committed to making a positive, measurable impact—bridging communities, fostering cooperation, and contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Migrating to a new home requires resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to one’s aspirations. My life and professional journey reflect these very principles. As a Costa Rican studying abroad, I have experienced firsthand what it means to adapt to new environments, assume responsibilities under complex circumstances, and remain steadfast in the pursuit of excellence despite uncertainty. Throughout my career, I have had the honor of representing Costa Rica overseas. Relocating to a new country is not merely a geographic transition; it is an emotional, cultural, and professional transformation. It demands adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and the capacity to build trust and credibility within unfamiliar systems. Establishing myself in a new jurisdiction required long hours, personal sacrifice, and the discipline to quickly understand new legal, political, and social contexts while maintaining the highest standards of public service. Like many immigrants and international students, I have faced moments of instability—balancing institutional transitions, administrative responsibilities, and personal milestones. These experiences strengthened my resilience and reinforced my belief that challenges are opportunities for growth. Navigating limited institutional resources, unforeseen crises, and demanding reporting obligations has required creativity, financial prudence, and an unwavering commitment to accountability. Education has always been central to my development and my ability to serve effectively. I recognize, however, that access to higher education is not always equitable. Many immigrants, despite their qualifications and drive, encounter financial constraints that can limit their academic advancement. I deeply understand the weight of responsibility that comes with pursuing education while simultaneously supporting family, adapting to new systems, and meeting professional expectations. My journey has been defined not by the absence of obstacles, but by the determination to move forward regardless of them. The experience of building a life and career beyond my country of origin has reinforced my sense of purpose and my commitment to contributing meaningfully to society. It has taught me perseverance, empathy, and strategic thinking—qualities essential for leadership and service. Ultimately, migration is not solely about relocation; it is about transformation. It is about honoring one’s roots while embracing new horizons. My life reflects a continuous commitment to growth, public service, and the pursuit of excellence, even in the face of adversity, as I was able to provide in my grad education at Arizona State University in Washington DC campus, and that even though my previous scholarship, Fulbright, was cancelled a few years ago due to COVID-19 and the political decisions made back in that time.

In the vast sea of Netflix content, one series that has managed to grab me by the eyeballs and refuse to let go is "Strangest Encounters." This sci-fi masterpiece has become my absolute favorite, and I am here to fervently convince you to clear your weekend schedule, grab some popcorn, and embark on a mind-bending journey that will leave you questioning the very fabric of reality. To start, let me confess that I am no stranger to the world of binge-watching, having explored numerous genres and themes on the streaming platform. However, "Strangest Encounters" stands out as a beacon of brilliance in the crowded landscape of Netflix originals. The series introduces viewers to a parallel universe where the impossible becomes the everyday norm. With a mix of suspense, humor, and mind-boggling twists, "Strangest Encounters" takes the conventional sci-fi narrative and turns it on its head. Prepare to be transported to a world where gravity is optional, talking extraterrestrial plants offer relationship advice, and time travel is as routine as a morning cup of coffee. The character development in "Strangest Encounters" is nothing short of extraordinary. Each character is flawed, relatable, and possesses a unique charm that will have you rooting for them through every interdimensional escapade. Now, let's talk about the show's visual feast. The production team has spared no expense in creating a cinematic marvel that rivals big-budget blockbusters. From the pulsating neon landscapes of Dimension X to the quaint, nostalgic charm of a 1980s small town trapped in a time loop, the series seamlessly weaves together a tapestry of visual wonders that will keep you glued to the screen. What truly sets "Strangest Encounters" apart is its ability to blend humor with heart-wrenching moments. The writers skillfully inject comedic relief without undermining the gravity of the characters' dilemmas. You'll find yourself laughing out loud one moment and on the edge of your seat with suspense the next. But beware, this series is not for the faint of heart or those seeking a predictable plot. "Strangest Encounters" revels in its unpredictability, throwing curveballs that will leave you questioning your own sanity. The intricate web of interdimensional conspiracies will keep you guessing until the very last episode. In conclusion, "Strangest Encounters" is a mesmerizing rollercoaster of emotions and realities. It's a symphony of storytelling, acting, and visuals that demands your undivided attention. So, clear your weekend, cancel your plans, and immerse yourself in the unparalleled world of "Strangest Encounters." Trust me; you won't regret the decision to embark on this wild and unforgettable journey.

My expectation is to get enrolled in research and projects around the realm of Government and Public Administration. I want to investigate the most updated public policy trends on sustainable development and their potential applications in developing countries. In my understanding, integrated development invites public and private organizations to build a new form of governance, based on a multi-stakeholder articulation to improve the living conditions of territories. A holistic approach develops and implements more modern laws, policies, and strategies that respond to initiatives and projects from a bottom-up perspective, to generate added value and capacity strengthening of the developing communities. There is no doubt that most US courses provide top-quality teaching methods, students are provided with an excellent set of evaluating skills around public services and policies, using a variety of techniques that will enable the understanding of National and Local Governments, and public agencies functions. Additionally, they offer interdisciplinary and international emphasis on globalization, social development, and the promotion of bold policies. Selecting the US is crucial for me, global governance has a deep place, the weight of hemispheric political history has no precedent, a vast proportion of the international economy is led by companies and organizations headquartered there, and many social ideas are being shaped. The Centre-Periphery and its Global North relation still mark the atmosphere, and I could return to my country with a much higher understanding of advanced societies. The US makes a prosperous arena to dialogue, debate, and construct -or deconstruct- a new world, and I genuinely aim to grasp and learn as much as I can to then transfer this knowledge in my future endeavors in Costa Rica and Central America. I would like to strengthen my public policy capacities, in evidence-based decisions and demands, promotion of intersectoral and interinstitutional articulation, understanding the concept of social transformation, data dialogue, peace lessons learned, and best practices for integrated development. We are living in an intrinsically connected society; thus, we must seek integrated ways to improve our common conditions. My immediate goal after returning from the US is to enroll with the Government, an NGO, or an international organization, in the field of development in Costa Rica and the Central American region. I will have a better capacity to analyze, transmit, understand, and be integrated around integrated development strategies, either in their formulation or in their implementation and monitoring stage. In other words, I am looking forward to exponentially improving what I have been doing over the last years of my professional career. Continuing with my expected path, in the medium term I am wrapping my mind around academia, since I had an active presence in congresses or university meetings, on topics such as human rights, democracy, political sciences, sustainable fundraising, solid waste management, Central America foreign policy, youth and environment, youth and water, land and poverty, among others. I do love the idea of being a university educator, and I base this statement on the fact that I already worked part-time as a professor of international relations and general studies for nearly two years, so upon my return, I could also engage at a prestigious regional university.

I want to investigate the most updated public policy trends on sustainable rural development and their potential applications in developing countries. In my understanding, integrated development invites public and private organizations to build a new form of governance based on a multi-stakeholders articulation to improve the living conditions of territories. A holistic approach develops and implements more modern laws, policies, and strategies that respond to initiatives and projects from a bottom-up perspective to generate added value and capacity strengthening of the developing rural communities. There is no doubt that most US grad courses provide top-quality teaching methods, students are provided with an excellent set of evaluating skills around public services and policies, using various techniques that will enable the understanding of National and Local Governments and public agencies' functions. Additionally, they offer interdisciplinary and international emphasis on globalization, social development, and the promotion of bold policies. Selecting the US is crucial for me, global governance has a deep place, the weight of hemispheric political history has no precedent, a vast proportion of the international economy is led by companies and organizations headquartered there, and many social ideas are being shaped. The Centre-Periphery and its Global North relation still mark the atmosphere, and I could return to my country with a much higher understanding of advanced societies. The US makes a prosperous arena to dialogue, debate, and construct -or deconstruct a new world, and I aim to grasp and learn as much as possible to transfer this knowledge in my future endeavors in Costa Rica and Central America. My immediate goal after returning from the US is to enroll with the Government, an NGO, or an international organization in rural development in Costa Rica and the Central American region. I will have a better capacity to analyze, transmit, understand, and be integrated around integrated development strategies, either in their formulation or in their implementation and monitoring stage. In other words, I am looking forward to exponentially improving what I have been doing over the last years of my professional career. Continuing with my expected path, in the medium term, I am wrapping my mind around academia since I had an active presence in congresses or university meetings on topics such as human rights, democracy, political sciences, sustainable fundraising, solid waste management, Central America foreign policy, youth and environment, youth and water, land and poverty, among others. I love the idea of being a university educator, and I base this statement on the fact that I already worked part-time as a professor of international relations and general studies for nearly two years, so upon my return, I could also engage in a prestigious regional university. Thinking long term, I want to become an active change agent on cross-sectoral and multiscale policies while leading dynamic institutional processes towards social, agricultural, and environmental development. I could be working directly with decision-makers, researchers, and influencers at the national or regional level; there is even a space to believe that I can be one of those policy-makers or occupy the seat of a decision-maker in my country. In conclusion, I would like to strengthen my public policy capacities in evidence-based decisions and demands, promotion of intersectoral and interinstitutional articulation, understanding of the concept of social transformation, data dialogue, peace lessons learned, and best practices for integrated development. We live in an intrinsically connected society; thus, we must seek integrated ways to improve our common conditions.

Within the several roles in my government, I have been responsible for promoting knowledge management in drafting and editing policy notes, briefs, and presentations in English and Spanish on sustainable management of natural resources and local development, among other topics. International exposure at the academic level has made me proficient in English; I have an intermediate level of French and even a moderate knowledge of Italian. My experience has taught me to work efficiently in intercultural teams and the importance of listening and being curious to understand and learn. My expectation is to get enrolled in the realm of global governance. I want to investigate the most updated public policy trends on sustainable development and their potential applications in developing countries. In my understanding, integrated development invites public and private organizations to build a new form of governance based on a multi-stakeholder articulation to improve the living conditions of territories. A holistic approach develops and implements more modern laws, policies, and strategies that respond to initiatives and projects from a bottom-up perspective to generate an added value and capacity strengthening for developing rural communities. There is no doubt that most US graduate courses provide top-quality teaching methods. Students are provided with an excellent set of evaluating skills around public services and policies, using various techniques to understand national and local governments and public agencies' functions. Additionally, you offer interdisciplinary and international emphasis on globalization, social development, and bold policies, particularly relevant under the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Selecting the US is crucial for me. Global governance has a deep place. The weight of political history has no precedent. A vast proportion of the international economy is led by companies and organizations headquartered there, and many social ideas are shaped there. The Centre-Periphery and the Global North relation still mark the atmosphere. I could return to the Central American region with a much higher understanding of advanced societies. I will better analyze, transmit, understand, and incorporate integrated development strategies in the formulation or implementation and monitoring stage. In other words, I am looking forward to exponentially improving what I have been doing over the last years of my professional career. Thinking long term, I would like to become an active agent of change on cross-sectoral and multiscale policies while leading dynamic institutional processes towards social, agricultural, and environmental development. I could be working directly with decision-makers, researchers, and influencers at the national or regional level; there is even a space to believe that I can be one of those policy-makers or occupy the seat of a decision-maker in my country. I consider our changing planet in social, economic, technological, and environmental terms. We are living in an intrinsically connected society. Thus, we must seek integrated ways to improve our common conditions of biodiversity, and in fields of labor rights community health, without forgetting our livelihood and economic perspective. As is stated repetitively by different voices, we can have “a better world,” and technologies might help on this quest, under given appropriate conditions, as do peace and social stability. While seeing the need to understand contemporary, perceived corruption, my aim goes well beyond a study abroad period. I do not want to be excluded, isolated, or pulled apart from the rise of those new leaders trained in developed countries. I do not want to not fully understand the recent trends of modern life since most of the development patterns are changing. Remaining in my home country will not correctly help to achieve my goal, and that is why I am looking forward to complementing my studies with my current master's program.

My expectation is to get enrolled in the realm of global governance. I want to investigate the most updated public policy trends on sustainable development and their potential applications in developing countries. In my understanding, integrated development invites public and private organizations to build a new form of governance based on a multi-stakeholder articulation to improve the living conditions of territories. A holistic approach develops and implements more modern laws, policies, and strategies that respond to initiatives and projects from a bottom-up perspective to generate an added value and capacity strengthening for developing rural communities. Thinking long term, I would like to become an active agent of change on cross-sectoral and multiscale policies while leading dynamic institutional processes towards social, agricultural, and environmental development. I could be working directly with decision-makers, researchers, and influencers at the national or regional level; there is even a space to believe that I can be one of those policy-makers or occupy the seat of a decision-maker in my country. I consider our changing planet in social, economic, technological, and environmental terms. We are living in an intrinsically connected society. Thus, we must seek integrated ways to improve our common conditions of biodiversity, and in fields of labor rights community health, without forgetting our livelihood and economic perspective. I do not want to be excluded, isolated, or pulled apart from the rise of those new leaders trained in developed countries. I do not want to not fully understand the recent trends of modern life since most of the development patterns are changing. Remaining in my home country will not correctly help to achieve my goal, and that is why I am looking forward to complementing my studies with the fellowship in Florence.

The international community in general and developing nations, in particular, are currently facing gigantic existential trials, especially the nearly 45% of the world's rural population. There are many reasons to explain why more than half of the world's population lives with less than ten dollars a day while developing countries are facing the downsides of climate change and the global pandemic that magnify socio-environmental impacts. This partially explains why nearly 48.6% of the rural population in Latin America is under the poverty line. The term governance becomes crucial by considering aspects as a level of social understanding regarding the nature of a relationship, consensus about the pillars of public policies that express such relationships, and an enabling management system to implement policies. With that said, what are the significant challenges for rural governance? Are the political systems enabling or restricting inter-sectoral or multilevel rural public policies? Are the Sustainable Development Goals providing the expected transformation in rural areas? Is the mix of globalization, pandemic, and the fourth industrial revolution catalyzing the physical and digital interconnections in the rural territories? My ideas look to identify, analyze, and disseminate critical best practices. Some areas that will be developed with my career are political and private leadership types, evidence-based decisions, promotion of articulation as a fundamental concept, understanding social transformation, data dialogue, bottom-up politics, and benchmarking. Overall, developing countries require sustainable strategies for integrated development to tackle all challenges, such as improving livelihood conditions, protecting common biodiversity, the need for community health, safety settlements, and cities, economic progress, without forgetting culture and recreation. Within this regard, I wish to study the discussions around innovative global policies to improve rural livelihoods in the Global South.

I consider our changing planet in social, economic, technological, and environmental terms. We are living in an intrinsically connected society. Thus, we must seek integrated ways to improve our common conditions of biodiversity, and in fields of labor rights community health, without forgetting our livelihood and economic perspective. As is stated repetitively by different voices, we can have “a better world,” and technologies might help on this quest, under given appropriate conditions, as do peace and social stability. While seeing the need to understand contemporary, perceived corruption, my aim goes well beyond a study abroad period. I do not want to be excluded, isolated, or pulled apart from the rise of those new leaders trained in developed countries. I do not want to not fully understand the recent trends of modern life since most of the development patterns are changing. Remaining in my home country will not correctly help to achieve my goal, and that is why I am looking forward to complementing my studies in the United States. I will embrace the opportunity to move forward with the new global society´s scope in the short term and its implementation in the long term. At the same time, I am confident of bringing a package of valuable skills and expertise. I look forward to hearing from you.