Some time ago I received an email from my J1-Visa sponsor (CENET) inviting me to apply for a leadership program sponsored by USA state department and CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange), at first I was not sure if I wanted to put the effort to apply to this highly selective seminar, nevertheless I applied encouraged by relatives who reminded me the purpose of a J1 Visa: A cultural exchange.
I sent the video, couple days passed and I thought I did not make it through. My disappointment did not go that far, I was thrilled when I received the acceptance letter, who would have thought that I would be a participant in such a program?! Days passed by and it was time to fly for my very first time to Washington D. C.
BRIDGE USA LEADERSHIP PROGRAM:
For 3 day a selective group of candidates and myself were being trained by CIEE on a variety of topics and skills to be better leaders in our contexts and industries; Empathy, intercultural relationships, ventures and solutions creation were at the core of the training. Being part of this seminar opened my mind to see that everyone has what is needed to be a leader, and that there is beauty in the bridges we can make between different cultures.
If you are currently in a J1-Visa program and you have the opportunity to participate in any similar activities do not hesitate! Surely you will grow in knowledge, skills and understanding of the world and for sure you will always remember great rules of life like “Dream it. Do it. Repeat”.
FAMILIAR FACES:
This program was not just about the training, a fundamental part was making bridges between cultures through relationships. I can gladly say I met incredible people, I would have never thought I would be able to meet so many people from different countries in such a short time, now I can say I have met people from France, India, Malaysia, Germany, Spain, the Filipines, Ecuador, Dominican republic, Latvia and so many more.
Through this experience I was not only able to build new friendships, I also was able to meet someone that could possibly be my cousin (We do share last names) and also an architect who was a classmate of mine when I took the Go Portfolio Pro course, it was a shock and surprise to meet someone from the other side of the world in foreign country, this was such a match that we even won a recognition for a quick venture project and pitch. (I hope to meet you again Tanya!)
WASHINGTON DC TOUR:
If you are not amazed by the program so far here is the cherry that goes on top, a tour through Washington D.C monuments was also included! It was the best tour I have ever had so far, I think the combination of the beautiful sites and the cadence of fall was the perfect set, the weight of history and the symbolisms displayed on the monuments made it worthy of going back. Downtown and the city area reminded me of the busyness of Bogotá, yet quite organized, I spotted a lot of interesting spaces and buildings, but I rather leave that for another post.
Thank you for making it until the very end of this post, stay tuned! See you in verse 9.
Greg
