SIT: Managua,Nicaragua: Revolution, Transformation, Civil Society

It brings me great sadness to say that the Cuban government shut down our program. The program was unfortunately cancelled due to the government of Cuba's decision to rescind their approval of our institutional agreement with a Cuban cultural organization. Although this has left me frustrated and disappointing, I have spent the past few days reflecting on the abrupt change. I realized that Cuba was just an opportunity, it does not determine the work I am determined to do nor does it break my spirits because I know work still needs to be done. I have been blessed to get accepted last minute into the SIT Nicaragua; Revolution, Transformation, Civil Society program for in place of CUBA. I will continue my social justice education in Managua, Nicaragua. It seems Cuba was not meant to be. 

I will be continuing on my path of education and attending a program similar to what I would have been studying in CUBA, except this program focuses more on my passion, Social Justice! Will be examine and study Cuban History as well as Revolutionaries like the Sandinista. I am grateful and honored to have so much love and support thus far, I hope I can still have your support in my new journey.

I am one of fifteen students around the US who have been accepted to SIT Cuba: History, Culture and Identity Study Abroad Program. I have  made it through a rigorous interview process and will not let funds keep me from this opportunity!!

I must raise $6,000 to cover my tuition for the SIT program, this does not include airline tickets to Cancun, Mexico where we will depart, from there we will board to Havana Cuba.

Allow me to introduce myself. I am a current Senior Psychology Major, Education Minor with a background and passion for Social Justice, at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I am a two year member of both The National Leadership and Success Honors Society and The ALANA (African, Latino/a, Asian, Native American) Honors Society. I participate in several community outreach projects such as Student Bridges, where I am an active tutor/mentor. Student Bridges is a student-initiated outreach program that connects UMass students with local community-based organizations and schools through tutoring-mentoring partnerships, college awareness activities, and policy advocacy for underrepresented students. 

I am a Proud Afro-Latina woman and a first generation college student in my family. I pride myself on my Education and I have worked all through college in-order to afford my school tuition. It is my dream to become an Educator and Advocate for  Justice! It is unfortunate that in a society such as ours the dollar drives the people. I AM driven by the people and hope to use my voice as a vehicle of change. This program will allow me to Critically engage in global issues as well as embark on a Independent Field Based Project that will allow me to implement Social change, community engagement, and deeply connect with my Latina roots. I hope to progress towards Equity. 

I have been working two jobs as well as planning fundraisers, writing letters to Cuban Businesses, organizations and potential sponsors to help me afford this trip. 

Any donation you can make to this effort would make an important contribution to a beautiful and possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the Cuban community and culture. 

Vive Libre.