Isabella’s StoryMap – Geography 210: Geographic Dimensions of Human Development

I look back to the places I’ve visited in the past and I feel grateful for the people I’ve met, loved and learned from. I am a global citizen because I love being curious and independent, which has led me to constantly explore places and immerse in other cultures. I remember my childhood among breathtaking landscapes of majestic rivers, snow-capped mountains and the finest tropical beaches in Venezuela. There I learned to be kind, to make jokes out of the worst situations and to love family and friends with passion. Later on, I undertook a trip to Paris, France to learn French, what I did not know was that I would learn more outside the classroom interacting with locals. I learned to love food to the point of only having conversation about it and I learned to greet everyone with two kisses on the cheeks, which was troubling when I went back home where we only kiss once. And today, I am studying in the United States where I’ve been fortunate to interact with people from all over the world who are students like me. I’ve met Americans of course, but I’ve also made long-lasting friendships with people from Pakistan, India, France, Jamaica, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, among many others! All of these experiences have taught me a lot, however, even before I started my wanderlust adventures there were aspects of my life that were already foreign to my own culture, at least to me as a Venezuelan. This story map will show how I feel connected to the world through music and dance, which I believe are both means of cultural identity.

Emily Bowe says:

October 1, 2015 at 12:33 pm

I think you did a really good job integrating how you are a global citizen with your theme of music and dance. It was interesting to see all of the places you have been, and how you have been able to find something that you can connect to in each place. Your layout and creativity with the project was also done creatively and tastefully. Overall I think you did a really good job on this project and the interactive videos were also very helpful with getting your points across.

Evelyn J. says:

October 1, 2015 at 12:35 pm

I love how you have incorporated your passion toward music and dance. It fascinated me of how you went to a school for people who have musical talents. Learning about other countries’ music as well as Venezuelan traditional music really connected you to be a global citizen. Your videos of the dances you learned allowed me to learn how you connected yourself globally with dances you learned in many different places you have been. You have had chances to have different education from different regions which really affected you to pursue majors in Economics and International Studies as well as pursuing you music career. I really appreciate your first-hand resources such as the musician you recorded at the metro.