CIEE Latin America Fellow Spotlight: Melissa Santiesteban
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Meet the CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellows!
Follow along as CIEE sends 100 student leaders on a fully-funded semester abroad through the CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Fellowship. In this series, we spotlight Fellows as they immerse themselves in Latin American culture, grow as leaders, and prepare to make an impact worldwide.
Name: Melissa Santiesteban
School: University of Florida
Major: Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources
LATAM Location: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Q1: What does this fellowship mean to you personally?
This fellowship granted me an opportunity I would not have been able to have otherwise. As a first-generation student, I am paving the way for others like me to study abroad. Not only this, but serving as inspiration for the younger generations in my family, like my little brother and cousins who will transition to university/higher education in a few years. My parents and the parents of other first-generation students have made many sacrifices for the life we have today, this experience makes those sacrifices worth it.
Watch here: Melissa visits the Cloud Forest for her Costa Rican Natural History class
Q2: What does “leading for change” mean to you?
The phrase “leading for change” is leadership with the purpose of inciting change for the community, environment, or economy. This kind of leadership requires sacrifice as it is often met with resistance to change, even from yourself. In my opinion, this is the most important role in a society. You have to ask yourself, “How can I make this better?” no matter what scale it’s at.
Q3: How does your personal background or identity shape your interest in Latin America?
Growing up with Cuban culture from both of my parents, I have a strong connection to my dual identity. I came to learn the energetic, passionate, and welcoming traits were all shared by the hispanic community. Having said this, I also am an advocate for environmental justice, especially after witnessing the conditions these communities live in. Protecting the resources we share is essential to global well-being, and the great biodiversity and strength in renewable energy production of Costa Rica were factors that drew me in.
Q4: What do you hope to learn (academically, culturally, and/or personally) during your semester abroad?
During my semester abroad, I hope to learn in non-traditional ways and in that way witness and experience the concepts I’ve learned. In the cultural sense, I wish to learn about how Costa Rica addressed the deforestation problem from years ago and developed an appreciation for nature, but also about what makes these people unique. Finally, being surrounded by wildlife is a dream come true for me, and I hope that I will learn to slow down and smell the roses as the saying goes.
Watch here: Melissa goes on an organic pineapple tour
Q5: What does it mean to you to engage with Latin America as a “learner” rather than a “visitor”?
This experience is incomparable with being a tourist. As a learner, I get the opportunity to witness not just the beauty of Costa Rica, but also the areas that could be improved and challenges that are currently faced. Not only this, but the level of immersion is crucial to getting a raw experience that can aid in the perspective I can offer in classes, with friends/family, and in my lifestyle upon arrival to the states.
Study Abroad in Latin America
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