My name is Thelma Caye, and I have a unique background that has shaped my interests and academic pursuits. Born in Colombia and adopted by a French couple, I lived in France my whole life. My fascination with political science began in high school during a geopolitics class, igniting a passion that has guided my educational journey. Four years ago, I visited Canada for a semester abroad in high school, an experience that deeply resonated with me and led me to choose 捆绑SM社区 for my higher education. 捆绑SM社区, with its reputation, seemed like the perfect place to further my studies in political science. Indeed, my decision to study political science was solidified by the engaging geopolitical course I had in high school, which provided a profound understanding of global political dynamics. Additionally, I had the opportunity to intern for LECTRA, an internationally renowned company. Their communication team revealed the critical role of effective communication, prompting me to pursue a minor in Communication Studies. Finally, my Colombian heritage and love for the culture naturally drew me towards Hispanic Studies, enriching my academic profile.
I was motivated to take part in this internship to gain firsthand experience in the workings of a non-governmental organization, an area I have always found intriguing, especially within the context of geopolitics and international relations. This opportunity also allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, satisfying my lifelong passion for travel. My strong knowledge of English, developed through my specialization in English literature in high school, equipped me to contribute effectively to educational initiatives. Having previously engaged in this educational work in Guatemala last summer, I was committed to further improving the educational opportunities for children in need.
The host organization, Solidarit茅 Colombie Quebec, has been active in the Santa Marta region of Colombia since 1997, running projects tailored to the needs of various communities. These initiatives include education for children and teenagers, university scholarships, women's empowerment programs, food security projects, and support for primary and secondary schools. Currently, Solicolque focuses on Cristo Rey, an area divided into two socio-economic strata, providing remedial education courses, training for local women, language courses, and psychological support. The Explora T project, aimed at teenagers, helps them explore their emotions, discover vocations, and receive sex education. A new computer workshop project aims to enhance job opportunities by offering IT and foreign language courses such as my English class.
During my internship, I had several responsibilities, including assisting teachers in computer classes, teaching English, producing multimedia content to raise awareness about our projects, and organizing workshops to promote cultural exchange between Canadian and Colombian communities. These tasks allowed me to engage deeply with the community and contribute meaningfully to Solicolque鈥檚 mission.
This internship was intense and one of the most memorable highlights was my first class, where I discovered the children鈥檚 eagerness to learn English. Their excitement was contagious, making the teaching experience incredibly rewarding. Another significant moment was my visit to the 鈥淎lianza Francesa鈥�, where I shared my personal story and experiences in Canada and France. The audience鈥檚 enthusiasm for learning French and exploring Francophone cultures was inspiring. But in my opinion, the most emotional highlight was my last day of class when the children surprised me with a farewell party. Their heartfelt speeches in English and Spanish moved me deeply, reaffirming the value of my contributions.
However, this internship was not only full of surprises, but also some challenges. The primary challenge I faced was communication, as the center and the directors were in different countries. This made it difficult to get quick approvals and set up meetings due to conflicting schedules. To overcome this, I maintained flexibility and patience, adapting to different time zones and finding alternative ways to communicate effectively.
Although I did not receive academic credit for this internship, the experience significantly enriched my understanding of Latin American politics, complementing my studies in the course POLI 319 鈥� Politics of Latin America at 捆绑SM社区. This course provided historical context that allowed me to engage in meaningful discussions with locals about contemporary issues, such as the impact of the FARC on Colombian society and their own point of view on topics such as the narcotraffic.
The funding I received for this internship was instrumental in making this experience possible, covering my travel, accommodation, and living expenses for one and a half months. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Martine Vanasse and Randall Wibert for funding The Vanasse Wilbert International Experience Internship Award for this invaluable opportunity, which has further transformed my understanding of the geopolitical landscape and education in Colombia. This internship has not only deepened my academic knowledge but also broadened my worldview, enriching my overall university experience.
