Every semester, I usually write about OU Cousins because it’s a more traditional international organization, but this year I wanted to talk about the OU Spanish Club, which has also been impactful during my college career. Even though I’m no longer taking Spanish classes, I’ve kept going to meetings because it’s one of the few places where I can still use the language without the pressure of being graded. It feels way more natural, and I’ve realized I actually retain more when I’m just talking, listening, and being part of the environment.

I originally started going in my freshman year just for extra credit, but it quickly turned into something I genuinely enjoy. This semester, I went to their Valentine’s movie night, where they showed San Valentín, and it was interesting to see how relationships and family dynamics are portrayed differently compared to what I’m used to. I also watched Todo Sobre Mi Madre, which honestly challenged me a bit more, but it helped me pick up on tone, emotion, and vocabulary, and actually understanding parts of it felt really rewarding. One of the most valuable meetings I attended, for me, was the Medical Spanish Workshop this semester. I just started working in HR for a healthcare company, which made going to this workshop feel relevant. We rotated through stations where we practiced patient intake questions, basic symptom descriptions, and how to explain instructions clearly in Spanish. I loved how practical the workshop was because these are real conversations that happen every day. In my role as a recruiter, we hire for places like Puerto Rico, where we often receive resumes in Spanish and work with more Spanish-speaking applicants. This workshop helped me feel more confident reviewing resumes, recognizing key terms, and communicating more effectively. Spanish Club has given me a way to keep building these skills while feeling connected, and that’s why I’ve kept coming back even after I stopped taking Spanish classes.

International Topic

Lately, I’ve been paying a lot more attention to how expensive travel has become, especially with how quickly prices seem to be rising. One of the biggest drivers behind this is the increase in jet fuel costs. Fuel can make up around 25 to 30 percent of an airline’s operating expenses, so when fuel prices rise, airlines almost always pass those costs on to consumers. Over the past year, jet fuel prices have increased significantly due to global supply issues and geopolitical tensions, and airlines have responded by raising ticket prices. In some cases, international airfare has gone up by 15 to 25 percent compared to previous years, which is a noticeable jump for travelers Another major factor is the shrinking presence of low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines. Airlines like Spirit helped keep prices competitive by offering extremely low fares, sometimes under 50 dollars for domestic flights. When those types of airlines reduce routes or exit markets, studies have shown that airfare on those routes can increase by around 20 percent because there is less price competition. Even though Spirit mainly operates in the U.S., its impact carries into international travel because domestic pricing influences how airlines structure connecting and long-haul flights. I’m seeing this play out in real life with my own family. My dad and grandparents are traveling to London and Paris this summer, and they’ve told me their flights were hundreds of dollars more expensive than expected. On top of that, hotels and transportation in cities like London have also increased, making the overall trip much more expensive than similar trips in the past. It’s also making me rethink my own plans. I’ve been hoping to plan a trip to London this fall, but with round-trip flights now often ranging from 900 to over 1,200 dollars, it’s something I have to seriously consider. If prices don’t start to drop, it might not be realistic. Overall, rising fuel costs and fewer budget airline options are making travel more expensive and less accessible, both in the U.S. and around the world.

International Topic

Starting my first job in talent acquisition has made me realize that recruiting is not the same everywhere. As I get closer to graduating and plan to pursue recruiting full-time, I have become more interested in how hiring changes across cultures. My international human resources and business classes have made me think beyond the U.S. process and ask questions like, “What systems do other countries use?” How many interviews are normal? Are interviews virtual or face-to-face? What does a professional resume look like in another country?

In the U.S., recruiting is often very system-driven. In my role, we use platforms like iCIMS to track candidates, schedule interviews, and manage communication. A typical process may include a recruiter screen, a hiring manager interview, and sometimes a panel interview. Resumes are usually concise, and candidates are discouraged from including personal information like photos, age, or marital status. In Europe, the process can look different depending on the country. In Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, CVs are often more detailed and may include a professional photo, which would usually feel inappropriate in the U.S. In the United Kingdom, CVs are closer to the U.S. style, and photos are usually avoided. Larger global companies may use systems like Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Greenhouse, or iCIMS, but local companies may use country-specific job boards and more direct communication. In Japan, hiring can be even more formal. Applicants often use a structured resume format called a rirekisho, and interviews may focus heavily on professionalism, respect, and long-term fit. In Latin America and places like Puerto Rico, language and culture also matter. Since my company hires in healthcare markets where we may receive resumes in Spanish or work with fewer English-speaking applicants, I have started to see how important it is to understand more than just qualifications.

Recruiting across cultures requires flexibility. It is not just about filling a role but also understanding how candidates communicate, present themselves, and expect the hiring process to work. As I grow in talent acquisition, I want to keep learning these differences so I can become a better, more culturally aware recruiter.

Cultural Event

When I studied abroad, I had the opportunity to visit Morocco, and it was one of the most unique places I have ever been. Compared to other countries I visited, Marrakech stood out immediately. From the busy souks and street vendors to the call to prayer echoing throughout the city, everything felt different in a way that made me want to understand more. Before going, I had been given certain precautions about safety and cultural norms, but looking back, I think having a better understanding of Morocco’s political and social structure would have helped me navigate the experience with more awareness. That is why when I saw the event Morocco Today: A Discussion with Prof. Mohamed Daadaoui, I knew I wanted to attend.

One of the most interesting parts of the discussion was learning about Morocco’s political structure as a constitutional monarchy and how much influence the king still holds over key decisions. Professor Daadaoui explained how stability is a major priority for Morocco, especially compared to other countries in North Africa that have experienced more political instability. Hearing that made me think back to how present security felt in Marrakech, especially in tourist-heavy areas. At the time, I just accepted it as part of traveling, but now I understand it as a deliberate effort to maintain order and protect tourism, which is such a major part of the economy. It also gave context to the cultural expectations I experienced, like being more aware of how I dressed and acted in public spaces. Another part of the discussion that stood out to me was how Morocco balances modernization with tradition. While the country is developing economically and investing in tourism, there is still a strong emphasis on preserving cultural and religious identity. I saw that contrast firsthand in Marrakech, where modern restaurants and hotels existed right next to traditional markets and historic architecture. The conversation helped me connect those observations to larger political and social decisions, rather than just seeing them as surface-level differences. It made me realize that what I experienced as a visitor was shaped by intentional choices within the country’s leadership and priorities, and it gave me a much more meaningful understanding of my time there.

Cultural Event

This semester, I’ve been taking several legal studies and human resources management courses as part of my HR certificate, and one topic that comes up constantly is ethics. Whether we’re talking about workplace policies, employee relations, or decision-making, ethical frameworks are always part of the conversation. Because of that, I was really interested when I saw the lunch and presentation “Ethics for the Physician to the Body Politic” by Dr. Harry Gould. The idea of applying medical ethics to international politics sounded like a completely different way of thinking about something I’ve mostly studied in a business context.

I found it insightful how Dr. Gould discussed the “body politic” and compared leaders to physicians diagnosing and treating problems within a state. I’ve heard that kind of language before, but I had never really thought about what it would mean to actually take the analogy seriously. He explained how medical ethics, especially the idea of “do no harm,” could be applied to political decision-making in conflict or high-stakes international situations. That really stuck with me because in HR, we talk a lot about how decisions are rarely black and white. You are constantly balancing what benefits the organization with what is fair and ethical for employees, and those two things do not always align. It made me realize how similar those types of decisions are to what leaders face on a much larger scale. Since I am entering the corporate side of healthcare, this perspective felt even more relevant. In my role, hiring decisions impact not just a company but the quality of care patients ultimately receive. I also found it interesting how he connected ethical frameworks like utilitarianism and deontology across both medicine and international politics. In my classes, we usually apply these theories to workplace scenarios, but hearing them discussed in a global context made them feel more complex and real. It made me think more critically about how decisions are made, who they affect, and how ethical reasoning applies across industries. Overall, it reinforced that ethics is not just theoretical; it is something that directly shapes outcomes in both business and global politics.