My name is Maite Soler. I’m 30 years old, and I’m about to finish my Senior year here at FIU. I’m majoring in Public Administration and minoring in International Relations. I work full-time for Miami-Dade County as a Judicial Administrator. I’m a manager of a program offered to the public by the courts. It is interesting, rewarding work, and I absolutely love it. However, as I think about my near future (next five years) and completing my degrees, I’m looking to expand my work experience to other areas within the county. I’d like to take on more responsibility and different projects that improve everyone's quality of life. I’m passionate about serving others and never overlook the blessings of having a job that affords me the ability to do what I love and be able to earn a living at the same time. Moving forward, however, areas that I take particular interest in are management, urban planning, and organizational efficiency projects. I have also been interested in International Relations which is why I am minoring in the subject. I would be interested in working in ambassador or diplomat work as well.

This is the second time I take this class. My expectations this time are different. I expect to reinforce the information I learned the first time around, and to participate more. Taking this class changed my perception and I learned that I actually like research methods...at least the statistical side of it. I also expect to use the methodologies learned in this class towards conducting research for my capstone project.

When not working or studying, I can be found surfing the internet. Two sites I frequent everyday are www.google.com and www.desiringgod.org. I can also be found working at my church, or spending quality time with friends and family. I do a lot of volunteering through my church. I am a member of the band and choir and I work with the high school youth group. I also volunteer for special one-time projects. When spending time with my friends and family, it doesn’t matter what we’re doing, as long as we’re enjoying the time together. That is a complete summation of my life right now. When I graduate this May, everything will open up and change, and I’ll have the rest of my life to enjoy all the free time that being a college graduate will afford me.