Name: Cristina Rue
Graduation Year: 2011
Major: Political Science
Minor: German and Latin American Studies

Growing up in Caracas, Venezuela during the Hugo Chávez years sparked what would become a lifelong interest and passion in Latin American politics. Because of a major strike in Venezuela in 2002, I was fortunate enough to move to Frankfurt, Germany for six months. Taking physics for the first time in my life in German was, to this date, probably one of my most challenging learning experiences. Challenging, yes, but also one of the most rewarding. Those six months would come to spark another major interest and passion in my life – the German language.

As a Venezuelan, I never did realize that German was something I could pursue in college. That is, until I discovered Miami University. Like many others, the beautiful campus was what first caught my eye. The real reason I chose Miami, however, was the fact that it would allow me to combine my two interests. In four years, I would be able to devote my studies to the two fields I loved and enjoyed the most, even though they dealt with two completely different parts of the world.

And that’s exactly what I did. I spent four years alternating between Irvin, MacMillan and Harrison Hall. I quickly realized the complexities of the German language and the enjoyment of arguing about Latin American politics with renowned professors. I got to spend a semester in Washington, D.C. interning for Rep. Michael Turner, and even travelled through Russia for a summer after a class on the Soviet Union opened my curiosity to that part of the world.

I came to Miami with high expectations. Miami and the GREAL department fulfilled all of them and more. I graduated four years later with wonderful memories, great friends, inspirational professors – some of which I remain in close contact with – and life-changing experiences.

After falling in love with Washington, D.C. through Miami’s Inside Washington program, I decided to move to the capital after graduation. I attended George Washington University, and recently completed my Masters in International Affairs, with a particular focus in International Security and Latin America. Shortly after moving, I began an internship at a public relations and political consulting firm. I was hired six months later, and have since focused primarily on the firm’s international portfolio. I now provide consultation to foreign governments, presidential campaigns and corporate entities in Latin America. I have even gotten to take advantage of my German in several occasions

When looking back at some of my best personal and professional decisions, attending Miami University is always at the top of my list. This is largely because of the professors and mentors I got the pleasure to meet along the way. A big thank you goes to all those who helped me understand this complicated world a little better and helped me become the person I am today.