Steven J. Green
School of International
& Public Affairs

Student testimonials on the 2015 Euro Challenge competition

FELIX VARELA SENIOR SCHOOL

Mikel Farnsworth
Felix Varela Senior High School
10th Grade

The Euro Challenge was a very enriching experience, that gave me and my teammates a zeal of hard work. I am now much more versed in the economics that make a country function. And the trip to New York was an enjoyable one that I will never forget. I would like to thank Christine Caly-Sanchez for making all of this possible.
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Julian Nowicki
Felix Varela Senior High School
9th Grade

Euro Challenge has been an amazing experience which allowed me to make new friends, build a strong relationship with my teachers and really allowed for me to immerse myself in the European economic situation as well as learn the real meaning of all the economic indicators and their affects on the lives of the people. The competition was very well organized and I do not regret participating at all. I would recommend this experience to any of my fellow classmates.
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Ezekiel Vergara*
Felix Varela Senior High School
10th Grade

Before I participated in Euro Challenge, I probably would’ve never been concerned, or even known about the various issues plaguing the European Union. Ever since I first participated in 9th grade, continuing through 10th grade, my economic knowledge has greatly broadened, as now I can not only discuss economic problems, but also propose solutions to these economic hurdles and see the globally interconnected world we live in today. Similarly, I have the privilege of participating in this great experience over the past two years. Throughout these two excellent years, my teamwork skills have sharpened, along with my skills in the areas of presentation and critical thinking. Additionally, my work ethic has greatly improved, as hard work truly allowed for success in this program, seen as in 2015 our school was able to go to New York. This experience will stay with me the rest of my life and wouldn’t be possible without the help of various parties. First off, my hat goes off to all the judges, in Miami, and New York who all were very approachable and kind; secondly, I would like to thank the Federal Reserve Bank and the Moody’s Foundation for funding this project. I would also want to thank all the teachers who helped improve our presentation and teach us the basics of economics. Finally, I would like to thank Florida International University’s European Union Center of Excellence for providing us with valuable information and making this a personal experience. However, while this was my last year to compete, I will truly remember, and admire this program for a lifetime.
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Gabriel Vergara
Felix Varela Senior High School
10th Grade

Euro Challenge was a wonderful experience where my teammates and I were able to learn about the concerns facing a major component to the global economy, the European Union: we worked extremely hard and dedicated lots of time to refine our presentation an working on possible answers for questions; it allowed the team not only to develop a unique bond that will never be severed, but it taught us various skills, such as how to present in front of a panel of judges, how to communicate with our peers efficiently, and apply knowledge to areas concerning Germany and its aging population, just to mention a few. The competition also taught me a lot when it came to economic knowledge, GDP, unemployment, inflation, consumer confidence, the list goes on and on; and it also sparked my interest in this field, as now I would like to minor in economics. Euro Challenge provides students with an outlet to gain precious skills and knowledge through a very well organized and designed program that is run by wonderful people who are there for the students. Truth be told, the Euro Challenge and our subsequent trip to New York led to many wonderful memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I would like to give a special thanks to all the organizations that help make this possible such as the Moody’s Foundation, the Federal Reserve Bank, and an instrumental individual in the success of the program in Florida, Christine Caly-Sanchez.
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Daniel Vinat
Social Studies Teacher
Felix Varela Senior High

The Euro Challenge competition allows students and teacher to immerse themselves in the current economic issues surrounding the EU. Through the process students gain knowledge on research skills, team building as well as an appreciation for how global economies work. They are able to obtain valuable information and insight from a variety of University staff as well as EU Delegation members. There are few opportunities at the high school level for 9th and 10th graders to get this deeply invested in such an academically enriching program. The competition gives the students the proper foundation to be successful in future Social Studies courses. As a teacher I have seen firsthand how students become confident in their ability to present complex ideas and themes to Economics and members of the International community. As an educator I strive to provide experiences outside of the classroom that will enrich the lives of my students and the Euro Challenge gives me that ability.
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TRINITY PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Amber Yang
Trinity Preparatory School
10th Grade

After being involved with the Euro Challenge competition for two years, I can testify that this was one of the best experiences that I have had in high school so far. Not only was I able to learn about economic policies and the organization of the Euro Union, but I was able to do so in an innovative manner. Rather than simply reading articles and memorizing facts about the Euro Union, the format of the competition allowed me to think outside of the box. I am now able to analyze economic situations in a whole new light, and I have gained a greater awareness of what is going on in the world. This is what makes the Euro Challenge so rewarding. However, the process of preparing for the competition took a long time. From weekly meetings with my team to reading articles on my own, the entire process was a great endeavor. My team gained valuable collaboration and teamwork skills when we prepared for the presentation component of the competition, and that is truly what the Euro Challenge promotes. I would like to thank the Federal Reserve Bank of NY, the Moody’s Corporation, and the Miami-Florida European Center of Excellence for providing me with this wonderful opportunity. For the past two years, my team competed at the regional level and then placed in the top five at the national level. It was wonderful to compete in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and the Euro Challenge will be an experience that I will never forget.