Student testimonials on the 2016 Euro Challenge competition

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES PREPARATORY ACADEMY

PHILIP MATTEINI
International Studies Preparatory Academy

10th grade

In participating in the Euro challenge, I developed a new love. When I chose to do the competition last year, my knowledge on European economy was minimal and my ability to solve complex economic problems was nearly nonexistent. Last year, my team and I were unlucky to finish in 3rd place at the state level, ultimately leaving us just out of qualification for nationals in New York. This year, we managed to go a step further and qualify for the next level of competition in New York. Obviously, the experience was magnificent and of a magnitude that I had never experienced before. As a team, we got to visit several otherwise restricted sites such as the US Federal Reserve Bank. In addition, the Euro challenge made me a better person overall, requiring me to become a better collaborator, leader, and organizer. What it came down too for me though was my new passion for economy. All the numbers, charts, prospects, and postulates that were foreign to me but a few years ago all fell into place simultaneously. I'd like to thank my teacher Ms. Oliverio for without her none of this fantastic experience would have been possible, and to whom I and my group owe the World for being as dedicated and passionate as she was about the competition. Overall, the Euro challenge was a great experience that I won't be forgetting anytime soon.

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ISABELLA DELPANI
International Studies Preparatory Academy
9th grade

The Euro Challenge is a unique opportunity that I would highly recommend to any student interested in becoming a more global citizen. Throughout this year my family and I were continually impressed with how much knowledge my team and I acquired about the European Union. My teacher, Ms. Oliverio, guided us on an exploration of various issues concerning Europe while providing us with engaging and informative Economics lessons. The team building opportunities provided by this program have helped me sharpen many skills I will need in college and in my future career. I am most appreciative of the networking and travelling experiences, which I feel has helped me mature and become more cultured. Being part of the Euro Challenge was particularly exciting as it brought learning beyond the classroom walls. Some examples of our extended learning included a field trip to the Federal Reserve Bank, our visit to the FIU campus, and an extremely eye opening trip to New York City. As a result of participating in the Euro Challenge, I can now say with confidence that I am a stronger public speaker. Finally, all participants of this challenge have clearly benefited significantly by being able to think outside the box and apply that newfound knowledge to worldly issues. The Euro Challenge has been a remarkable experience that I hope to continue throughout my next three years of high school!

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ASHLEY HARWOOD
International Studies Preparatory Academy
10th grade

Before participating in the Euro challenge, I didn't really have any interests in economics and politics due to the fact that I didn't understand the importance of understanding the topics. My participation in the Euro challenge had allowed me to learn and understand multiple aspects of economics and understand the situations that are currently partaking in the world. The knowledge I have gained with my participation will follow me throughout my life. The trip to New York was an amazing experience which really allowed my team mates and me to bond and realize how hard work can pay off. The Euro challenge was a rewarding and exciting experience that I would recommend to anyone. I would like to thank my teacher and all the people who help put together the challenge for giving me the opportunity to participate.
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LESLIANY VARGAS
International Studies Preparatory Academy
10th grade

Participating in the Euro Challenge was a wonderful experience which allowed me to have a greater knowledge of the European Union. This allowed me to become aware of the economic situation in Europe and how it has affected the entire population. I have also become more knowledgeable of the inner workings of the economy in general. Being part of this event forced me to work hard and manage my time wisely to be able to do my school work, my extracurricular activities, and study for the Euro Challenge. But it was all worth it when we won and we were able to go to New York for the finals. I had an unforgettable time and truly enjoyed my time there. I am extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity and to have experienced it with such amazing people.

ALICIA BILBAOMARTINEZ
International Studies Preparatory Academy
10th grade

The Euro Challenge has been one of the greatest experiences during my two years in high school. Before entering the competition I had little to no knowledge about economy and no interest to learn about it, but after understanding the basics everything became much interesting. Not only I learned what GDP, inflation, unemployment, productivity (...) are, I also gained greater knowledge about Europe and its economic problems. Euro Challenge also teaches students extremely useful skills, such as presenting in front of an audience, doing research efficiently, and communicating with our peers. Even though the process of preparation for this completion took a lot of time and effort, I believe it was completely worth it. New York is a place I will never forget, where me and my classmates have wonderful experiences. Finally, I would like to thank everyone that made the Euro Challenge possible, for giving us this wondrous opportunity.

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ELISA OLIVERIO
International Studies Preparatory Academy
Teacher

Italian Language and Italian Humanities teacher The Euro Challenge Competition has been an enriching educational experience. Learning in depth about the Euro zone and making economic policy recommendations, gave my students the opportunity to fully understand economic concepts and relations. Students had the opportunity to improve their skills in researching a topic thoroughly and organizing effective presentations. Participating in the competition has been challenging and extremely rewarding. The opportunity to be in New York City as a team has been an educational experience to treasure. I would like to thank the Miami-Florida European Union Center of Excellence and, in particular, Christine I. Caly-Sanchez for making this possible and for the continuous support and encouragement throughout this experience.
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TRINITY PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Parker Jochum
Trinity Preparatory School
Sophomore

This was an amazing experience and opportunity to learn about problems facing economies in Europe. I feel that I have greatly benefited from participating in this competition.

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Joshua Finkelstein
Trinity Preparatory School
Sophomore

The Euro Challenge broadened my perspective on issues regarding the European Union. It made me aware of the economic and social challenges regarding the Eurozone. The countless hours of researching and fine-tuning our presentation, ultimately lead to a grand experience. My experiences in both Miami and New York were comfortable and welcoming.
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Sumer Sao

Trinity Preparatory School
Sophomore

Euro challenge was a very interesting and fun experience for me. It was very fun to learn about, and solve, problems in the eurozone.