Crossing Continental Borders: Flying the Drexel Flag in Argentina

Flying over 8,500 kilometers from New York's JFK to Buenos Aires was exhilarating, with the promise of representing Drexel University at the International Conference on Communication and Media Studies, organized by the Common Grounds Research Network based in the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA and hosted by Universidad Abierta Interamericana (UAI).

Sharing that moment with professors and even a Vice Chancellor showed the significance of our collective work.

As the plane descended into Buenos Aires, the city unfolded beneath me, filled with history, art, and life, radiating its nearly five-century legacy. Stepping into the conference venue, the energy was palpable. Presenting my study on the paradigm shift of Hollywood's apocalyptic visual effects in the "Making Movies" session was invigorating, especially knowing my audience was as passionate about the evolving media landscape as I am. The discussions were dynamic, brimming with insights from around the world.

Chairing the "Real and Imagined" session was a standout experience. Engaging with experts from Temple University and the University of Łódź allowed me to witness the breadth of perspectives shaping media studies. In another session, "Educational Insights," I had the pleasure of chairing conversations with professors from the University of Calgary and Tulane University, gaining perspectives on pedagogy and practice.

Receiving the Emerging Scholar Award was a true honor, standing alongside accomplished scholars from South Africa (University of Johannesburg), Turkey (Istanbul University), USA (Kennesaw State University), Spain (Universität de Valencia), Nigeria (Thomas Adewusi University), and Kean University in New Jersey. Sharing that moment with professors and even a Vice Chancellor showed the significance of our collective work.

After the conference, I explored Buenos Aires' historic neighborhoods, savoring every vibrant mural, café, and cobbled street, all while proudly representing Drexel. The city's rich cultural and historical heritage left me inspired and deeply grateful for this unforgettable journey.

Essien Oku Essien is a Communication, Culture and Media Studies major from Calabar, Cross Rivers State, Nigeria.