At the beginning of my undergraduate career at Florida International University I had certain expectations. I expected to meet different people and be an actively involved student. I expected to work hard and at the end of my college career look back and see that the hard work was worth it. I expected to be challenged, and to immerse myself in activities that would be way out of my comfort zone. I expected to grow. As I reflect on my undergraduate college experience, not only can I say that my expectations were met, but also that they were surpassed. All of the classes, activities, involvements, and programs I participated in have been the building blocks to me emerging as a global citizen, and they have set the foundation to me taking the next steps in pursuing what it means to be a global citizen.
The global learning experience put the world into perspective for me. If someone had asked me a few years ago how I viewed the world, I might answer: vast, never-ending, unreachable, different and problematic. Ask me the same question now and I would answer: near, reachable, attainable, solution-oriented and interconnected. This change in my perspective on how I view the world is as a result of the programs that I participated in and the interactions I have had with various people as a part of the global learning experience at FIU. One such example of this is my internship with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) . This internship experience put the world into arms-reach for me. Through interacting with people from all round the world on a daily basis, to attending events and discussions on how the World Bank Group works to help solve global issues, my perspective on the globe was shifted. Not only did I learn to take into consideration the view points of others, which is essential when working in global and diverse teams, but I also learned the value of being open to new and different perspectives which contribute to how the world works.
I once read a quote by Norman Vincent Peale that said: "change your thoughts and you change the world." This statement is especially true in my life. If I had not taken advantage of global experiences offered at my university, I would never have had the global awareness I have now. Various courses I have taken that comprised a global component have heightened my global awareness and as a result changed the way I think about the world. I have learned that my thoughts affect everything- how I perceive things, my actions, and the concurring results. As a global citizen I have learned that the issues that exist in the world are not of far reach, but are closer to me than I think, and if I can grasp that concept I can affect change. My service trip to India put this into tangible perspective for me. I learned, among other things, the interconnectedness of poverty, crime and social structures, as well as how much of a role culture plays in our lives.
Now more than ever I want more of the world. To grasp its vastness more, to explore it, to learn more about people and cultures because through my global experiences I have had just a taste. My hope is to work on global issues, issues that affect businesses and people, and engage in dialogues on how our daily actions can and do make a difference. My interests lie in how we can leverage the expertise that corporations and businesses have to help under-developed and underserved communities around the world be it through company's supply chains, corporate social responsibility, or through sustainable business practices. Taking it one step further I want to focus on women and children and the issues that they face globally. I want to make it known that involving women in economies of countries, through providing them with employment and opportunities and giving them a space on decision making tables, can transform and uplift entire communities. I want each of my daily actions to work towards the benefit of those who cannot advocate or raise voices for themselves.
I look back on each experience and understand that each of them shaped me, pushed me, and helped me develop into a leader, a team-player, a globally-conscious individual, and a person who is ready to take on all the world has to offer. The world is in arms reach for me now, and although in learning about the world you never fully arrive (with it changing at such a rapid pace due to advances in technology, innovation and knowledge), I am definitely miles ahead from where I started when I first entered college. I have gained the capabilities and skills to work in diverse teams, to contribute meaningfully to discussions and interactions that affect change, analytically and critically think about new ideas, and bring something new to the table due to my diverse background and experiences. I am proud to say I have emerged from Florida International University as a global citizen.
The global learning experience put the world into perspective for me. If someone had asked me a few years ago how I viewed the world, I might answer: vast, never-ending, unreachable, different and problematic. Ask me the same question now and I would answer: near, reachable, attainable, solution-oriented and interconnected. This change in my perspective on how I view the world is as a result of the programs that I participated in and the interactions I have had with various people as a part of the global learning experience at FIU. One such example of this is my internship with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) . This internship experience put the world into arms-reach for me. Through interacting with people from all round the world on a daily basis, to attending events and discussions on how the World Bank Group works to help solve global issues, my perspective on the globe was shifted. Not only did I learn to take into consideration the view points of others, which is essential when working in global and diverse teams, but I also learned the value of being open to new and different perspectives which contribute to how the world works.
I once read a quote by Norman Vincent Peale that said: "change your thoughts and you change the world." This statement is especially true in my life. If I had not taken advantage of global experiences offered at my university, I would never have had the global awareness I have now. Various courses I have taken that comprised a global component have heightened my global awareness and as a result changed the way I think about the world. I have learned that my thoughts affect everything- how I perceive things, my actions, and the concurring results. As a global citizen I have learned that the issues that exist in the world are not of far reach, but are closer to me than I think, and if I can grasp that concept I can affect change. My service trip to India put this into tangible perspective for me. I learned, among other things, the interconnectedness of poverty, crime and social structures, as well as how much of a role culture plays in our lives.
Now more than ever I want more of the world. To grasp its vastness more, to explore it, to learn more about people and cultures because through my global experiences I have had just a taste. My hope is to work on global issues, issues that affect businesses and people, and engage in dialogues on how our daily actions can and do make a difference. My interests lie in how we can leverage the expertise that corporations and businesses have to help under-developed and underserved communities around the world be it through company's supply chains, corporate social responsibility, or through sustainable business practices. Taking it one step further I want to focus on women and children and the issues that they face globally. I want to make it known that involving women in economies of countries, through providing them with employment and opportunities and giving them a space on decision making tables, can transform and uplift entire communities. I want each of my daily actions to work towards the benefit of those who cannot advocate or raise voices for themselves.
I look back on each experience and understand that each of them shaped me, pushed me, and helped me develop into a leader, a team-player, a globally-conscious individual, and a person who is ready to take on all the world has to offer. The world is in arms reach for me now, and although in learning about the world you never fully arrive (with it changing at such a rapid pace due to advances in technology, innovation and knowledge), I am definitely miles ahead from where I started when I first entered college. I have gained the capabilities and skills to work in diverse teams, to contribute meaningfully to discussions and interactions that affect change, analytically and critically think about new ideas, and bring something new to the table due to my diverse background and experiences. I am proud to say I have emerged from Florida International University as a global citizen.