Reflection | Samara

Global Perspective

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Global Learning Medallion program has been the knowledge I have gained of different cultures through stories told in first-person. Lecture conference events hosted by the Office of Global Learning Initiatives, or other lecture conference events with global learning components, often held notable speakers who shared about their lived experiences, such as the lecture conference "Buddhism, Meditation, and Humanistic Buddhism," hosted by the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs, in which Buddhist monks shared more about Buddhism and the benefits of apply Buddhist principles into our everyday life, especially living in such a turbulent world. Getting to learn more about Buddhism from Buddhist monks' perspective offered a unique insight into the discussion that felt personal and allowed for stronger connections. Lecture conferences like this one not only contributed to new knowledge, but also gave me the space to employ the knowledge into my thinking, actions, and interactions. I have developed new confidence when having discussions with people from other cultures, as well as sharing my knowledge with others who are interested in learning more.

Global Awareness

The Global Learning Medallion program has allowed me to strengthen my awareness of global issues and how they are often connected to local issues. For example, many conversations in the course, SYP3456 - Societies in the World, focused on global climate change. In the course, we studied how personal behaviors, such as energy use, transportation choices, diet, and waste management contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases, which are responsible for global climate change. Understanding how personal behaviors and local actions impact global climate change can inspire us to take action, acknowledging that we as individuals are part of the global climate change crisis. Strengthening my global awareness has not only allowed me to become a better global citizen, but has also inspired me to focus my career on international human rights. Following the completion of my upcoming graduate degree, I plan on attending law school, and international human rights law is on my list of top law fields. Within international human rights law framework, environmental degradation is considered a human rights violation, and as a global citizen, I know that I can do my part to address it.

Global Engagement

The Global Learning Medallion program has encouraged me, as a global citizen, to engage in local, global, international, and intercultural problem solving. It is imperative that I put the global knowledge I acquired throughout my time in the program into practice, as I consider that one of the most valuable part of learning is using what we learn to create positive change. Global engagement can be small and still be effective. For example, when it comes to global climate change, we can begin to take action by reducing energy use, choosing public transportation instead of cars, consuming more plant-based foods in substitution of animal products, and reduce waste. These small changes, which often begin in the home, create lasting global impact. However, we must not forget the power we hold to take big steps in global problem solving. Engaging in activism, lobbying, and even pursuing a career in government are some of the big steps we can take to engage in global problem solving. I consider that the first step to engaging in global problem solving is having drive, which the Global Learning Medallion program fosters.