My time as a Global Learning Medallion student has been invaluable. Throughout this program, I was guided through a process that facilitated learning and self-awareness. Growing up I had always heard the term “global citizen,” and I thought I knew what that meant; however, after some reflecting, I can see now that I did not fully understand all of what this entailed. My experience as a Global Learning Medallion student has been characterized by my increased global, perspective, awareness, and engagement. 

 

Prior to my new found friendships with several international students—due in part to my attendance of Global Learning Activities— I believed myself to be an understanding and culturally aware person. However, after many conversations with people from all over the world, I now see that cultural sensitivity is something that requires you to constantly and consciously work towards. My circle of friends and I’s first year of friendship was characterized by unintentional insults due entirely to our cultural ignorance. Thankfully, as time went on, misconceptions were corrected, and our perspectives of each other’s cultures became more accepting which allowed us to be more conscientious when making jokes and comments.

 

Moreover, my global awareness has also increased through my global learning courses. For example, my International Protection of Human Rights course discussed in great detail the many egregious violations of Human Rights that take place all over the world. One of these violations being sweatshops in Mexico. I asked the professor why had this not been stopped if this was public knowledge, and to my dismay, she explained the interconnection between states and these companies and how by overlooking these violations it benefited some states’ economies which meant that they would never be rectified. I then went to my International Law Professor determined to see if there was some legal stance that could be taken against this abuse of power wherein the answer was no because International Law is often associated with the term soft law meaning: not legally binding. Needless to say, I was appalled and disgruntled, but I appreciated no longer being oblivious to these global issues. 

 

Lastly, with my new knowledge given to me through this program, my global engagement has also increased. I now feel obligated to no longer simply claim to be a global citizen but to also act like one. I now pay attention instead of tuning out when my parents put on MSNBC or NPR, and in fact, I very much enjoy listening to their discussions. Moreover, I have taken it upon myself to continue learning about global issues to ensure that the flame that Global Learning Medallion has lit inside of me does not burn out but rather continues to grow throughout the rest of my life.

 

Therefore, after graduation, I intend to go to Malawi, Africa to teach English to continue my journey of becoming a global citizen. While there, I will utilize all the skills that the Global Learning Medallion program has taught me most notably my communication skills which I feel have been specifically refined over the course of this curriculum.