Global Programs

I participated in a virtual student dialogue run through the Global Education Benchmark Group. The theme of this dialogue was “Decoding the News,” which focused on the effect the news has on the perception of domestic and international affairs. We talked about misinformation and disinformation, along with the power news companies hold. Communicating with students from across the country and in Canada was extremely beneficial to me. I could feel the different perspectives radiating through the conversation in a way that made the dialogue vibrant, multifaceted, and nuanced. It was clear the different educations, backgrounds, and areas where we all lived created a successful and memorable conversation. One student explained her thoughts on how news agencies prioritize their business rather than what they print, which I never really thought about. It is obvious when reading an article that its point is to share news, but it is less obvious that the article makes money. Through this dialogue, I was able to connect the topics of media and news to the Singapore Pen Pals experience I had later that month.  The GEBG “Decoding the News” dialogue was a really interesting experience that gave me more insight into the global issues in media. 

The Museum of Modern Art in New York City was a new way for me to enhance my global perspective through learning more about the world, specifically through art. Going into an art museum with a global lens made my experience insightful and made me ask questions that I would not have otherwise asked. I got to see Starry Night by Van Gogh, The Little Theater by Dali, Self-Portrait with Monkey by Kahlo, Campbell's Soup Cans by Warhol, and countless other iconic pieces. My personal favorite piece I got to see was The Dance by Henri Matisse. Its large size, vibrant blue, and carefree dancing reminded me of the connection between all humans through the natural desire for movement and freedom. Because I was keeping the values of the GCSE in mind while looking at it, I was able to connect the piece with the global connection humans have through physical movement. It is an idea I would have never thought about without going to the MoMA, so I am extremely grateful for my experience to enhance my global perspective. I would love to go to the MoMA again and analyze more art from around the world, because although it might not ever be fully understood, one can try.

The Carnegie Hall performance was not only entertaining, but extremely informative. The University of Pennsylvania's Platt Student Performing Arts House showcased their performing arts groups, ranging from comedy groups to a cappella. PennSori, a k-pop a cappella group, fused many different styles of music together with Korean pop music, including American pop. It fused many different styles of music, including American pop, with Korean pop music. The performance celebrated Korean music and culture while simultaneously showing how it can be mixed in with American culture– an intriguing way to showcase an experience of Korean-Americans. Additionally, the Fuerza Latinx music group performed, along with the Penn Masti South Asian dance team. Fusing hip-hop and traditional South Asian dances, Penn Masti’s performance was lively, fun, and my personal favorite. It was a way for me to learn more about South Asian dance and also watch an extremely entertaining performance. My global perspective has changed through the Carnegie Hall performance because I have increased knowledge of the singing and dancing styles of India, Korea, and other Asian countries, along with Latin countries. I would absolutely love to go to another Platt House performance and think it was extremely beneficial to me as a global citizen.