As a child, I always hoped to somehow manage to change the world. As a natural science major, I was searching for reasonable ways to incorporate my interests in cultures and activism. I decided to minor in Music, as well as Asian Languages and Cultures. By mere coincidence, I heard about the Global Scholars Program through a close friend and I immediately applied. At the moment, I wasn’t sure what it was, specifically, that I wanted; I just applied because I knew GSP encompassed my passions for globalism and social justice.

My interests have always been with the general public, whether it be health equity, performance, or solidarity. As a high school student, I learned about the different cultures represented in my local community and I committed to hosting events that welcomed various communities. Founding a MultiCultural club at my school taught me two key things that I had yet to consider: (1) I have poor leadership skills, and (2) my research knowledge is extremely limited. Entering GSP, I was hoping to take opportunities to live in other countries and understand the languages and the depth of the cultures. I joined to take the chance to interact with people from different countries and understand their personal experiences with their backgrounds as they navigate the educational system in America.

Unsurprisingly, bringing various peoples and communities together is not easily executed; however, with GSP, I was able to develop concrete skills in global problem solving. I was able to familiarize myself with difficult concepts related to governments and inequalities. Learning to problem-solve in a setting with different culturally-rooted social norms and economic situations is a skill that can only be developed through practice and dialogue. Because many of the countries I plan to visit constantly pose a threat to peace, I also wanted to become more proficient in peace literacy. Personally, I would like to use my peace literacy skills to teach my own communities how to safely bring themselves up based on their own situations. I would also like to use my skills in a professional environment based on the context of the culture that I would be surrounded by at that time.

My previous place of residence had the largest Black population in the United States. It it was a huge culture shock when I moved to Ann Arbor, despite it being one of the most diverse cities in Michigan. The people I surrounded myself with were always a small circle of friends that would be mostly people of color. GSP is a great, tight-knit community that helps me achieve my goal without immediately spreading myself thin.

The best skills that I learned through GSP are teamwork and leadership. The members of GSP are receptive to feedback and great at fostering dialogue and other forms of healthy communication. I am admittedly stubborn when it comes to group work because I prefer to do things on my own, but I never feel like I’m working by myself when doing a project with fellow GSP community members. This environment helped me get practice with working in a group setting frequently. Additionally, I was hesitant to jump into a leadership role, but my role as a General Member mitigates those concerns. I was able to interact frequently with other returning members and help with planning events and simple tasks. After a semester of one of the GSP courses, ALA 470: Organizing for Global Social Justice, I am elated that I had the opportunity to learn from fellow members while choosing a level of leadership that I felt comfortable with.

Because of GSP and ALA 470, I have a foundation in the abstract skills necessary for global change as well as tangible support from the community. I feel competent as a growing leader, and I feel comfortable with my roles in activism. I also have the tangible support that I need to pursue a holistic education in Asian Languages and Cultures. I will be both prepared and ready to learn when I work towards my goal and attempt to build a community of people who interact with people all over the world. I feel truly prepared to make the world more global and inclusive. Now, as a young adult, I can say that I truly plan to change the world, and I have the foundation and support necessary for it.