Gateway

At the University of Cincinnati, my understanding of what it means to be a Global Citizen Scholar has grown significantly over this semester. To me, a Global Citizen Scholar is someone who is always growing and learning, especially in and around culture. It means being open-minded, kind, respectful, and curious. It is someone who listens, seeks understanding, and recognizes that learning does not stop at the classroom.

At the beginning of the semester, I interpreted the title “Global Citizen Scholar” very literally. I focused heavily on the word scholar and viewed it primarily as an academic label. Someone who studies global issues. However, over time, I began to see it less as a title and more as a personal role in the world. Being a Global Citizen Scholar is not just about academic achievement; it is about how I show up in everyday interactions, how I treat people from different backgrounds, and how I apply what I learn to real communities. It is a mindset of continuous growth and responsibility, both locally and globally.

Looking ahead to the next year, I have two primary goals. First, I want to complete another internship related to my major in Public Health. Gaining another internship will allow me to strengthen my professional skills, expand my real-world experience, and clarify what area of public health I want to pursue long term. Because public health is such a broad field, hands-on experience is essential in helping me determine where I can make the greatest impact.

To achieve this goal, I plan to actively use LinkedIn to network with professionals, search for opportunities, and build connections within the public health sectors. I also plan to foster and strengthen my relationships with mentors. Mentors are one of my most valuable resources. By staying in communication with professors, supervisors, and professionals I have met through internships and campus involvement, I can continue to seek guidance, advice, and constructive feedback as I grow professionally.

My second goal is to become an executive board member for one more student organization. Leadership challenges me to step outside of my comfort zone and develop skills in communication, organization, and collaboration. Serving in a new executive role will also help me refine my ability to manage responsibilities, make decisions thoughtfully, and support others, all skills that are necessary in public health leadership.

My strengths of love, honesty, and compassion strongly influence how I approach these goals. Love allows me to genuinely care about the communities I hope to serve. Compassion helps me approach challenges with empathy and understanding, especially when working with diverse populations. Honesty keeps me grounded and self-aware, allowing me to recognize my areas for improvement and accept feedback constructively. These strengths guide me to approach my goals with clarity and positivity rather than fear or comparison.

My values also shape my development. Honesty, in particular, is central to both my academic and professional life. In public health, integrity is critical. Communities rely on accurate information, ethical decision-making, and transparency. Upholding honesty ensures that I remain trustworthy and responsible in any role I take on.

Innovation, to me, means knowing when to leave things alone that already work and when to improve what no longer serves people. In public health and environmental studies, innovation is not always about creating something entirely new; sometimes it is about improving access, refining communication strategies, or reallocating resources to better meet community needs. Being innovative requires discernment and critical thinking. Understanding context before implementing change. This mindset will help me develop thoughtful, sustainable solutions rather than reactive ones.

All of these qualities connect directly to career readiness. Being career-ready is not only about technical skills or experience; it is about self-awareness. Knowing my strengths, values, and approach to innovation helps me navigate professional environments with confidence and integrity. When I understand who I am, I can contribute more effectively to teams, lead with empathy, and adapt to evolving challenges.

Before I graduate, I plan to complete two specific University Honors Program experiences: the Bearcat Pantry Ambassadors Program and Career Pathways Research.

The Bearcat Pantry Ambassadors Program aligns strongly with both my Public Health major and my Environmental Studies minor. Food insecurity is directly connected to health outcomes, economic stability, and environmental systems. Through this program, I hope to develop skills in outreach, program management, and professional communication. I am particularly interested in helping relocate resources and develop health education and promotion materials related to nutrition, budgeting, and sustainable food practices. This experience will allow me to apply classroom knowledge to real community needs while strengthening practical skills in community engagement and health promotion.

The Career Pathways Research experience is equally important to me because public health is such a broad discipline. Exploring specific career pathways through research and mentorship will allow me to narrow my focus and identify the areas where I can best align my passions, skills, and long-term goals. This experience will provide clarity and direction, helping me make intentional decisions about internships, graduate education, or professional opportunities.

Together, these honors experiences will support my growth as a Global Citizen Scholar. The Bearcat Pantry Ambassadors Program connects me directly to community-based work and reinforces my commitment to equity and accessibility. Career Pathways Research will provide structured reflection and exploration, ensuring that my growth remains intentional rather than accidental. Both experiences support my professional development while reinforcing the mindset of curiosity, empathy, and lifelong learning that defines global citizenship for me.

Ultimately, becoming a Global Citizen Scholar is an ongoing journey. It requires openness, humility, and a willingness to continuously grow. As a Public Health major with a minor in Environmental Studies at the University of Cincinnati, I am committed to using my education not only to advance professionally but to serve communities with compassion and integrity. Through intentional goals, meaningful honors experiences, and continued reflection, I am building the foundation to become not just a scholar of global issues, but an active, thoughtful participant in the world around me.