GIP BEGINNINGS

I am drawn to the Global Scholars program because I intrinsically share its core values. From growing up in an international community to taking advantage of diverse opportunities at Polytechnic, I seek to continue to expand my education as a citizen of the world within the Global Initiatives Program.

As a person with a dual identity, I have long since battled with the notion of belonging to multiple backgrounds yet also realized how much of a privilege it is to understand the notion of multiple perspectives. Culturally, my French side falls in stark contrast to my American side (and vice-versa), and therefore I am able to enjoy an authentic mix of the two. More specifically, I encounter the contrast in lifestyles when hanging around different friend groups. This aspect of my life has enabled me to perceive the world more holistically and maintain a mind frame in which I am significantly more sensitive and open minded. I hope to help instill a similar awareness and love for diversity in fellow Global Scholars through providing my contemplative point of view. As a result of identifying with two distinct cultures, I will be able to impart my unique values and perspective with the group.

Over the past couple of years, my dedication to exploring has grown and solidified into enrolling in specific courses, taking advantage of intriguing opportunities, and being more involved both in my community and internationally. All of the latter coincide with what the Global Initiatives Program offers. An academic and direct approach of addressing culture, service, and ultimately human nature appeals profoundly to me. I am intrigued by things that examine human connection, especially through a cultural lens. While every course provides a certain degree of insight into how we relate as humans, the Global Initiatives Program will enable me to deepen my knowledge and fulfill my passion for global issues through an ambitious and inspiring initiative.

Although I am not yet officially a Global Scholar, I have already had a glimpse of what the experience entails. I have attended many GIP Events, written 2 articles for the GIP website, and taken several GIP-approved courses, all of which have confirmed my avidity towards the prospect of being a member of the program. Attending a plethora of events has greatly developed my standpoint on world dynamics and has made for an invaluable and formative experience. Therefore, besides being a structured means of learning about the world, I hope the Global Scholars program will personally better my understanding of my position and help establish my voice as a global citizen.