Global Scholars Essay |
What experiences have awakened your interest and will help you contribute to the Global Initiatives Program at Poly? In what ways do you hope that the Global Scholars program will expand and deepen your global perspectives?
The GIP mission statement states: “An understanding of the world calls for a willingness to learn through study, to reach out and communicate with one another in interaction, and to realize that we can help shape the future by service and listening. The Global Initiatives Program seeks to prepare all Poly graduates to live with confidence and good character in a rapidly changing and globally connected world.” When I first read these words, I was very intrigued about this program. I had heard about the program during my freshman year and was eager to be a part of it. Growing up, I was exposed to many different cultures and places. I was privileged to travel to many countries which helped broaden my horizons and deepen my understanding of our globally connected world. In these different places, I learned about different cultures and customs that I wouldn’t have normally known about if I hadn’t travelled outside of the country. Traveling has helped awaken my interest in the global community and these experiences will help me contribute to the Global Initiatives Program.
One of the places that truly awakened my interest in global interaction was when I visited Uganda as part of a community service trip in the summer prior to 8th grade. I volunteered for a nonprofit organization called Ray United FC that partners with the USC Institute for Global Health to lead public health workshops. We traveled to remote villages in Uganda where we ran soccer camps as part of this initiative.
Although I had been to developing countries before, going to such an underdeveloped country was definitely an eye-opening experience. It was a step outside of my comfort zone as I had never experienced anything like it before. Many of the kids would stare at me, bewildered by my skin color as they don’t often see a pale person. Most of these kids lived in huts with a thatched roof made out of straw, had to share bedrooms and clothes with numerous family members, and survived on very little money per day. Some didn’t even have access to education because they had to drop out school to help their parents with subsistence farming.
During the camp, I would run drills and facilitate soccer scrimmages for the kids. As I would look upon the kids, an everlasting smile was always plastered on their faces. I remember thinking to myself, I can never complain about my situation ever again. These kids aren't in a situation as privileged as I am, yet they are always happy. Having the experience of traveling to a developing country and playing soccer with other kids, helped me learn about different customs and traditions as well as connect with many kids of different perspectives and backgrounds. I hope my volunteering had a ripple effect on that community.
From experiences like traveling to other countries and attending GIP events, I have increased my understanding of the global community which I hope to further. I would like to contribute to the Global Scholars program by hosting GIP events and furthering the discussion around the global community. I plan to create an extensive portfolio or blog that reflects my work on the global community.
One of the places that truly awakened my interest in global interaction was when I visited Uganda as part of a community service trip in the summer prior to 8th grade. I volunteered for a nonprofit organization called Ray United FC that partners with the USC Institute for Global Health to lead public health workshops. We traveled to remote villages in Uganda where we ran soccer camps as part of this initiative.
Although I had been to developing countries before, going to such an underdeveloped country was definitely an eye-opening experience. It was a step outside of my comfort zone as I had never experienced anything like it before. Many of the kids would stare at me, bewildered by my skin color as they don’t often see a pale person. Most of these kids lived in huts with a thatched roof made out of straw, had to share bedrooms and clothes with numerous family members, and survived on very little money per day. Some didn’t even have access to education because they had to drop out school to help their parents with subsistence farming.
During the camp, I would run drills and facilitate soccer scrimmages for the kids. As I would look upon the kids, an everlasting smile was always plastered on their faces. I remember thinking to myself, I can never complain about my situation ever again. These kids aren't in a situation as privileged as I am, yet they are always happy. Having the experience of traveling to a developing country and playing soccer with other kids, helped me learn about different customs and traditions as well as connect with many kids of different perspectives and backgrounds. I hope my volunteering had a ripple effect on that community.
From experiences like traveling to other countries and attending GIP events, I have increased my understanding of the global community which I hope to further. I would like to contribute to the Global Scholars program by hosting GIP events and furthering the discussion around the global community. I plan to create an extensive portfolio or blog that reflects my work on the global community.