Program Reflection

 

​

You will note that this page is located near the beginning because if you’ve come across this page over the internet I feel it’s probably the most important page on this site. Here I will explain my thoughts and reflection on the entire Scholar of Global Distinction Program and how it has impacted my life and my future.

​

For a novice joining this group your initial expectations of course could be, “It’ll help me when I’m dealing with people from other countries in my job,” or “It’ll make me appear more worldly in interviews.” Nothing wrong with those thoughts, perfectly natural, but if you follow the program as it outlines, I assure you that you will get much more than those two things from it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(You can read more about the actual experience and details under the Global Challenge Tab.) Here is where I, as one could say, jumped into the deep end of the pool.

​

From day one of our zoom meetings with our friends from the University of Garmian in Kurdistan, Iraq, it was a major learning experience. Speaking as someone who has never ventured outside the country, it was especially interesting for me. Considering, a little over ten years ago (December 15, 2011) our country had just pulled out of a war with Iraq, and some of the team members from there were literally from locations listed on the map where the war was especially devastating; I didn’t know how we would be received. Fortunately, any concerns were alleviated quickly as they were enthusiastic participants, very friendly, and eager to work with us. I should note that Kurdistan does offer some degree of autonomy from Iraq, but we chose not to get into history or politics for the purposes of this project. – A prime example of how education and a shared interest can unite different cultures together in a common cause.

​

As a result of this joint venture project, we learned that our countries have a similar issue, however, the U.S. has a system in place already to address this concern. In Kurdistan, this is a big problem with very few resources available to address it. The challenge was to work towards a common resolution that would benefit both countries in some way. Our friends from Kurdistan benefitted from our existing knowledge based on current resources here in the states, and the types of issues and concerns that must be managed properly.

​

They also were instrumental in providing public response data on how citizens feel about the problem, its causes, undesired ramifications, and what we can do to resolve it. Although the cultures were significantly different, the objectives were the same. Our approaches differed as well, as our needs were diverse in nature. We learned to work together, identifying issues, brainstorming solutions, and determining a marketing strategy knowing it would differ from one to the other based on the region’s needs and resources.

​

In the process, we learned more about how differently we live in some ways, and yet how alike we think in others. Differences of opinion produced different responses just as it would in any culture. However, we learned to understand each other’s perspectives and respect their ideas, as they respected ours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is what makes an opportunity like this one so valuable and beneficial when relating to a workforce in the 21st century. Technology has made our world smaller, but no less diverse. We must learn to communicate, cooperate, and work together to make our world a better place for all. This global solutions challenge was one step in the right direction for everyone involved in that purpose, and we’re all better for it.

​

You now understand what impact the global challenge had on my learning experience, so let me next explain how combined with the remaining elements of the program, my “world view” was changed. The global educational courses combined with the global outside activities also helped contribute to a more complete understanding that led to a renewed perspective in how I see events in particular around me. I mention the 1619 Project on the Global Challenge page, so let me offer some other examples one might not expect.

​

Considering that during this entire program the world experienced a once in a hundred years pandemic, it was not without its global news. Then, just as we were beginning to get back on our feet again and gain some sense of control over the Covid-19 Virus, Russia's leader decides to invade Ukraine and puts us at the doorstep of a possible third world war. Something that the rest of the world (including many Russians themselves) wanted no part of, except for providing humanitarian relief to those Ukrainians in need and military assistance in the safest way possible. What a time to be learning about global news! I viewed the events through an empathetic lens and felt personal sorrow for those poor individuals and families faced with a crisis, not of their own making. I must admit, it was difficult to watch each day, I could only imagine what living through it must be like. So that’s from the world news view.

​

On a much happier note, I began making connections on my LinkedIn profile with people from other countries. Something, I’m not sure I would have even thought about before this program influenced me so. I made foreign connections with people with similar interests and career choices. They were able to share valuable tips on how to be the best I can be in my field of choice. The diverse nature of my connections has helped me gain even more worthful knowledge.

 

Activities such as the “Minor Dilemma” among others have taught me how people are affected in many different ways.

 

 

 

 

My leadership abilities grew exponentially in this program, when you think about it, how could they not? You begin to see things at a more microscopic level and learn to think first before you react. The quickest solution may not be the best solution in the long run. Obviously, this is seeing solutions from different perspectives from a human standpoint.

 

 

 

 

 

I know I’ve said a lot, nevertheless, I think you get the picture now, just how much more you will get from this experience than you might have originally expected. I know I did, and I can only hope the same for you.

​

Good luck and Godspeed