For as long as I can remember, I have always had a deep desire to open myself to the world. However, I grew up in a culture where self-expression is not always encouraged and I never learned to articulate my feelings. So, when my teacher introduced me to the program, I was unsure whether I would fit in or be able to contribute meaningfully. Still, I took it as a challenge to learn new things and grow as a person.The program unveiled parts of myself I never knew before. I appreciated that we were given a safe space from the beginning, which made a significant difference. It encouraged us to speak and share without inhibitions. Hearing the diverse views of the other Fellows helped me craft my understanding of global citizenship. Our Zoom meetings focused heavily on dialogue practice, which was new to me. I never knew that dialogue itself could be practiced intentionally or that it was so connected to global responsibility. The In Your Shoes method especially stood out. It taught me to listen with attention and empathy and to be able to see things from someone else’s perspective. Ever since, I have always tried using that approach in many of my social interactions.
Meeting the fellows in person made the experience even richer. It reminded me that some aspects of human connection simply cannot be fully experienced online. Sharing new experiences such as tasting new food, visiting a new city and its iconic places helped us bond. I found myself engaging and sharing more of my person. I particularly enjoyed the talks and laughs we had over lunch, coffee-breaks or during bus rides.
At the IAJU Assembly, one of the most impactful panels for me was the one on student mental health. Hearing the panelists talk about the struggles their students face and the practices they use to support them deeply resonated with me. When Dr. Anna Moreland said, “The mental health crisis is a crisis of being human,” it gave words to something I had always felt but did not know how to express.
Afterwards, I got the chance to talk to some of the other fellows about it. Their experiences mirrored many of my own, which made me realize the importance of sharing. Before the program, I only discussed mental well-being with close friends. Now, I feel a stronger responsibility to raise awareness and support others in my community.
Ultimately, this program allowed me to reflect on my identity both as a young adult finding her place in the world and as a student at a Jesuit university. For me, global citizenship isn’t just an abstract concept but a call to action, a feeling that pushes me to bring value starting right where I am.
