Completing the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU) Global Citizenship Fellows Program and the study tour in Rome, Italy has been a transformative experience. More than learning about global citizenship as an abstract concept, I came to understand it as a daily practice in encounter, listening, and a commitment to the common good. The program challenged me to rethink how I engage with people whose experiences, beliefs, and realities differ from my own, and it provided me with practical tools that I now carry into my local community and university.
One of the most impactful lessons came from the very beginning of the program through the readings and discussions on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius and the “Principle and Foundation.” In particular, I was deeply moved by the Jesuit practice of presupposing the best in others. At first, it seems like a simple idea, yet I have come to realize its profound power. Approaching others with the assumption that their intentions are good creates a space for recognition, respect, and genuine dialogue. It prepares us spiritually and intellectually to encounter the humanity of another person rather than reducing them to a disagreement, stereotype, or label.
Starting the program with these readings shaped the way I approached every workshop, conversation, and experience that followed. It taught me to keep both my mind and heart open to what is unfamiliar and to learn from the diverse perspectives of my fellow Global Citizenship Fellows. Rather than seeking to defend my own views, I learned to enter conversations with curiosity and humility. This shift has already influenced my daily interactions since returning home. I now make a conscious effort to truly listen—not merely to hear, but to understand. Another practice I have unconsciously incorporated is reflecting back what someone has shared and asking, “I think what you said was this…Did I get that right?” Such a simple question often creates common ground and helps people feel seen, heard, and understood.
Another workshop that profoundly impacted me centered on Jesuit higher education and its power to transform society. A reading on the mission of Jesuit universities resonated deeply with me, particularly the idea that “what is more universal is more divine.” This phrase continues to guide my understanding of education as a force for the common good. Vocationally, this reflection has become a touchstone that I hope to return to throughout my life whenever I need to reconnect with the purpose I want to give to both my educational and professional path. It reminded me that education is not simply about personal achievement but about cultivating the capacity to serve others and contribute to a more just and humane world.
Among the experiences in Rome, the visit to the Jesuit Curia Generalizia was especially meaningful. Standing in the place where so much of the global Jesuit mission is coordinated made the international dimension of Jesuit education feel tangible and real. As someone deeply interested in the internationalization of Jesuit education, it was inspiring to witness firsthand the global network and vision that connect institutions and individuals across cultures and continents.
Ultimately, the Global Citizenship Fellows Program reshaped my understanding of how we face global challenges. Global issues cannot be addressed through technical solutions alone; they require empathy, dialogue, and a willingness to recognize the dignity of every person. The most important lesson I bring back is that meaningful change begins with encounter. By listening deeply, presupposing the best in others, and remaining open to learning from every person we meet, we create the conditions for genuine global citizenship and a more hopeful future.
