Over six months, I had the opportunity to engage with fellow students from Jesuit universities across the globe, which profoundly broadened my perspectives. The program sharpened my awareness of global justice, deepened my understanding of intercultural dialogue, and strengthened my belief in the power of education to foster social change. What impacted me most was the way the program combined academic content with space for reflection and practical experiences. The regular virtual sessions were not just intellectual discussions, but they encouraged us to think critically about our own responsibilities as global citizens and the ethical dimensions of leadership. What made the program truly special was the sense of community that developed among us fellows.
Despite our different backgrounds, we were united by shared values, such as solidarity, justice, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to our societies. The space we created together for honest conversations and deep listening left a lasting impression on me. It reminded me that real transformation often begins in small acts of dialogue.
This journey culminated in a powerful shared experience at the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU) Assembly in Bogotá, Colombia. Among the most impactful moments were the daily meditations and spiritual reflections rooted in Ignatian tradition. Starting each day with silence and prayer created unexpected depth and connection, especially in a global academic conference setting. Evening Masses reinforced this sense of community and shared purpose.
The IAJU plenary sessions addressed major global issues, from environmental justice to mental health and migration. It was eye-opening to hear perspectives from different world regions, especially regarding how Jesuit universities can lead with hope and ethical responsibility. I was both surprised and fascinated by how extensive the Jesuit network is worldwide, how many dedicated initiatives it supports, and how consistently value-driven its work is on an international level. The speech by Father General Arturo Sosa, who called Jesuit institutions to act as “beacons of hope” amid today's crises and who reminded us of humanity's fragility was very inspiring. Equally meaningful were the smaller, student-led sessions where we, as fellows, had space for personal reflection and dialogue. Overall, this fellowship didn't just inform me, it transformed me!
One of the most significant shifts in my thinking during the IAJU Global Citizenship Fellows Program was a deeper awareness of structural inequalities within global networks. While the IAJU conference offered an inspiring space for international exchange, it also exposed underlying social and institutional disparities, particularly between universities in the Global North and South. As one of the few student voices at a conference centered on higher education, I became more attuned to whose perspectives are included and whose are not heard appropriately yet.
The experience challenged my earlier, more idealistic views on global cooperation. I began to see clearer how issues like accessibility, representation, and resource distribution shape decision-making spaces. Yet I was encouraged by the fact that these imbalances were openly acknowledged and discussed. This transparency signaled a genuine desire for self-reflection and progress. Also, I had a very inspiring conversation with a conference delegate who works on transitional justice, peace, and migration issues related to conflict. These topics are very close to my heart and reminded me that such conferences are invaluable opportunities for meaningful networking.
As a dedicated global citizen and conscious of my global responsibility, I now feel even more committed to advocating for more inclusive and equitable structures. True global justice requires not just shared values, but also the willingness to confront and transform the power dynamics that shape them.
