Alycia Holwerda

           Before attending MNSU, I had no clue what it meant to be a Global Citizen. My first guess would be it is another term for a world traveler, but that is completely wrong. Throughout my academic career, I was able to learn what it means to be a global citizen as well as evolve in the three aspects of global citizenship: self-awareness, knowledge, and communication.

            After completely forgetting two years of Spanish classes in high school, I restarted learning a second language by completing Spanish 101: Elementary Spanish. This course allowed me to verbally and nonverbally communicate in basic, familiar situations through various vocabulary, grammar, writing, and oral Spanish activities. The following year I continued to develop my Spanish abilities in Spanish 102: Elementary Spanish II, where I identified the connection between language and culture. My last semester of college I finished my language requirement by taking Spanish 201: Intermediate Spanish. Being able to communicate effectively with others is an essential skill to success. Knowing a second language allows me to successfully communicate and work with a wider range of people.

            My senior year I worked as a server at Buffalo Wild wings where I was able to demonstrate my Spanish speaking abilities outside of the classroom. I would have a lot of customers whose first language was Spanish. Because of my previous three Spanish classes, I was able to communicate in Spanish well enough to learn their food order and other basic dining conversations. At first, these situations were uncomfortable, but they made me realize how uncomfortable I was trying to use my Spanish. I hoped to continue learning Spanish for situations like this to make communication easier for all parties involved.

            Since I was learning Spanish, I wanted to grow in my knowledge of Spanish speaking people and their cultures. I took Ethics 204W: Perspective on Latino/Hispanic Diversity. Through weekly discussions, book readings, videos, and papers I was able to ask questions that showed an increased understanding of complex cultural practices, products, and perspective to the Latino/Hispanic Culture. I recognized new perspectives about other cultures and compared and contrasted that to my own.

            In my daily life I was also growing accustomed to many different cultures besides those of Spanish speakers. When I was the Personal Relations chair to D.R.E.A.M. (Data Resources for Eager, Analytical Minds), I not only grew in my self-awareness but also knowledge of other cultures. This student club has many members from a variety of different nationalities. Through conversations with these members I grew in my knowledge and by attending meetings I was able to perceive myself as a member of my own culture. Also, through my statistic courses, roommates, and swimming I was able to continue to develop my self-awareness and hone my understanding of my culture and the communities of which I am a part. Through conversations with multiple different diverse individuals, I was able to grow in my knowledge of other cultures.

            Global Citizenship is a vital quality to have not only in the professional but also personal setting. Being a global citizen will not only help me stand out in the job application front but also when connecting with others. This is a very important skill when trying to foster new relationships but also strengthen them as well. I am very thankful that my time at MNSU allowed me to become a more aware global citizen.