Anthropology

     Anthropology is defined as the study of humans, past and present. What a beautifully vague term. It comes to encompass so much, and without even realizing it, many students of Anthropology are well on their way to being global citizens. Anthropology gives you an appreciation for all different types of cultures and peoples, no matter what kind of barriers may inherently exist. This mode of thinking is beneficial to the global citizen in that it allows you to really look at questions from different perspectives. This is especially beneficial in trying to see how another culture thinks differently from your own. Just as the anthropologist needs to navigate through different cultural identities, so must the global citizen.

     Not only must the anthropologist attempt to navigate through different cultural perspectives, but they must also be aware of how their own biases instilled in them by the society in which they live. In this same respect, the global citizen must understand that they might not see things the exact same way as one of their peers, no matter how hard they try. That being said, it is still highly beneficial to attempt to look beyond our cultural framework to understand the formation of other cultures and identities. The number one thing that everyone needs to understand in becoming a global citizen
is that despite all of our cross cultural differences, we still have one major thing in common: our humanity. It is through our mindset as a human that we can come together to appreciate all those around us and share our cultures with each other, while advocating for what's best for all o
f us.

Impacts

     Global citizenship was never really a phrase that I heard before coming to Loyola. I have always thought of myself as someone who wanted to travel and make a difference wherever he goes, but what does it mean to be a 'global citizen'? To me, a global citizen is someone who acknowledges that there may be great cross-cultural differences in the world, but we are all still equally human. No one culture of people is better than any other, and we must all strive to help out our neighbors. The most important part about being a global citizen is probably making that lasting impact on those that you meet. This impact could be anything from a friendly smile to a helping hand. The impacts that we make on the world, however small they may be, leave an impression and it is up to us to leave an impression everywhere we go.
    There are many ways one can fulfill there role as a global citizen, and in no way is being a global citizen easy, but it is something worthwhile. Many people feel accomplished staying within their own communities and advocating for change, while others feel the need to go out into the world and change it directly. I am one of the latter. I have this urge, this calling to get up and go change the world, and that is exactly what I'm going to do with my life. In giving ourselves selflessly to others, we may inspire them to do the same for others, and we will leave an even greater impact on the world than we began with. In helping others, we are helping ourselves, as there is a little bit of everyone in us, and a little bit of us in everyone we meet.