What It Means to Be a Thomasian Global Citizen

What does it mean to be a global citizen? A global citizen is someone who possesses the following: first, being proactive in serving the community. Second, being aware and understands the current world issues and accepts that each one must be productive and welcome their role in making a change. Third, a citizen who ardently desires to advance the world into a better place, not only for the present generation but for the future ones also. It is safe to say that being a global citizen is not that easy task to achieve. A person would need to strive hard in order to be an effective global citizen. In order to be one effective global citizen, people should be ingenious, well-rounded, and far-seeing. There should be willingness to learn how to find solutions for problems, discerning in way of thinking, and is able to assist and work with groups. Those who possess the mentioned inherent skills are the ones who can be considered as an outstanding global citizen. The knowledge of global citizenship is essential in promoting humanity.

Each one of us may have a different perception of what it means to be a Thomasian Global Citizen. A person who considers himself a true Thomasian Global Citizen is someone who is committed to make a mark in bringing compassion and empathy in the society he belongs to and goes out of his way to be an example to show the world that goodness in everyone can and will unite everyone in the world. All the bad things which can be seen in the world today cannot be rectified by one individual but a person’s action may be a source of example for others. A competent person can influence a lot of people to contribute in making an action collectively. While starting to make changes in one’s society is the starting point, it should not stop there. A Thomasian Global Citizen would know that one must show the world that accepting other people who are different from him in culture is also part of global action that must be embraced by everyone. He knows that cultural diversity must not be a source of inequality. If everyone is treated fairly and given equal chances, that would be an immense triumph for humankind. So, he gets involved in making positive changes which he considers good for the local community and globally. Building a lasting relationship with different people to raise awareness that the only way we can make a difference and make real changes is by starting in the daily choices that we make. It takes a collective effort and significant involvement to start a movement towards the goal which everyone is aiming for.

To be a Thomasian Global Citizen, one must be aware how his actions may impact the world. He contributes and does his part to improve lives of other people in different communities. This is done by consciously making decisions which would benefit a lot of people, including those from other countries. He sees the bigger picture and not just focused on simple goals. He loves the planet he lives in that’s why he makes effort to respect it and take care of its natural resources so it could also be enjoyed by the future generations. He makes right and careful decisions and makes a stand. He lobbies and rallies for the things he is passionate about, especially if it is for the common good of the majority. A Thomasian strives for excellence by continuously learning new things. This component can be used to be a better global citizen by learning and understanding interconnectedness. It is important to learn different cultures to be able to break down the barriers of language, culture and geography. Being a Thomasian Global Citizen means you have critical thinking skills and confidence to take on challenges, be they financial, environmental, political, societal, or social issues. Furthermore, it also means being equipped with knowledge, skills and virtues to participate in the global network. It means having creativeness and ingenuity, combined with discipline and work ethics to be able to work in diverse situations and locations in finding solutions to the every challenges known to men which are present in the world.

With the help of technology at this time of globalization, each one of us can answer the call to be a global citizen. We need to take responsibility for the global issues. Global citizenship is something that needs to be developed in us. As a Thomasian Global Citizen, we should cultivate in us the awareness for the suffering of the people all over the world. Concern for others and a moral sense of responsibility to take action must be developed and grow in us. Our voices must be used to encourage our peers and the younger generations as well to protect our planet. Let us help in educating and preparing each one to have a solid foundation of being a global citizen ready to face the challenges that lie ahead. Be in unity, beyond one’s nation, in taking responsibilities and caring for the environment. As a Thomasian, we are expected to have knowledge of the challenges our contemporary world is faced with. We are aware of the problems that has to be dealt with, not only by our nation but by the rest of the world. Education gives us the opportunity to think of possibilities on how to deal with the said problems. This helps us to further develop our knowledge so that we would be able to analyze how to use the information we have to further broaden our influence and to be able to use it for the good of humanity and our environment.