Takeaways: Being a Poly Global Scholar
- Evelyn J. Kim
- May 18
- 3 min read
When I first joined the Global Scholars program at Poly, I expected to learn about international affairs, analyze some conflicts, and discuss economic systems across borders. What I didn’t expect was how much these studies would change my understanding of global issues and my own perspective on the world.
Learning to see past simplifications.
Our class discussions on complex conflicts taught me to resist oversimplification. For example, the Palestine/Israel conflict situation has escalated beyond right and wrong, consisting of layers of historical trauma, competing claims, and human suffering on both sides. We examined primary sources from Palestinian families displaced or violently removed from their homes while balancing our knowledge of Israel, forcing us to consider contradicting truths simultaneously.
Though it wasn’t always comfortable, and there were times when I felt like I left class with more questions than answers, I realized my frustration with the lack of a clear solution was also an integral element to my learning.
The Pattern of Dehumanization
Studying the Rwandan genocide between Hutus and Tutsis alongside current crises like the persecution of Uyghurs in China and the ongoing conflict in Sudan showed me disturbing patterns in how violence escalates. What stood out most was how dehumanization consistently comes before atrocity. The language calling Tutsis “cockroaches,” as well as the global complacency before the genocide, echoed rhetoric used in other conflicts throughout history. Understanding these patterns hasn’t made the news less upsetting, but it has helped me recognize warning signs and understand how ordinary people can help simply by staying vocal and aware.
Finding My Voice Through This Blog
A key part of being a Global Scholar was designing and maintaining my own blog. At first, I found this challenging; who was I to write about complex global issues? But over time, I found that regular writing helped me to both organize my thoughts and develop new opinions.
In particular, my recent articles about the termination of many USAID programs and the harmful rhetoric Trump has wielded against Canada, particularly in the context of the fentanyl crisis, have been a culmination of my learning. Through this blog, I now feel confident in both defending and reconsidering my positions. I now know the importance of back-and-forth and the way current events shape the lives of everyday people.
Capstone: Turning Knowledge into Action
Though I have another post where I discuss this in more detail, I would like to reiterate some core aspects of this learning experience. My capstone project was an outlet for my belief that younger students must start looking beyond borders and forming thoughtful opinions on global matters without controlling guidance. By opening a door for them to form opinions and find ways to both back them and acknowledge other perspectives, we will hopefully not only serve them in school but also in navigating the way everything can alter everyday lives.
The Ultimate Takeaway
If I had to sum up my Global Scholar experience in one lesson, it would be this: Being a global citizen requires more than just awareness - it takes a willingness and enthusiasm towards engaging with complexity and contradiction. The issues we studied don’t have simple solutions. Learning about them isn't meant to provide easy answers but to develop the critical thinking and empathy needed in our connected, ever-changing world.
The most valuable skill I’ve gained isn’t just knowledge about specific conflicts but the ability to approach situations with critical thinking, empathy, and openness to having my assumptions challenged. Mr. Caragher and Dr. Anderson, I would truly like to thank you for not only sharing knowledge with me but also for giving me a toolbox of skills with which I can approach the world and my studies. This mindset - more than any fact or figure - is what I’ll take forward from being a Poly Global Scholar.
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