Studying Abroad: One Small Step for Student, One Giant Leap for Humanity by Tamar

Studying Abroad: One Small Step for Student, One Giant Leap for Humanity by Tamar - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

No matter what work field we choose to go into, there is a degree that everyone should strive to earn, and that is a degree in person-ism. Each and every one of us, as we grow older, should learn to be moral, ethical people, and to use our talents and our knowledge for the greater good. We should be constantly seeking to overcome diversity, help others in need, and make a positive difference in the world. These qualities and attributes are important no matter what your career might be. From doctors and lawyers to baristas and sanitation engineers, everyone has a responsibility to themselves and to humanity, that they will use their lives to make change.

In today’s society, there are so many things that divide us. Political differences, religious differences, economic differences … these, as well as many other factors, cause discord between countries and rifts between people. However, we all have the potential to work together and mend relationships that have been torn apart. We have the power to tackle racism and stereotypes and eradicate them. On a larger scale, we have ability to unite the world.

How do we do this? The first step is to learn. We must learn about other countries and cultures, and what is important to them. We must communicate, exchange ideas, and build relationships with people who are different than we are. Studying abroad is the perfect way to do this. It allows college students, no matter what area they are studying in school, to learn about a different country or community and grow to respect them. They are able to completely immerse themselves in something new, and learn different ideas and traditions that can help them understand people from other parts of the world.

Studying abroad is a step in the overall goal of uniting society. It lets college students see what problems exist in other parts of the world and brainstorm ways to solve them. It can be a tremendously empowering and life changing experience. Thus, every college student should be required to study abroad. It is an inspirational adventure, an eye-opening journey, and a step towards creating a better world.