To me, a Global Citizen Scholar is an individual who cares deeply about their community, thinks holistically, and strives to problem-solve using complex and sophisticated thought. As a University Honors Student, I am committed to pursuing higher education goals and interacting with the world on a larger scale.

Currently, I am specifically interested in issues surrounding how the arts are perceived and supported by the American public, as well as the many issues facing the American education system. Arts – both visual and musical – have been a large part of my life. For as long as I can remember they have been a source of relief, personal growth, and extension of my education. I truly believe they are essential for human development and the quality of life we have come to expect. I also believe public education to be a vital tool for the growth and benefit of any diverse society. My passions culminate in the form of interdisciplinary education; using the arts, sciences and humanities in conjunction to develop truly transformative education.

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There are complex issues effecting the way public education and public arts access works in the United States, many resulting from historic inequalities and injustices. After recognizing the social complexities and historical precedence contributing to the various issues, I feel obliged to problem-solve or at the least contribute to the productive discourse surrounding these issues.

This semester I took the Gateway to University Honors seminar, and it introduced me to some new and constructive ways to reflect on the experiences I participate in. I’ve come to understand that it is very difficult for me to accept simple explanations, or support endeavors that are ultimately not productive for any party involved. As a fine art major, sometimes I feel that the field is not committed to making productive contributions to society. While that sounds awfully negative, I have often heard artists being described as ‘selfish,’ and some artists openly proclaim that they are. My issue is with the concept of pursuing higher education, knowledge, and skill without practical purpose. While it is a sign of mental fortitude and expert power to possess the knowledge and ability to debate critical issues – without action will there ever be progress? In simpler terms, how can I contribute to society by thinking more than others might or could? By painting more beautifully than others? Or by performing at a higher level than others?

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Throughout this semester, I have been pushed to think in a very different way than in the arts context. In the study of modern and contemporary art students must be able to comprehend complex conceptual material, and begin to use historical precedence to inform their own future work. Because of this I am learning to think in terms of critical theory, but I have not yet found the path of practical thinking in contemporary art. This is an issue to me because I strongly value people, community service, and empowering the persons around you. As they say in 4-H, “[4H] People make it happen.” I have over time developed a personal commitment to serving the public through my passions and interests. The reflection techniques I have learned in Gateway hopefully will help me make more sense of why events happen, how I can personally benefit from experience, and how I can benefit others from my learning.

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I expect that the introduction to reflection and the values of the University Honors Program will assist me in integrating my practical and community values into my artistic practice, and I feel that I have already begun to explore where the two areas overlap during my first year here. I will take conscious steps to plan my college career according to my educational and personal interests, especially making sure to include all the interdisciplinary opportunities I can find. While it may not sound practical to pursue various slightly-related subjects, in my understanding they all relate and inform each other. I am specifically interested in physical concepts of light, waves, and motion to inform my artistic practice and furthermore how art forms can relate scientific and humanities ideas to students in the educational context.

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In the future, I will make a clear effort to engage myself in opportunities (Honors or otherwise) outside of the arts to educate myself in a broad and holistic manner. I would be interested in pursuing research or experiential learning in non-arts fields. Through these pursuits, I would be able to refine and build my strengths in connected thinking and the ability to comprehend and apply knowledge in various areas – ultimately one or a few interdisciplinary fields. As a Global Citizen Scholar, I expect to grow my knowledge and practical abilities enough to contribute to efforts outside of my community, and in the context of current issues I’m interested in, beyond the United States.

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-SCK