Abbie Johnson

FYEX
December 7, 2015
Global Citizenship Essay
Since I was young, I have had an interest in learning about the world. I enjoy traveling
and experiencing new places and cultures. Learning about global citizenship in first year
experience made me understand just how important it is to learn about the world and expand my
cultural experiences. During my time at Minnesota State University, Mankato, I plan to develop
my global competency in language by taking a second language class and possibly minoring in
Spanish. I plan to develop the global citizenship competency in culture by actively learning
about other world cultures through research, meeting new people, and attending cultural learning
events.
In the 2016 spring semester, I am going to be taking Spanish 201 classes to improve and
develop my second language. I would also like to study abroad at some point as an
undergraduate student. I believe studying abroad would be a great way for me to be immersed in
my second language in order to gain a deeper understanding of the language through practice and
through culture. There is a strong connection between language and culture. Language reflects
culture in many ways just as culture affects language. For example, one culture may not place
importance on differentiating between gender, therefore there may not be more than one gender
pronoun in the language, like Dr. Dahlman mentioned when she spoke to our class. Conversely, a
different culture may see gender as an important aspect of life, therefore most likely leading to a
wider variety of gender terms or more definitive words. If I am able to study abroad, I will have
the opportunity to practice my second language skills in real life situations, which will be very
beneficial in my learning, pronunciation, and understanding of the Spanish language in terms of

culture. Living and learning in a different country will open up for me an entire new set of
opportunities and will allow me to develop skills that will help me throughout my academic
career. I will be better able to adapt to situations in which I am unfamiliar and uncomfortable,
which will benefit me in many avenues of life.
Studying abroad is a perfect way for me to develop my global citizenship competency in
culture as well. The chance to live in a new country with a different culture is a way for me to
experience ways of life that I have never experienced before. Learning about different cultures is
a valuable way to see the world in the eyes of others. Whether or not studying abroad is an
option for me, I also plan to attend cultural events that are offered here at Minnesota State
Mankato. I have already attended the Americas Night and American Indian Night events this
semester. I really enjoyed being able to learn about Central American and South American food,
art, and dance. I also enjoyed learning about Native American culture and history at American
Indian night. I hope to get tickets to future cultural events like these in order for me to expand
my worldview and share what I learn with my friends and family.
When looking at the global competency awareness chart, I ranked myself as a 4 in the
self-awareness category, which says one will perceive ones personal style, prejudices,
projections, and habits of mind that shape and impede our understanding. Upon reflecting now
after completing the global competency portion of class, I think I may be a 3 because I know
there is always more to learn even if I think I know a lot. I gave myself a 3 in the communication
and knowledge and understanding categories because I know and practice my Spanish speaking
skills and I strive to meet people who are different than me in various ways, culture included. I
think this unit of first year experience has opened me up to the realization that I have much more

to learn about the world and about myself when it comes to being an open minded and global
citizen.