"All the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about" - Global Citizenship in a complex world
Before starting my Laidlaw journey I was quite naive and cynical about leadership, and how practising different leadership skills could impact what you do, why, and how effective you are at doing it. Being exposed to the ideas and reflections throughout the programme, (coupled with some no doubt overdue maturing) has woken me up to my place in the world, and made me question if I am happy with it. I have been so focussed on learning the skills to become a physicist that I hadn’t even considered other career paths or other ways I can impact the world. A physicist understands how the world works on the most fundamental scale, but there are many other, equally valid understandings of the world that I had never considered the merits of.
I think a global citizen is someone who can hold many things in their head at once. One who can remember the complexity of each issue they approach and see it in a holistic sense. A person who considers others opinions, points of view and values. Someone who understands the interconnectivity of the world and strives to improve it and inspire others to do so.
While I don’t think know if I have reached this definition, I do think that I have been given the opportunity, through the Laidlaw programme, to become aware of the things I had never considered. The points of view that had been invisible to me, the reasons things are the way they are and who wants it to be that way; I have become in some small way more aware of “all the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about” in the words of Roman Mars.
One aspect of the programme which impacted me greatly was the interactions I had with the other scholars, it was incredible to meet them, both within and without Trinity. The diversity in expertise and life experiences was almost shocking, I felt in awe of scholars’ passion for their projects and their unique perspectives. Everyone I met knew so much about topics that I sometimes had not even heard about. This was humbling and exciting and very much informed how I approached the rest of the programme, conscious of how much I have to learn and how much I don’t even know that I don’t know.
That is also how I approach being a global citizen, trying to see the interconnectedness of the world while cautious of the things I cannot see and striving to not only understand more but also to have a positive impact in whatever way I can. These realisations have also affected my leadership style. Knowing that each individual will understand things completely differently, I like to give others the opportunity to lead themselves and not interfere with how they do things unless absolutely necessary. I find this has worked wonders in the teams I am currently a part of.
I am very grateful for all of the opportunities the Laidlaw programme and the scholars I have met through it have granted me, especially in broadening my scope, challenging my perceptions and provoking my thought.
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What a wonderful reflection. I love your definition of a global citizen; I am reminded of the F. Scott Fitzgerald quotation that: "The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time". I hope there is no "after" Laidlaw and that you continue to share your insights here and stay connected with your Laidlaw peers as an alum. I look forward to seeing how you go on to impact the world.
Thank you very much and I really enjoy that quote! Of course, once in Laidlaw always in Laidlaw and I will strive to stay connected to this very interesting and inspiring group
That has made my day 🙏