In todayâs interconnected world, the concept of global citizenship has become more important than ever. For me, two experiences helped shape this mindset profoundly: my involvement in Round Square and Model United Nations (MUN). Both provided opportunities not only to develop leadership skills but also to understand the responsibility I carry as a young person navigating a world that is increasingly interconnected.
As President of my schoolâs Round Square group, I was entrusted with more than a title. Round Square is built on six IDEALSâInternationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. Each of these ideals challenged me to think about my role, not just in my school, but in society at large. I learned to coordinate projects that promoted service and environmental awareness, and I had the chance to welcome and host exchange students from the United States. These cultural exchanges taught me that while we may come from different backgrounds, we share common goals: growth, learning, and connection.
Hosting exchange students was particularly transformative. I had to step out of my comfort zone and be an ambassador for my culture while also remaining open to theirs. From shared meals to classroom discussions, I realized that global citizenship is built not on uniformity, but on respecting and learning from differences. The friendships I built during this period reminded me that leadership often begins with listening and building bridges.
Parallel to my Round Square journey, I served as General Secretary for Model United Nations. MUN was one of the most intellectually stimulating experiences I have ever had. Preparing for debates required me to study global policies, understand international relations, and craft arguments that balanced logic with diplomacy. Unlike typical classroom work, MUN demanded quick thinking, negotiation, and the ability to represent perspectives that were sometimes different from my own beliefs.
Standing in front of delegates, moderating heated debates, and ensuring procedural order was both challenging and rewarding. It forced me to confront my fear of public speaking, sharpen my communication skills, and build resilience under pressure. But what I valued most was the sense of responsibility. In MUN, even though it was a simulation, the issues we debated were realâclimate change, human rights, economic inequality. It made me realize that tomorrow, these very issues will fall on my generation to solve.
Together, Round Square and MUN taught me that leadership goes beyond titles. Itâs about responsibility, empathy, and vision. Global citizenship is not an abstract idealâitâs a practice of engaging with the world thoughtfully, respectfully, and with a sense of duty to others. Both platforms showed me that one can start smallâthrough school debates, exchange programs, or local initiativesâbut the ripple effects extend far beyond what we can see.
As I now pursue my studies in Software Engineering and FinTech, I carry these lessons with me. Technology and finance are global fields, requiring collaboration across borders and cultures. The ability to work with diverse people, understand multiple perspectives, and think about the ethical and social impact of my work is directly tied to what I learned from Round Square and MUN.
Ultimately, these experiences cemented my belief that I am not just a student or a future engineer, but a citizen of the world. My responsibility is not only to build a career but also to contribute to solutions that uplift communities, protect our planet, and foster unity. In Round Square I found a platform for service and exchange, and in MUN I discovered a stage for ideas and diplomacy. Together, they have shaped me into the leader and thinker I strive to become.