This is from one of our earlier weekly meetings with Dr. Larry Inks

This year as a new member of the Global Leadership Initiative I have gotten the amazing opportunity to be a part of such an amazing and diverse group of individuals. The Global Leadership Initiative is a cohort that chooses 24 individuals with 12 domestic students and 12 international students with the purpose to help bridge the gap between both communities on campus. We have weekly meetings with new speakers and monthly dinners with speakers and much socializing. Also we are divided into sister cities groups where we are responsible for organizing an event for our sister city, representing the culture and customs of the city. My sister city is Seville, Spain and although I didn’t know much about the city, through researching it I have been able to learn about the unique influence of the Moors, which is evident in the architecture of the city and the love for flamenco dances. My group and I are still in the planning procesas for our event which will take place next semester.

Through just interacting and building friendships with the other student in the cohort this year I have been able to learn so much about the many cultures and backgrounds of my peers. Instead of thinking of them as students much different from myself, and their cultures being completely differently from my own. By interacting with them and befriending these diverse students I am able to find the commonalities present in all of us. Also by learning more about other people, I am also learning about myself. I have been able to learn what makes me me and why I think the way I do, breaking old stereotypes I might of had. Overall, I have already enjoyed the first half of being in the cohort and I am excited to see what the coming semester brings.