You are a global citizen, you just don't know it.
Well, you just have yet to realise it.
What is a global citizen?
You may or may not have heard the term before.
We all coexist on this planet, focused on the tasks at hand. Our lives often reflect, affected and are affected by global events. We relate to ongoings across the world and empathize global suffering.
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A global citizen, however, is someone who is informed and conscious of the things going on around them, in other countries and continents, affecting and playing out scenarios on a larger scale.
They are ones who realise the importance of community-driven plights and strive to make our earth a more balanced, just and sustainable place to live in.
Some of us live from paycheck to paycheck, saving up as much money as we can as we try to achieve the goals we set for ourselves.
Sure, you think about others. You make the occasional donation, you give a ‘like’ to humanitarian relief effort-posts on Facebook, you recycle when you walk past a recycling bin.
So what’s all this about? You’ve gotta be thinking, ‘I didn’t sign up for any of this. So how am I a global citizen?’
How am I a global citizen?
That’s the beauty of it! You didn’t have to sign up for it! You were born into it. To be honest, we all are. Or should be.
Just have a look at that description above; shouldn’t everybody lucky enough to be born into a household with running water and steady electricity be an active global citizen? Perhaps my gaze into this topic is too myopic.
Let’s look at it from a wider scope. The world now sees more and more travelling around it. People are migrating more than before for work, family or even a new life. Singapore has seen it’s fair share of influx from other countries.
Expats who come here range from a varying number of Asian and Western countries. Imagine the global perspective one would have gained from visiting these different countries. It allows humans to better understand the impacts that our actions have on the global front.
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Why should I care?
Expat millennials fall into a special circle. One that overlaps the characteristics of Community-associated individuals and Global Citizens.
These two circles are made up of people who are aware and concerned about global phenomenon, they prefer and are more motivated my community based work, enjoy travelling, participate actively in the development of knowledge, skills and values they need to engage with the world while also having the belief that we can all make a difference.
Expat millennials make the most ideal Global Citizens because they don’t even have to go out of their way to do so. Just be an expat and a millennial.
What should I do then?
So embrace what you’re meant to do. Lean towards what works best for you. The first step to being a globally conscious individual is realising that you need to be educated on what goes on around you.
When coming to a new country, notice the differences in cultures that work towards a global benefit. Get involved in community-based initiatives and try to learn and impart as much knowledge as possible. The act of teaching and learning is a basic evergreen step to making the world a better place.
If you are fortunate enough to be looking for a new line of work. Keep an eye out for jobs or responsibilities that embraces even the smallest percentage of help towards a global cause.
Practicality deems that one person cannot change the world. But reality suggests we can start the ball rolling. Be the change that the world needs and your efforts will snowball into something that might change the world.
Maybe not by your efforts alone, but the hope that what you do will be seen by others and serve as an inspiration for others after you.
Looking to become a global citizen but don’t know where to start?
“Together, we create a life well moved”
Take the first concrete step to become a global citizen with Moovaz. Moovaz, brings the world closer together by enabling a seamless and truly moving experience for everyone. By harnessing the power of technology, they aspire to empower customers to travel without borders and essentially, create a community of like-minded global nomads.
