WORLD WE DARE TO IMAGINE: Post 1

 EXCERPT from The Blue Sweater by Jacqueline Novogratz

Today we are redefining the geography of community and accepting shared accountability for common human values. We have the chance to extend the notion that all men are created equal to every human being on the planet. This will require global structures and products we are only beginning to imagine.... Each of us in his or her own way can contribute something by thinking -- and acting -- like a true global citizen. We have only one world for all of us on earth, and the future really is ours to create, in a world we dare to imagine together.

Think about this quote and then write about what your first step in making the world a better place might be.

Treat this part of the assignment like a Freewrite that other people will read: don't limit yourself, don't worry if you've got one idea or ten, don't worry if it makes sense, don't worry if it "fits" with your notion of what Professor Hansen is asking for.

Use this post to imagine what it would be like to follow a dream or a passion in "the real world" after you graduate.

To be completely honest, I do not have a single clue about how I plan to make the world a better place in my lifetime. I would love to imagine a future where I end world hunger, find the cure for cancer, or become the first woman to land on Mars -- however my concrete ideas for "first steps" are much less sexy. Luckily, "they say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". 

Much like Jacqueline, I hope to land a job that would allow me to travel across the globe to learn not only about finance, but the entire world. For the next three years, I would like to learn as much as I can about global business and save my money to eventually come back home to California where I can settle down near my parents. 

In comparison to The Blue Sweater, I feel that my dream of attaining financial literacy/independence, building a successful career, and taking care of my family seems a little selfish in the world of chaos we live in. Nevertheless, I believe that as a recent grad, I have barely tapped into my true potential and have not seen enough of the world to be passionate about one thing yet. My goal is to work and expose myself to the world for a couple years to gain skills and capital to make true change in my own life and the lives of others. 

As a woman who is also interested in banking, finance, healthcare, and travel -- I imagine myself working for a consulting, accounting, or banking firm that has a strong global presence for the best exposure -- like Chase Bank. Each year, I hope to be allowed to hop to a different office in a different country or hold a position that requires a lot of traveling. Whenever I am not traveling, I plan to continue playing volleyball, exploring, eating, and most importantly spending time with my family.

If this plan doesn't work out the way I imagine, I may go back to dental school to become an oral surgeon. This was always my original plan before I pivoted towards business. I would be able to change lives on a more individual level, while still making a good enough living to take care of my other responsibilities.

If I ever become a big hotshot, I hope to do something similar to Jacqueline and travel the work to educate women and establish microloan banks. Or possibly join Doctors Without Borders.

Again, these are predictions. I know that my path will not look as linear as it does in this post. However, I hope to never lose sight of why I do everything I do.