Lesson 4b

I believe that we choose our own roles in the globalizing world that we live in. We have to choose to take action when we want something to change in our community, or even in our world, and without our own persuasion to act, nothing would have happened in the first place. People like Mother Theresa wouldn't be considered "active citizens" unless they had the persistence and drive to make something happen, without relying on anyone else to give them that drive.

Even as students, we can make a difference. By starting an organization to fight a certain area of trouble in our community, we can greatly affect that area because we are standing up and taking action. Just like the Harry Ainley students' program, Breaking Borders, we can also break borders in our own schools or communities.

So, anyone can choose to become an active citizen, either locally or globally, or even both. We just need to muster the perseverance to get it done and to respond to whatever level we see fit to the effects of globalization.

Also, in today's reading we read about Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and a speech that he gave that was on the topic of being a global citizen. I believe that, as he said, more and more of Canada is around the world. I hope that what we're exporting is positive: a helpful attitude and awareness of issues around the world, especially as more and more people are moving around the world from our country. We can respond to being a global citizen like Tutu explains by staying patient, polite, and helpful as we move about the world, and continue to help in areas that we are passionate about.