My summer opportunity to change the world

Recently I was afforded the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Global Solutions Design Science Lab in Philadelphia and New York, where I actually took a step in solving global issues that were thought to be unsolvable. The lab consisted of students and young professionals from around the world such as Canada, India, Netherlands, and Tanzania. We were charged by experts from the United Nations' Development Program, World Health Organization, and other U.N. agencies to develop comprehensive strategies for solving some of the world's most critical problems; then we would present our work at the United Nations. I gained so much from this experience: an awareness of U.N. initiatives, an enlarged global consciousness, an opportunity to present at the United Nations, and eventual publication, not to mention enhanced life skills.

I cherished this experience because I became more familiar with the United Nations and its powerful programs. The United Nations is an international organization comprised of 192 member states. As the "town hall of global affairs," its work affects our everyday life. Before attending this lab, I lacked knowledge on the importance of the United Nations and the many projects in motion to better serve humanity.

A more specific initiative that the lab I attended was centered around is the U.N.'s current project: The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs are eight goals formed by the United Nations which focus on a common goal to reduce poverty and improve lives. They aim to reduce poverty, hunger, disease, lack of adequate shelter and exclusion — while promoting gender equality, health, education and environmental sustainability. They also embody basic human rights — the rights of each person on the planet to health, education, shelter and security. I knew immediately that this experience would not only be life-changing for me personally but also the millions of people who will be impacted by the work I would complete at this lab.

This grand experience also taught me very important skills essential to my life journey. The first valuable skill that I acquired was team building proficiency. My group members and I thought that all of the MDGs were important and that a main issue was a lack of recognition and familiarity regarding this project. Our big picture was to bring this knowledge about the MDGs to our schools and community to achieve all of the goals. Therefore, our presentation resolved around MDG education and awareness.

Although my group members and I had one common element that linked us together, there were so many other differences that made us collide. I experienced many moments when I had to get on my knees and ask God for patience, insight, and group cohesion. We were under so much pressure to do big things with so little time, and this was a challenge; however, I learned to put my opinions aside and work to incorporate all of our ideas to make one appealing design.

In addition to knowledge regarding the United Nation and developing life skills, I acquired global awareness from this program. In just seven days I learned about global problems such as poverty and healthcare, related options and resources, and what can be done to make a difference. I learned about these global issues from U.N. experts, but I was taught the most by the amazing people that I worked side-by-side with at the conference. Our fascinating conversations had so much depth and exchange of information on both sides. We benefited equally and learned from each other, and this experience has most definitely changed my life. I thank God for instilling a nature of compassion into my character, and I am blessed to have met people who care about the well being of the world just as much as I do.