It feels so difficult to sum up my experience as a Global Learning Medallion student because this program has changed my life so much. When I returned to school, in the heart of the pandemic, I was scared, nervous, and overall unsure as to why I decided to come back to school. I knew I wanted to explore and expand my interests but was unsure how. When I discovered the GLM program, I knew it was the "something" I had been searching for and had to be a part of. I felt called to explore my interests through research and to my saving grace, Yeni welcomed my thoughts and ideas with kindness and enthusiasm.

Shortly after our meeting, my life began to change and brighten. I began exploring and diving into my research as well as attending insightful and eye-opening events. Through the TTRs, classes, and my involvements, I was slowly but surely being pushed beyond what I thought was possible for me in the most loving way. My thoughts, perspectives about life and the world we live in were challenged. My eyes were opened to the ideas and thought processes I had never known. I was given opportunities and knowledge that I could have only dreamed of. This program not only gave so much insight to the world but has also created a better version of myself who is aware, knowledgable, mindful, and has an openness not only to discuss world issues but to addressing them in new ways.

Also, through this program I explored and found new ways to combine my love of religion, spiritual, human rights, and women issues which lead my to create a new path that I could have never imagined for myself. I strongly believe without this experience I might not have stayed in school, let alone beginning a PhD program in the fall.

This program has given so much to me in ways no words can express however, I can say that this program has provided a with the foundations to address any problem in way so unique that it sets me a part from the average student, person, or scholar.

Being a GLM student is an instrumental part of the woman I am, and the woman I am yet to become and I am excited to take all I have learned and done in this program to create a better world for us all. This is just the beginning!