Poverty, social justice, and global health are all elements of my life experiences and consequently have helped to shape my life philosophy. I believe that inequity in its various forms is a global issue in which we, as global citizens, all have a stake. In particular, I believe that poverty and global health, as explored in this course, are deeply correlated to social (in)justice.
My life philosophy dictates that, in recognition of the relationship between these various elements, one should strive to educate oneself as well as others about the nature of such relationships, and agitate for positive change where all three issues are concerned. This approach to poverty, social justice, and global health is based upon my strong moral ethics.
My interest in social inequities, social stratification, and social injustice led me to volunteer in southern India. This period contributed to the further development of my life philosophy. One area in which my volunteer activities were focused was the implementation of the United Nations Millennium Development Goal of achieving Universal Primary Education. The opportunity to experience extreme social inequities up close and in person had a huge impact on the development of my beliefs and moral philosophy
Upon returning the United States I chose to volunteer with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services’ Division of Child Welfare where I served as a Social Work Aide and assisted in the management of caseloads of exploited and neglected children. This unique opportunity solidified my desire to contribute my available spare time as a volunteer in the future. Again, the direct exposure to social justice, or a lack thereof, had a profound impact on my personal ethical position
Long-term goals I hope to achieve include a professional career with organizations such as the United Nationals International Children’s Emergency Fund or the United States Agency for International Development. In an ideal world, I will go on to utilize my experiences as both a volunteer and professional at the local and international level in order to pursue a political office. For the present, I will use my vote to affect positive political change where these issues are concerned.
The current course has reinforced my interest in exploring the academic reality of social justice and how it’s interrelated to poverty and global health. I look forward to continual growth and the opportunity to utilize the tools and knowledge this course has provided me to implement the long-term goals I have set for myself.