It has been fascinating to me to see how our lives have become global seemingly overnight. When I was in 6th grade, my parents took our family to visit our roots in Germany. Little did I know that this would be just the beginning of my international travels and experiences.
I come from humble beginnings…grew up on a farm in northwest Missouri and graduated in a class of 23. Since high school, I have had the opportunity to visit Europe, China, Israel, and Kenya. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would visit all of these places in my lifetime…let alone by the time I was 25!
How has globalization been made possible? I would, like many, say technology has been a key factor. Not only can I visit the other side of the world affordably and easily (what would Christopher Columbus say knowing that you can go across the ocean in 8 hours!?!), but I can also communicate instantly with friends who live overseas. This can be used not only socially, but for business purposes as well. As we see the increase in international trade, it seems that my generation is embracing the idea that we are not only citizens of our local communities, but also citizen’s of the world.
Is that a good thing? Like most things, I think it can be used for good. Many people are using these opportunities to go abroad to help people, whether it be through medical missions or some other vehicle of doing good.
How does globalization affect your life?