Rex Manglicmot RGLP Reflection: Future Leaders of Tomorrow

RGLP was an eye-opening experience that I will never forget. I wanted to build strong leadership skills to aid me in my future endeavors, and RGLP provided that medium. Throughout the term, I got to know members of my cohort who had various backgrounds, interests, cultures, and intellectual curiosity. In our meetings, we discussed how cross-cultural experiences teach us to tolerate ambiguity better and build a platform for dialogue across differences. Because no-one had the same experience, we all were able to provide inputs on contentious topics. The respectful dialogues that came afterward taught us the importance of keeping an open mind. For example, an exciting activity we did was to assess a problematic situation involving a foreigner visiting a different country. Some of us took a position standing by the foreigner’s perception of the situation, while others took the position of standing by the host country’s cultural norms. By understanding both sides of the situation and exploring different interpretations, our group engaged in a healthy discussion that is relatable in real life.

 

One of the aspects of being a global leader is for leaders to know more about the world around them. During the term, a memorable session was when two speakers spoke about their emigration from Afghanistan and Congo to America. Mahboba described her experience of assimilating to American society and how the American culture has similarities and differences from her own Middle Eastern culture. Her story taught me the value of resilience and perseverance and how both can provide exponential growth for an individual. Jozimar’s story of assimilation was equally intriguing. He is a talented painter whose paintings speak volumes of powerful messages. In sum, Mahboba and Jozimar’s session taught me that there are always obstacles in life, but what is important is how we handle them and how adversity can strengthen our resolve to succeed in life. This RGLP session has allowed me to connect with these individuals and aspire to better myself so that I can be a future leader of the world tomorrow.