Meet the Writers: Spencer Scalamoni
April 30, 2022
SDG 4: Quality Education
A good global citizen is one who views important world issues through a very broad and all-encompassing lens– a lens that does not just blind someone to things beyond their part of the world or the kind of environment they grew up in. Looking at what some might call the “bigger picture” can be an incredible resource to truly understand what is needed for our world to thrive on a global scale. One of the essentials often cited is quality education, a statement to which I would agree. It is one thing to just learn, but it is another thing entirely to actually understand– to engage and to be taught in ways that will help prepare these individuals to thrive and succeed in an ever-changing global environment. Now, I am enrolled in university at Purchase College, which even in the United States is a luxury to many. The courses I have been able to take and the reputation that has preceded many of my instructors is something that has really been able to help me on a successful path in life, but that is not the case for everyone. Many countries lack the resources to teach their young people this way, which is detrimental perhaps not to their growth as workers in labor-intensive economies, but certainly as fully well-rounded people.
Prior to university, some people describe the period of childhood and adolescence as their “formative years”. This term has stuck with me ever since I first heard it. These are the years that a person truly develops, including who they will become, what they will do, how they will function, and so forth. Every person, regardless of class, race, or country of origin, should be given the same type of education I was. They should be taught that there are so many options for a person’s life and career in this world, and that they should follow the one that best fits them.
I often like to joke about my school years not being the greatest or most joyful in the world but, in truth, the actual education I received was incredibly expansive. I consider myself fortunate to have been offered courses on global relations, creative writing, filmmaking, and even financial management all before I left high school. Without access to a quality writing program, I may not have ever realized I want to pursue a career in writing. Some countries, and even parts of our own, may be full of aspiring artists, entrepreneurs, chefs, scientists, and fellow writers, yet they do not have the resources to fully realize these young people’s potential through equal opportunity.
The lack of accessibility to quality education is something that I think needs to be put more to the forefront, as many young people all over the world are becoming more interested in getting involved in areas such as politics, activism, and business. I believe these interests especially should be catered to, and more funding should be devoted to truly making young people’s “formative years” a period that can actually “form” intelligent, diverse, and powerful young minds. Who will join me in being able to look at the world from the “bigger picture”?
Spencer Scalamoni
2020 Cohort– Blog Member ’21-’22
