An Ordinary Man By Paul Rusesabagina Analysis

The word “global” is defined as pertaining to the whole world, “citizen” is defined as an inhabitant. To put these words together literally, being a global citizen means belonging to or being a part of the entire world. To combine and interpret these words together, a global citizen is an individual that participates in the advancement of wellbeing and good nature of society. It is through education – understanding and application information – that a person can become a knowledgeable functioning global citizen.
The book An Ordinary Man by Paul Rusesabagina is a perfect real life example of how the understanding aspect of education is a necessity in the advancement of society. The autobiography explores the horrific reality that was the Rwandan

genocide. While describing the genocide Rusesabagina lets slip that the entire world – specifically the United States and the UN – had failed to help. Paul then goes on to explain that the lack of education of UN soldiers on the history of Rwanda and the modern undefined concept of genocide paired together allowed the genocide to claim eight hundred thousand people in three months. This real life example shows the misapplication of minimal knowledge leads civilizations to demise; further proving that education of individuals is essential in the development and growth of society.
To speak more personally about modern day problems; this summer, through experience, I was able to gain a perspective on one of our nation’s most pressing dilemmas: homelessness. In our nation’s capital nonetheless, I was taken to what could be considered a ghetto, where I had the pleasure to interact with an older homeless woman. While we sat in a laundry matt she reminisced and retold stories of her days as a vibrant teenager, after I offered to buy her dinner she thanked me and – with tears in her eyes – explained the good hearted nature of her community. At the moment I didn’t realize the change that she had prompted within me but her informal way of education had personalized a global issue. Further explaining, the woman in the laundry matt gave me a deeper understanding which was applied first privately in myself, shifting my perspective, then broadcasting to those around me: slowly changing the ideology of my growing world.
If I am accepted into the honors college at Arizona State University, I believe the insight and caliber of your educational opportunities will do what the woman in the laundry matt did for myself. I believe that the freedom to demonstrate and apply the high standard education you offer will allow me to effect the world in positive ways. Truly becoming a global citizen.