The world in a video conference: my story with Generation Global

Since joining Generation Global in 2022, Kshirin has been on an extraordinary journey of intercultural dialogue. She has already participated in 63 video conferences, connecting with peers from around the world to discuss important global issues and learn from one another through meaningful conversations. Her story is a powerful reminder of how dialogue can connect, inspire, and transform. Here’s her reflection on this remarkable experience:

I’m Kshirin, a proud participant of Generation Global, a journey that began with curiosity and grew into connection.

I still remember the day when in my school, there was an orientation conducted on Generation Global. Honestly, it sounded like one of those programs you join, attend once, and forget. But as the elaboration began, it piqued my interest. Talking with peers from all around the world? Staying internationally connected? What more could I want? The world’s global issues, all bundled up in a single platform. And something inside me stirred. What if this is different?

I registered and then found myself staring at topics that seemed intimidating. For a moment, I wondered if I was ready for conversations that transcended borders, cultures, nationalities. A conversation only between citizens of the Earth. But then I reminded myself — every journey begins with a first step. And so, I took mine. I registered for the first video conference of my life, and just like that, my journey with Generation Global began.

At first, it was simple curiosity. I wanted to peek into the lives of students from all around the globe; I wanted to see what made their lives similar or different from mine. That curiosity became about understanding that the world’s problems weren’t ‘out there’, they involved all of us. And conversations were the first step toward change. I had a desire to listen, speak, and truly be part of something bigger.

My first time was nerve-racking, unforgettable and… totally worth it! I sat in front of the camera, my palms sweaty, and my mind running in all directions. What if I mess up while I speak? Will I be really able to do this? Would I have anything valuable to say? Students from different countries filled the screen — each with unique accents, backgrounds, experiences. But, as the conference started, all my worries dissolved. No one was here to judge. My thoughts weren’t earth-shattering, yet they were a start. For me.

Before Generation Global, I viewed global issues from a distance — important but not entirely connected to me. But after that conference, I started thinking beyond my own world. I grew curious, and then conscious. Generation Global reshaped my perspective. I learned the art of listening — not just hearing, but truly understanding someone else’s story. I found courage to share my own views, even when they felt small. I realized that what’s normal for me could be a struggle for someone else. And most importantly, I learned that change doesn’t always come from grand speeches or protests. Sometimes, it starts in a quiet conversation between people who care.

I recall many memorable video conferences, each leaving a mark on me in a different way. In one of them, a student raised a powerful question: “If gender issues have existed for hundreds of years, why are we only talking about them now?”. That moment stayed with me. In these sessions, I’ve shared my views, asked thoughtful questions, and have had questions directed at me in return. Though I still feel a flutter of nervousness before I speak, the supportive environment always puts me at ease.

But this journey is far from over. Every conversation adds a new layer to my understanding and adds more questions. Sometimes, I leave a conference having much more questions than answers, and that doesn’t frustrate me. The greatest lesson? Being a citizen of the Earth is about being aware, curious, and choosing to care. I’m still learning, still growing. And for once, I’m excited about not having all the answers. Because it means that there is still so much world left for me to discover.