In the MSC program, we often confirm for prospective students that classroom learnings are immediately applicable to life outside of school. I experienced a good example of this school-life connection earlier this week when I attended the announcement event for the Roberta Buffet Institute for Global Studies—a new center founded by a historic gift to the university from alumna Roberta Buffett Elliot (’54). Topics discussed at the event honoring this gift dovetailed perfectly with this quarter’s globalization course.

I was thrilled to be able to attend the announcement of the new Institute. Seeing Roberta and her sibling Warren Buffett in the audience was a definite draw, although neither spoke during the program. It was also exciting to be back in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall after so many years, rubbing elbows with other students in the audience as we all watched a historic announcement unfold.

Most interesting, though, were comments made by panelists regarding global issues, many of which echoed themes I’m learning in class:

• What defines religion in one place may be very different from what defines religion in another place. These differences will have a profound impact on respective definitions of religious freedom.
• There is currently no legal body or policy that adequately addresses the unique cultural, historical, and political needs of all citizens throughout the world.
• Global health issues are not defined solely by medical facts. Local economies and social structures greatly impact public health, as well.
• Trends of economic prosperity can coincide with increased religious tolerance. (Wow!)

What tied all the comments together—and again harkened back to my classroom studies—was the need to be able to see any issue from multiple perspectives. Can you put yourself in someone else’s shoes? An appreciation for multiple perspectives is critical to understanding the complexities of global issues.

Panelist and Professor Saul Morson eloquently spoke to this point when he explained the relevance of classic Russian literature to this topic. “What better way,” said Professor Morson, to develop an appreciation for the complexities of global issues than through the study of great literature, which allows the reader to “actually experience a different perspective.” That is, beyond just the study of facts, literature puts you into the shoes of a character and teaches you to appreciate another’s point of view. Frankly, his comments not only resonated from a globalization perspective, but they also validated my own choice to pursue liberal arts education at NU as an undergraduate. It’s easy to see why he teaches the most popular, “must-take” class on campus.

Globalization is a complex issue, as well as an ever-present one. As developing masters in communication, we need to be able to effectively participate in the conversation in a way that is sensitive and respectful to our audience. This week’s experience offered reinforcement that, through my training and experiences at Northwestern, I’m becoming better able to have that conversation. And I’m certain my life outside this institution will give me plenty of opportunities to do so.