Throughout my childhood, I have been raised and supported by incredible women who have been instrumental in the development of my childhood. My mother is a perfect example of an individual who has been pivotal in the formation of my core values and beliefs. She has always encouraged deeply intellectual and productive conversation among my brother and I. I have vivid memories of her and my brother talking for hours on a vast array of topics, everything from current events to moral philosophy. They would exchange their opinion on a specific social or ethical issue and then deliberate the ways in which they would go about attempting to solve them. Each discussion had a purpose, and even when they disagreed on each other’s perspectives both left the conversation better educated on the debated subject. Upon further reflection, I can finally understand why my mother had wanted so eagerly to facilitate these expressions of ideas and opinions. What had only seemed like typical conversation over dinner to a child, was actually her way of empowering us to think critically about certain issues and how we could have a positive impact on the world around us. She expanded our minds past the limits of ordinary thought and helped us adopt the mentality of aspiring scholars. She understood the importance of education and intuitive thinking and wanted to pass this knowledge down to us in hopes that we would one day share similar values. She always believed that we could make a difference, and she provided us with the tools to do just that. It is because of her that I have developed such a strong interest in the structures and origins of society. She inspires me not only as a person but as a woman in this male dominated world. Through her, I have learned how to advocate for myself, articulate my beliefs, and defy both societal norms and the expectations of the patriarchy. She has greatly supported me in my search for an outlet in which I can efficiently channel all of my formed opinions and beliefs, on this subject and many others, into a possible future career. I strongly believe that the Global Studies Program is helping me to do that. From group discussions about human rights to diplomacy and war, I believe that Global Studies will continue to develop and enhance my beliefs and help me start to think about where I can apply them in future endeavors.