Almost three years ago, I made a choice. I chose not to give into the oppression and pressure forced on me by my own government. So instead, I chose to step into a new chapter of my life.One where I could be the writer and the warrior of my own story. I could fight for what I wanted. With that being said, let me give you a little bit of information about myself so you guys get to know me.I was 16 when for the very first time I came here in the United States, especially in this college. Stepping to the class ...

Here is Chanel Cruz. [Applause] I was around 8 years old in my elementary class when we were reading in our social studies book. We must have been reading something about the United States and our ties to our neighboring country, Mexico.As we were reading the passage, so we collectively got to a word in the passage we did not know. Aguila. What is an aguila.I remember trying to decipher this word on the paper, but it seemed to me my teacher did not know either because when I recognized that this word was in ...

Language Learning Benefits - Early language exposure, especially to globally used languages like English, is common [1] - Learning tonal languages like Mandarin and Thai can provide an advantage in mastering other tonal languages [3] - Language learning enhances communication skills, leading to fluency and more effective communication [5] - Language learning improves information processing speed and assimilation [6] - Language learning strengthens memory through memorization and practice, converting short-term memories to long-term ones [7] - Fluency in a language provides a cognitive advantage, enabling quick translation and understanding [8] - Switching between languages boosts cognition, strengthens muscle memory, and improves analytical thinking [9] Cultural and Economic Implications - Language learning fosters empathy, breaks down cultural barriers, and enriches cultural diversity [10] - Multilingual individuals are increasingly vital for bridging cultural gaps in international business collaborations [11] - Understanding different cultures through language can open new business ventures and contribute to a country's economy [11] - Language skills can facilitate relocation and travel, aiding in navigating situations where language barriers exist [12][13] - Language learning skills are transferable and valuable for life, aiding in learning additional languages [14]

Education System Critique - The current education system, designed for the industrial age, is limiting due to geographical constraints, disciplinary silos, and exam-centric evaluation [2] - Classrooms still train students for a world with borders, despite the increasing prevalence of global collaboration among teenagers [3][4] Future of Education - Education should be borderless, leveraging technology to bridge gaps and provide equal access to resources [2][7] - Emphasizes the importance of creativity, constructivity, and curiosity (CCE) as the currencies of the future and of learning [5] - Education should extend beyond culture and disciplines, addressing real-world problems like climate change through interdisciplinary collaboration [10] - Adaptability, resilience, and teamwork are more important than high scores [11] - Learning should be normalized at any age, fostering curiosity and breaking age-related boundaries [11][12] - Teachers should act as facilitators of dialogue, and parents should focus on the difference their child can make rather than their rank [12][13] Global Perspective - Envisions a world where children from different countries can learn together, fostering empathy and understanding [9][13][14] - Advocates for integrating diverse cultural stories and perspectives into education to promote empathy and understanding [8][9]

Main Argument - Humanizing adversaries is not just compassion, but moral strength, crucial in conflict and rebuilding [1] - Cultural empathy and understanding are vital for effective international cooperation and a positive global image [4][8] - Misunderstandings stemming from a lack of cultural awareness can be detrimental to national security and alliances [1][2] Cultural Context and Communication - Culture shapes perspectives and decisions, impacting military and diplomatic operations [1] - Language, especially high-context languages like Arabic, relies on historical and cultural references [1] - US service members should adapt to partners' historical narratives to prevent miscommunication [1] Impact of Misunderstanding - Anti-American sentiment is fueled by the perception that the West is outdated and lacks understanding [1] - Dehumanizing language and propaganda can incite hatred and undermine peace prospects [1] - A lack of empathy can lead to mistreatment and poor decision-making [4] Strategic Advantage - Empathy allows for de-escalation and dialogue, leading to peaceful solutions [11][12] - Cultural awareness should match the US's global presence, operating in 40% of the world's nations [7] - Developing cultural empathy is a strategic imperative for strengthening relationships and reducing conflict [8][9]