NSA’s ESOs: Globally Minded
By Brooklyn C.
Globe by eclipse_images from Getty Images Signature Created in Canva
Speaking as a senior, I see many direct ways that a topic like NorthStar’s ESOs (Expected Student Outcomes) are relevant. Surprisingly, the more I learned, the more I realized this subject is applicable to all grade levels. In an interview with Mrs. Peterman, a staff member of NSA’s Instructional Development Department, I got the opportunity to dive into the topic of being globally minded. All the responses in this article are from Mrs. Peterman, and I have to say, the stories and ideas she shares are definitely worth the read!
Why does NSA have Expected Student Outcomes (ESOs)?
Our ESOs help us focus our instruction, programs, and methodologies on the outcomes that we want to grow in our students. Because we have already identified the characteristics that we want our students to develop, we can make decisions that drive us toward reaching those goals. The seven ESOs are what we strive for in the context of biblical principles, but they relate to all of life, not just spiritual growth.
One of NSA’s ESOs is Globally Minded. The NorthStar website describes this as being “equipped to impact society while appreciating cultural diversity.” Do you agree with this definition? Is there anything about it that you would elaborate on or emphasize?
Yes, I do agree with this definition. To elaborate on it, I would say a student who is globally minded is a student who understands their position in the world. It is all too easy to become wrapped up in our more immediate context, to the point that we can almost forget about the needs, victories, hurts, and accomplishments of people in other places. Being globally minded means that we are aware of people in other places and are prepared to play a role in their lives. Sometimes that may mean helping to meet their needs, and other times, it may mean understanding and appreciating their unique contributions to the world. We can have beautiful unity in Christ, but that doesn’t mean we are all the same. Actually, that beauty is a reflection of the diversity of believers who all worship the same God.
Why should students strive to be globally minded?
I remember the first time I felt like I was becoming more globally minded. I had gone on a youth mission trip to another city. It wasn't all that far from my home, but we were in an inner city neighborhood that was very different from where I grew up. When I returned home after that trip, I was struck by how different my life was from the lives of those we had been working with at the inner city mission. It's not that I never knew there were people in cities or countries outside my own; I think what I realized was that, to me, those people now had names and faces. I knew they were there before, but after the trip, I cared about them. This made a profound impact on my teenage mind and heart.
So why should students be globally minded? First of all, it is important because we live in a world where communication between far away places is easy and frequent. We have worldwide connections, so living our lives in light of that understanding is a necessity. Perhaps more important than that, students should be globally minded because Jesus was globally minded. In his earthly ministry, he traveled to other places, spoke to people with different backgrounds, and accepted Gentiles as His own. Being globally minded allows us to live Christ-like lives.
God values people in all nations of the world, so we should too. Revelation 7:9 tells us that we will be in heaven with a multitude from all nations, tribes, people, and language. That's a global community! Cultivating a global mindset today fits God's vision for the community of believers.
How can students implement a global perspective into their academics?
Students can implement a global perspective in their academics by being open to hearing and learning from others who have had different experiences. It is important for us to acknowledge that our perspectives are limited, based on where we grew up and what experiences we have had. Getting to know other people helps us to expand our limited perspectives. We are so fortunate at NorthStar to be able to learn from people from many different places!
How does this ESO tie into other ESOs (such as being biblically literate, a servant leader, university and life ready, etc.)?
There is a lot of overlap between ESOs. Growth in one area often equates to growth in another:
Being globally minded prepares you for university and for life. The more you are equipped to work with and appreciate the world, the more ready you are for higher learning, work, and ministry.
Because Jesus was globally minded, we become more like Him when we are globally minded too.
Seeking God in and out of the classroom sometimes means going to people who need Him. A global mindset makes you aware of who those people are.
Although you can be a servant leader without global awareness, and you can be globally minded without being a servant leader, more often than not, the two qualities go together. The more we learn about the world and its people, the more we are able and motivated to serve them well.
In our contact with people around the world, we are exposed to many different worldviews. This can be a big challenge for a Christian who is trying to defend their own beliefs. Becoming more biblically literate gives us the knowledge we need to understand and defend a biblical worldview.
As we travel, work, share the gospel, and live our everyday lives, we have many opportunities to become more globally minded. These opportunities take many different forms—watching the news, talking to a neighbor, visiting another country, reading a book, and countless other things. When we embrace lifelong learning, we have the right mindset to learn more about the world around us.
Columns: 🔎Informational, ✝️Spiritual Life
Brooklyn C. is in twelfth grade and has been with NSA for four years. She spends her free time painting and drawing, in hopes of pursuing a career in children's book illustration. She also enjoys running, going on walks, listening to music, studying, watching movies, reading and travelling.