25+Years+From+Now

__**Global Issues: Present (2012) & Future (2027)**__ Based on my group’s responses in our personal GLIP, the four major global issues that will have a significant impact on society during the span of the next twenty-five years include: homelessness, environmental (pollution via littering; disrespecting natural resources), economical (job market decrease), and addiction (drug abuse among children/adults). The students from Kaneohe, Hawaii all simultaneously agreed that homelessness is their major global issue. In Sakayra, Turkey, pollution was identified as a problem, like in Russia and North Carolina. College students from Pskov, Russia also indicated that lack of job availability, and drug abuse, are both pervasive problems, as well. Finally, participants from Raleigh, NC, denoted several problems, such as, homelessness, lack of jobs, drug abuse, and pollution. Clearly, if not prevented or addressed in some manor, these global trends will continue to cultivate and begin to permeate society even more than they obviously already do. According to my group, the character required, and demanded, of an individual who is willing to be dedicated to alleviating a societal issue – and quite possibly solving the problem – should posses, exemplify, and/or exhibit some (if not all) of these qualities:
 * Confidence
 * Persistence
 * Believing in the //possible//, not the //impossible//
 * Courage
 * Self-motivation
 * Novice ideas (possible solutions)
 * Thinker – able to think outside of the box
 * Dedication
 * True sense of self and voice
 * Resilience
 * Integrity

Foremost, it is important to recognize these characteristics are not always innate, and are not developed immediately. Acquiring such skill, and building one’s character requires intense discipline, patience, practice, and time. True, some people are born innate leaders. However, in many cases, leaders are pruned over time and emerge precisely when society needs them. Often, life is all about timing.

Furthermore, these characteristics can certainly be learned and adapted via experience and servitude. In essence, to truly know how to be a leader one needs to begin doing just that – LEAD! By continuously placing ourselves in leadership positions, thus embracing new opportunities and experiences, we can learn from each incident, and as a result, grow, reflect, and improve as individuals and mold our leadership persona.

Acquiring leadership characteristics:
 * 1) Teachers can construct content, lesson plans, assessments, and projects that help mold their students into leaders.
 * 2) Teachers, students, and individuals can take individual initiative by dedicating their services/expertise to a community service platform.
 * 3) Simply volunteer! Giving your time is the easiest and fastest way to make a difference.
 * 4) Organize awareness groups and take action! Make a difference locally, and then globally.
 * 5) Make the **commitment** to sincerely //care// and //want// to make a **difference**.