My experience as a Science & Global Change (SGC) Scholar has definitely been transformative. Over the past three semesters in the program and my time at college in general, I have learned skills that completely reshaped how I approach problem-solving, think critically, and understand the world around me. More than anything, this course content and community have created a way of thinking that feels more logical, structured, and informed, which I know is an extremely important skill set for everyone, especially in my field of computer science. The introduction to logical fallacies and critical thinking has been especially valuable to me, making me more discerning of the information I encounter and giving me the tools to navigate complex problems.
One of the most impactful activities we participated in was a world simulation, where each group was assigned an anonymous country with a predetermined set of money, resources, and unique challenges and goals. The simulation mirrored real-world dynamics, requiring us to negotiate, strategize, and collaborate with other countries to address global issues. This hands-on experience highlighted the complexities of balancing national priorities with global responsibilities. It also showed how everything shifts when there is a global emergency. It also showed the importance of communication, critical thinking, and cooperation in tackling large-scale challenges, which are skills that are important both in scientific practice and in real-world decision-making. The activity gave me a completely new perspective on how interconnected the world is and how even small decisions can have ripple effects on a global scale. Without the SGC program, I don't think I would have developed such a well-rounded understanding of how scientific evidence is transformed into meaningful policies and actions. The program has shown me the connections between science, society, and decision-making, which has been super helpful in broadening my perspective. This focus on long-term thinking has become a key part of how I plan and make decisions and how I intend to in the future.
One of the most valuable skills I have gained through SGC is the ability to apply the hypothetico-deductive method. For instance, in a computer science project last semester, I used this approach to help me troubleshoot a coding algorithm. I systematically tested hypotheses to identify where the program was failing, and then I was able to debug and fix my program from there. By drawing on the scientific problem-solving strategies emphasized in SGC, I not only saved time but also boosted my confidence in tackling complex problems methodically for the future, especially in my chosen field. The material covered in SGC, particularly the focus on logical reasoning and data analysis, has strengthened my connection to computer science and given me confidence for my future. Analyzing global change through models and simulations has shown me how computational tools can drive meaningful insights in fields beyond tech, such as environmental science. This perspective has motivated me to explore ways my skills can contribute to addressing global challenges.
Another key insight I've gained from SGC is the ability to recognize logical fallacies, which has been particularly useful in life. For instance, during this incredibly polarizing election cycle, people often dismissed reports by claiming it was biased because of the organization that published it, which is a classic example of an ad hominem fallacy. Instead of engaging with the actual data, they attacked the credibility of the source. With the information I learned in SGC SGC, I was able to steer discussions back to the report's evidence, highlighting the importance of focusing on facts rather than assumptions. This experience is a minor example of how important critical thinking is, not only in academic settings but also in understanding and debating real-world issues like electoral processes.
A news article I read about rising sea levels especially stuck with me because it showed how climate change is hitting low-income families and communities the hardest. These are often the people living in areas most at risk of flooding, and they don't always have the resources to adapt or move when disasters happen. It is heartbreaking to see how unfair this is and how the people least responsible for the problem are often the ones who suffer the most. The conversations and case studies in SGC helped me see the bigger picture, connecting the science to the policies and decisions that shape these outcomes. Now, when I hear stories like this, I can see how important it is to focus on productive solutions that don't just address climate change but also make sure we are helping those who are most vulnerable.
Courses like CMSC250 (Discrete Structures and Algorithms), MATH240 (Linear Algebra), and CHEM100 (Introduction to Chemistry) have helped me see how everything connects. CMSC250 taught me how to think critically and solve problems step by step, which ties directly to the logical thinking we focus on in SGC. MATH240 gave me a better understanding of how systems and patterns work, which helps me see the bigger picture in both computer science and global challenges like climate change. CHEM100 was a great introduction to basic chemistry, helping me understand the science behind things like pollution and climate systems. These classes, combined with SGC, have really shown me how different areas of science work together to solve big problems.
The SGC community has been also invaluable. Collaborating with peers during group projects, such as our "Visions of the Future" project, where we chose a place and explored ways to make it more sustainable for the future, pushed me to refine my ideas and learn from others' perspectives. A fellow Scholar's focus on policy helped me see the broader societal implications of our plans, showing how creating a sustainable future is not just about science, it is also about understanding the people, policies, and communities involved. This collaboration connected the gap between the technical and human sides of problem-solving.
SGC has challenged my understanding of how science interacts with politics. For example, I used to think scientific evidence alone was enough to drive policy changes. However, the program has shown me how societal and political factors more often than not will complicate the process. This realization has made me more empathetic and pragmatic, recognizing the importance of effective communication in bridging these gaps and electing officials that will stand for policies I believe in.
As I look to the future, I know the lessons I have learned in SGC will continue to guide me. The emphasis on critical thinking, resilience, and problem-solving will be invaluable as I tackle challenges in computer science and well beyond the classroom. Whether it is designing algorithms to analyze environmental data or contributing to policy discussions on tech and climate, the skills and insights from SGC will remain a cornerstone of my approach. The SGC experience has been much more than a series of courses, it has been a mindset shift. It has equipped me with the tools to think critically, collaborate effectively, and approach global challenges with both rigor and compassion. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program, and I look forward to seeing how it shapes the rest of my time at the University of Maryland and beyond.