World We Imagine

 When reading the excerpt from The Blue Sweater by Jacqueline Novogratz, what stood out to me most was the part on thinking and acting. I believe as humans we have a social responsibility to help those in need. As a USC student I feel very fortunate to receive the education that I am getting and feel that I must use this to make the world a better place. I believe an education is less about the content and more about learning to think. I am very thankful for Writ 340 and all the work we have done on critical thinking skills. I believe, as educated individuals, we are able to pull back the curtain on differing opinions regarding social and political issues to then make the best decisions for all of humanity. 

I think about ways that I could help all the time. As a student that is trying to break into finance, specifically sales and trading, you may be wondering "how am I going to help make the world a better place from a trade desk?" Well, let me tell you, I am still figuring it out. But I do know that I want to donate portions of my salary to causes that I believe will do wonders for others. Specifically cancer research and support for those that have gone through or are going through cancer. I’m not yet sure how I can use my perspective to make the world better, but I do have some ideas. One of my long-term goals is to work at a large bank for a few years and eventually branch out into an enterprise focused on helping humanity. I may even be able to change the banking system to nurture social enterprise more efficiently; the possibilities are endless.

Another way I plan to help those around me is to boost professional development in the latino community. I already find myself speaking to younger professionals who are looking to better their education, giving them the philosophies that helped me get to where I am today. I want to continue providing this type of service for young students since many times I felt alone in this process that is academia.

I believe much of what Novogratz spoke about in The Blue Sweater stems from human compassion. Having an understanding as well as being empathetic will help put many humanitarian situations into perspective. An understanding that everyone is human, as well as changing the world to uphold this value with grace.

Comments

  1. TanayaNovember 27, 2025 at 3:42 PM

    Hey Rodrigo. I really love how you'd like to mentor kids and impart some of your life lessons. I also admire how you'd love to give back to cancer research, a cause dear to you. It was very interesting to read all of your ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  2. TanayaNovember 27, 2025 at 3:54 PM

    I think your first steps can probably be joining a mentorship program at USC for an impact on younger students. Or maybe joining clubs like the trojan dance marathon that raise money for change in kid's health.

    ReplyDelete
  3. PeterDecember 1, 2025 at 11:55 PM

    Hi Rodrigo, your vision in making the world a better place is really inspiring. Boosting professional development in the Latino community and donating part of your salary is something that’s meaningful and impactful in making the world better. One step that you can take is to find suitable organizations that align with your beliefs and collaborate with, so you’ll be able to reach and impact more people.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AmeliaDecember 2, 2025 at 2:00 AM

    Hey Rodrigo,
    I appreciate how you related the reading to your experience at USC and your thoughts on using education for the purpose of critical thinking and helping others. It is clear that you have a strong determination to create an impact, whether it be through donating or empowering the Latino community.

    ReplyDelete
  5. DeamilDecember 2, 2025 at 7:34 PM

    Hey Rodrigo, I get how one could say that making change from a trade desk seems unrealistic but you brought up valid points. I think you will be able to do all those things. I also think a good way to give back is share your story with your hardships and how you were able to turn them around and keep a positive attitude on the way to your success.

    ReplyDelete

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