Accounting and Program Audit Team
Log # 10
By Tyler Deng
Herein marks the end of an era, the end of GLOBE for the Spring
Class of 2012. This is our 10th and final log for this class. It’s
amazing how the past 10 weeks have gone by; it doesn’t really feel
like it’s been 70 days from our first log until today. The
experience of GLOBE is by far, one that can’t be replicated by
other courses at St. John’s. The actual hands on exposure to funds
and loan tracking provide a wealth of knowledge when dealing with
microfinance. The various books we had to read helped a lot; I
definitely know I’m more knowledgeable in this field not just
because of class but because of the readings too—every book
complemented the lesson we had very well (even The Economics of
Microfinance book). I’ve had some knowledge of microfinance because
of Kiva, but this class has really opened up my eyes to the world
of microfinance because of the video clips, the lesson plans, the
readings and all the extra activities we did. All of these things
combined to form a really enjoyable class that I’m extremely happy
that I partook in.
Aside from just the academics, I’m glad to have learned how to
delegate and work well in teams. I’m a big advocate of team-based
assignments because everyone has responsibilities but also because
everyone can hold each other accountable—that’s exactly what
happened in my team. Every member was essential to the team’s
overall success. GLOBE introduced me to terrific people I would
have otherwise never have met on this campus, especially my team
members. We spent some great times meeting after classes to talk
about the readings or to catch up on whatever goals we have to do
for the week; it’s no surprise I tend to gravitate towards them
during events but with such a small class, it’s easy to get to know
everyone pretty well. I’ll be a bit biased here; I think that
everyone involved in GLOBE are just wonderful people because they
take the time out of their day to try to impact the world and learn
at the same time. Yes, it wasn’t always smooth sailing; with all
the reading and preparation we do as well as make time in our
schedules to accommodate for GLOBE events. The experience was
worthwhile though so there are no complaints on this end.
I started this class with a cliché (you never know what to
expect) and I’ll end with one too (It ain’t over ‘till it’s over)
but is GLOBE really over when the class ends? I think it has
influenced enough of us to know that alleviating poverty is an
ongoing struggle and that the fight doesn’t end just because 135
class hours are over. There is an alumni connection first of all,
but secondly I think most of us deep down want to see these changes
and we realize how education has empowered us to affect others. I
know without a doubt, I’ll always be involved in nonprofit work or
charitable activities; this was just an outlet of what I’m
passionate about. Our class may be ending soon (hopefully on a high
note), but the path for 20 newly educated members is just
starting.
Finance and Risk Assessment Team
Log # 10
By Megan Lane
I can’t believe that this is my last log for GLOBE. The semester
has flown by. I feel like we just interviewed with Dr. Sama as
potential managers, yet we’ll be giving our final presentations in
only two weeks.
I’ve learned a lot about microfinance this semester, but I’m taking
so much more away with me. GLOBE is not just a class, but also an
interactive learning and development experience.
GLOBE is about teamwork. I have greatly improved my
communication skills this semester. I was forced to interact with
the other members of the finance team, the members of the three
other teams, the greater student body of St. John’s, the Daughters
of Charity, and so many more people. I am leaving this class better
able to exchange my ideas with others and successfully complete
assignments as a team.
GLOBE is about perspective. On the first day of class I
described poverty as “foreign.” I’ve never seen the type of poverty
that we are trying to eradicate through microfinance first hand.
Seeing our borrowers change their lives through loans that are so
small make me think of how blessed I am. GLOBE has allowed me to
take a step back and realize how fortunate I am and to realize how
easy it is to help others who have not been afforded the same
opportunities.
GLOBE is about responsibility. The other managers and I are
lucky enough to live in a country where extreme poverty is largely
nonexistent. We are privileged enough to be receiving a college
education. These opportunities come with a responsibility to help
those who do not have the same benefits. In GLOBE, we attempt to
level out the playing field by offering our business skills to help
others.
GLOBE is about relationships. I am leaving GLOBE with 18 friends
that I didn’t know just four months ago. We have all bonded through
our class time, fundraisers, and educational events. We have shared
a unique experience that has allowed us all to grow together. We
have grown together as classmates, friends, and responsible
citizens. As we go off into our careers, many of us in business, we
will bring with us the social goals and ethical mindset that we
have developed in GLOBE.
Marketing and Fundraising Team
Log # 10
By Tiffany Wong
I can’t believe this is my final log for GLOBE! The semester has
gone by so fast! It seemed like only yesterday the class just
started. I’m extremely grateful that I was able to experience and
be part of something as amazing as GLOBE is. I’ve said this in a
lot of my previous logs, but I’ve learned so much about myself. I
learned that I am a good communicator and I do work well with
others. I’ve also discovered that I’m not as shy as I thought I
was. GLOBE has really helped me find the voice that I’ve been so
afraid to use for a long time. I’m no longer afraid to speak up and
voice my opinion. Being in GLOBE, we’re also the voice for our
borrowers. We raise awareness of the things going on in their
countries and shine light on those who may have gone unnoticed. I
will no longer be afraid to speak up and voice my opinions because
unlike most people, I have the opportunity to do so.
I’m also extremely happy to say that we’ve been able to
accomplish a lot of our goals thus far. I was a little nervous in
the beginning and thought that may be we wouldn’t be able to
accomplish half of the goals we said we wanted to. But looking
back, we’ve been able to get a lot done and we still have some time
to get more done. Being part of GLOBE has also helped me to
understand what microfinance is. I’ve learned that microfinance
isn’t just about providing small loans; it’s also about giving hope
to those who are less fortunate. We are showing our borrowers that
we believe in them with each loan we provide. We are giving them a
chance to better themselves and be the reason for their success. It
is so gratifying to know that we’ve helped better someone’s life in
some way through all the hard work we’ve put in.
I’m so grateful that I’ve met Dr. Sama, Lina, and the rest of
the class. I’ve never met a professor who genuinely cared for their
students. Dr. Sama’s the first professor that I’ve been able to
talk to outside of class and I’m extremely grateful that she is a
part of my life. I will never forget the people I’ve met in GLOBE
and the experiences we’ve shared, but most of all I will never
forget Dr. Sama. Thank you for believing in me enough to accept me
into such a wonderful program and for as long as I’m alive I will
continue to support GLOBE in any way that I can!
Technology and Communications Team
Log # 10
By Boryana Yordanova
I cannot believe it is already time for my last log. What a
semester this has been! Having completed numerous projects this
semester and still have a few more before we leave, I can honestly
say this class was worth every second of my time. Throughout the
semester, I learned a lot about microfinance and social business
from the readings, lectures, guest speakers, and the program
itself. This has been one of the most rewarding and satisfying
experiences I could have asked for. GLOBE has opened my eyes to the
power of microfinance and the good that can come from focusing on
the social idea, rather than profit maximizing. Muhammad Yunus has
truly inspired me into action. It is his work that makes us believe
in GLOBE that what we do have an impact on the world. Seeing the
faces of the people we help and reading about their stories has not
only touched me, but also made everyone in the class more aware of
what life is around the world. And this is exactly why our class is
a social entrepreneurship - we drive change through helping those
in need. GLOBE teaches students how to work together as a whole and
make a difference.
Along with the learning experience, we have also accomplished a
lot. Our team – the Technology and Communications – have moved
forward with updating the website content, optimize all social
media platforms, introducing media to the program and raising
awareness about microfinance. As the semester comes to an end, we
continue to work towards the final presentation, the research paper
and the final video. I look forward to delivering the final
presentation to all our peers, supporters, and faculty. This is
going to be one of the most important things we do this semester as
the program displays where it stands in the business college. I
have no regrets in participating in this program. I am disappointed
though that it is only one semester. I feel like the class has just
begun to settle in. If only we could continue with the same set of
students the program would soar to such great heights.
In conclusion, I would say that it was awesome working with
everyone in the class. I have made new friends and built an
incredible relationship with my teammates. I think we did an
amazing job given the time constraints and all of our different
schedules. Dr. Sama is another inspiring individual that I have
gotten to know and I am glad I had the opportunity to work with
her. I admire her passion and the desire to help those in need in
developing countries to overcome poverty. I will use all of the
knowledge I learned during this semester towards helping to
alleviate poverty by taking action and being proactive. I would
like to thank Dr. Sama for this. I want to wish the future classes
the best of luck and loads of success. I look forward to coming
back to this program and finding out about our borrowers.