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by Kayla Stoll
Education is the bridge that separates world crises from global understanding. A single piece of knowledge, combined with the right intentions, can be the deciding factor in history's course. When intertwined with widespread acknowledgment, mankind can work to reshape the world through language and by breaking down barriers. Even if our opinions do not match, educated understanding among a population recognizes all issue sides with equal merit, and uses it to build relationships, even among disagreement. Education lacks when deprived of the opportunity to experience the world… even the most intellectual person secluded to confinement will have nothing to found curiosity. Cities, technology screens, and poverty are mankind’s modern confines, drifting away as “separate” from the natural world, fueling this lack of education. Community, connections, and compassion are the principles that can save the world. The environment maintains its secrets, openly exposing its true colors, whilst keeping surprises—like the “how” and “why” behind such complexities—hidden, waiting for the next pioneers, filled with innate curiosity about its processes, to claim the next discoveries. Yet in our solidarity among our manmade pleasures, too many are not granted the chance to foster such curiosity. It is in the presence of a village—such as the international Global Citizens Circle—that we share knowledge and observations, wholeheartedly raising these future pioneers, who will inspire all generations. Many environmental crises could be remedied through the spread of education—microplastics, greenhouse gas emissions, and fast-fashion waste. The truth behind these issues are masked by a facade of convenience and economic benefit, driving a great canyon between Mother Nature and mankind; a canyon that can only be bridged by awareness. Achieving eco-friendliness is an adaptation, requiring lifestyle commitments for long-term effects, such as adopting reusable cotton bags, metal water bottles, and even switching your plastic cutting board for wood or bamboo. Yet humans innately resist contributing to long-term solutions—yet unwitnessed—compared to immediate, tangible results. Awareness, inspired by community connections, can open this narrow frame of time into a world view: a mental picture of our actions’ consequences, fueling the positive evolution of mankind’s relationship with our planet. Education—the bridge that separates world crises from global understanding. A united society, universally connected through relationships, working for the common good. Global Citizens Circle seamlessly weaves endless backgrounds, ethnicities, and lifestyles through the work of compassionate individuals who instinctively know which connections will change society for the better. This network is the foundation for educating others, making all the world’s stories into a single anthem for us all. Community, connections, compassion; the principles that will safeguard our planet for future generations and save the world.
Kayla Stoll is a 20-year-old naturalist and passionate environmental educator from Bedford, NH. Throughout the last decade, she has been committed to planet advocacy—from organic agriculture to plastic pollution—focused on influencing positive change. She has spent the past seven years researching the plastic pollution crisis, encouraging individuals to take small steps toward improving their environmental footprint.
Kayla is an ecohydrologist finishing her sophomore year at SNHU, earning a degree in environmental science and hopes to pursue environmental engineering in the future. She is also an avid snowboarder, rock climber, herbalist, hiker, and photographer. With published environmental articles in Greet Bedford Magazine, Planet Forward Magazine, Kayla also has an Earth-education YouTube channel (Earthling Impact). She has been featured in SNHU productions and was a TEDxSNHU speaker in February 2025, speaking about environmental education in schools. it is her dream to influence others to step away from plastics and lead more planet-friendly lives. Kayla is part of Global Citizens Circle’s Emerging Leaders program, with a desire to further spread the message of hope and education toward bettering our world.
Please note: We invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle.
It is in the presence of a village—such as the international Global Citizens Circle—that we share knowledge and observations, wholeheartedly raising these future pioneers, who will inspire all generations.  By José Tulio Gálvez Contreras In a world marked by uncertainty and division, effective leadership is crucial. The Global Citizen Circle (GCC) shines as a beacon of hope, uniting leaders to inspire tomorrow’s change-makers. My journey with GCC began during the pandemic, a challenging time when many felt lost. As a Latino immigrant from Honduras, GCC became a vital source of inspiration and connection. I arrived in the United States in 2007 on a scholarship, driven by the dream of one day giving back to and transforming my home country. In those early years, my aspirations burned brightly. I envisioned creating positive change and uplifting my community. However, as time went on, that fire began to fade. The weight of isolation and uncertainty took its toll. While my dreams remained alive, they lacked the passion I once felt. It was during the pandemic, grappling with these feelings of disconnection, that I discovered GCC. GCC emerged as a platform where diverse voices could unite, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and inspiration—essential elements for effective leadership. The organization created circles of conversation, allowing individuals from various backgrounds to share their experiences and aspirations. This sense of community was crucial during such chaotic times, especially as we confronted not only the pandemic but also the urgent call to support the Black Lives Matter movement and stand against oppression. One of the key lessons from my involvement with GCC is the realization that I am not alone in my struggles. Many others share the desire to enact change in their communities. This understanding reignited my sense of purpose and revealed that our diverse backgrounds enhance the dialogue about our collective future. The stories and insights shared within GCC circles underscored the strength found in unity and the power of collective action. What sets GCC apart is its commitment to empowering individuals as agents of change. By bringing together leaders from different fields, GCC encourages discussions on pressing issues such as social justice and environmental sustainability. These conversations serve as catalysts for action, prompting participants to reflect on their roles in their communities and the wider world. Through GCC, I learned that effective leadership isn’t merely about wielding power; it’s about listening, understanding, and collaborating toward shared goals. Engaging with fellow members provided invaluable support, motivating me to take an active role in my community. Together, we brainstorm ideas and hold each other accountable for change, reinforcing that real transformation often begins at the grassroots level. In conclusion, the Global Citizen Circle illustrates the transformative power of community and dialogue in fostering leadership. During a fragmented time, GCC offered hope and connection, profoundly shaping my journey as a Latino immigrant. It reignited my passion for change and strengthened my commitment to helping Honduras. As we move forward, we must recognize our potential to contribute to a more equitable world. Through organizations like GCC, we can cultivate future leaders, united by a shared vision for positive change. José Tulio Gálvez Contreras is the Director of Affordable Solar at Solar One, a position he has held since 2019. He manages solar projects and leads research initiatives to enhance solar access for multifamily affordable housing. With over a decade of experience in renewable energy, sustainability, and community development, José is committed to addressing social and environmental injustices. He is currently completing his doctoral studies in Public and Urban Policy at The New School, focusing on environmental justice and energy democracy. José holds master's degrees in Public and Urban Policy and Environmental Law and Policy. In his free time, he enjoys nature, meditation, martial arts, dancing, exploring new cuisines, and meeting new people. Please note: Each week, we invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle. What sets GCC apart is its commitment to empowering individuals as agents of change. By bringing together leaders from different fields, GCC encourages discussions on pressing issues such as social justice and environmental sustainability. These conversations serve as catalysts for action, prompting participants to reflect on their roles in their communities and the wider world. |
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