2015 January 24 | Becoming a Global Citizen | Luc Roberge

Luc Roberge
Presenting on how to be a Global Citizen
Today, NIU GT students participated in the Global Forum lecture and workshop given by Mr. Luc Roberge. In his talk, he gave his personal and professional background while encouraging the GT students to become global citizens.

He covered topics popularized by H. Jackson Brown Jr. from his work Life's Little Instruction Book. Using excerpts from Brown's philosophies, he helped the students find important things for the betterment of themselves and for their growth in becoming Global Citizens.

Students worked in pairs to discuss each of Brown's philosophical viewpoints and came up with the topic which they felt was the most important to them.


Some of Brown's philosophies (credit, H. Jackson Brown Jr.):

1) Compliment three people every day.
2) Have a firm handshake.
3) Look people in the eye.
4) Say "Thank you" a lot.
5) Say "Please" a lot.
6) Learn to play a musical instrument.
7) Be the first to say, "Hello."
8) Be forgiving of yourself and others.
9) If in a fight, hit first and hit hard.
10) Return all things you borrow.
11) Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
12) Make new friends but cherish the old ones.
13) Keep secrets.
14) Write "thank you" notes promptly.
15) Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day.
16) Show respect for teachers.
17) Keep a tight rein on your temper.
18) Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.
19) Admit your mistakes.
20) Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
21) Hug children after you discipline them.
22) Forget the Joneses.
23) Don't smoke.
24) Make it a habit to do nice things for people who'll never find out.
25) Refrain from envy. It is the source of much happiness.
26) Never cheat.
27) Smile a lot. It costs nothing and is beyond price.
28) Remember people's name.
29) Learn to listen. Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly.
30) Keep your watch five minutes fast.
31) Be tough minded but tenderhearted.
32) Avoid negative people.
33) Never take action when you're angry.
34) Set short-term and long-term goals.
35) When complimented, a sincere "thank you" is the only response required.
36) Be a good loser. (winner)
37) Don't major minor things.
38) Keep your promises.
39) Seek out the good in people.
40) Evaluate yourself by your own standards, not someone else's.
41) Never overestimate your power to change others.
42) Keep expectations high.
43) Take care of your reputations. It is your most valuable asset.
44) Be there when people need you.
45) Don't expect life to be fair.
46) Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you.
47) Be a self-starter.
48) When attending meetings, sit down front.
49) Be enthusiastic about the success of others.
50) Laugh a lot. A good sense of humor cures almost all life's ills.
51) Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."
52) Don't be afraid to say, "I need help. I'm sorry."
53) Watch for big problems. They disguise big opportunities.
54) Don't make the same mistake twice.
55) Save ten percent of what you earn.
56) Be open to new ideas.
57) Remain open, flexible, curious.
58) Choose your life's mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90% of all your happiness or misery.
59) Send your loved one flowers. Think of a reason later.
60) Become someone's hero.
61) Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret.
62) Patronize local merchants even if it costs a bit more.
63) Arrive at work early and stay beyond quitting time.