Systems Thinking

What? So What? Now What?

Developing World helped me discover a new thinking process. Learning about systems thinking was the most helpful in showing me how to think differently. I love the example that was given in class of systems thinking. Our teacher showed us a picture of cut down tree stumps and fish in Lake Victoria, Africa. He told us to figure out how the fish caused the trees to be cut down. We realized because the fish were so big, it took more time to dry the fish. Instead the locals were forced to cook the fish over a fire. However, more wood was needed in order to make a fire, and that’s why the trees were cut down. Many times in life we want to think that only one thing can be a possible cause or solution. When we really study and follow our research, we can find the best possible solutions to a problem. Using systems thinking in my life can really benefit me to improve myself and be the best daughter of God I can be. I really like the idea of systems thinking and I wish I could promise to use it all the time now in all aspects of my life. However, I am so used to my other thought processes it is difficult to just switch all of a sudden. I hope through time and practices I can better recognize when I am thinking one sided and eventually reach to become a systems thinker.

            In this class we did a lot of group work, and the group work was always required to have leadership positions. In these groups we had numerous discussions about the things we were learning, and even much debate about heated topics. One thing that was discussed was the 8 Millennium Goals and how to solve those issues. While in class I realized that in order to help fix the world’s problems, we also need to work together to help the world become a better place. One issue for example that really opened my eyes was the topic of globalization. In class we seemed to always come up with the constant debate of whether or not globalization was a good thing or a bad thing. Using our systems thinking, we all realized there was a lot behind it and research to do on it. I thought the concept was fascinating because of the economic and cultural impact it seemed to have on individual countries. It would have been hard to discover all this if we didn’t work together as a group to discuss the issue. Many people around the world are making efforts to communicate and provide charity to third world countries. It is important for those people to communicate and ask “What? So What? And Now what?” because then we can better find a way to help them. As members of the church we all have a duty to serve others, and when we all come together in a group to help another person there is so much power in that. I hope in the future to establish leadership and to really listen to the ideas of my peers. When we all work together, our minds can be opened and do so much good in this world.