World We Imagine: Giovanni Riad

My first step in making the world a better place would be using the skills I’ve built to work on problems that actually matter to people—like access to clean water, stable jobs, and fair government. I’ve always been drawn to international work, especially in the Middle East, where I have personal ties and language skills. After graduation, I’m heading to Jordan to continue deepening that connection—working on the ground, improving my Arabic, and learning directly from local communities. I want to be involved in projects that aren’t just designed from a distance but are shaped by the people they’re meant to serve.

That could mean working in policy, research, or consulting, but the goal would stay the same: helping communities build systems that last. I’m especially interested in how foreign aid, public infrastructure, and resource governance can be improved to better serve people in the long term. I believe effective change doesn’t happen through one-off programs—it happens when people understand the bigger picture and invest in institutions that work. Going to Jordan is just the first step toward a broader vision of being useful in international spaces and working across cultures in a way that feels grounded and collaborative.

At the same time, I know that making any kind of impact requires more than good intentions—it takes showing up, being consistent, and becoming a reliable part of a community. I don’t just want to chase big-picture ideas; I want to be someone people can count on, whether that means helping a neighbor navigate bureaucracy or sticking with a project when the momentum fades. Being a global citizen isn’t just about traveling or speaking multiple languages—it’s about committing to real relationships and shared goals, even when it’s hard. That’s the version of “making a difference” I’m aiming for: steady, responsible, and rooted in the everyday.

Comments

  1. johnwrit340@gmail.comApril 24, 2025 at 4:54 PM

    Hi Giovanni, I completely agree with what you said, your approach align with the message of "The Blue Sweater". I am sure you staying in Jordan is gonna be important as it gets you engaged with the community. I am not an expert in social change, but I always believe in team effort. My main advice would be to take advantage of the network you have in USC. Try to reach out to as many people in the field of public policy, infrastructure and foriegn aid. Talking to people who has similar mission will make the jorney less arduous and attain more knowledge. Combining the USC connection with the connection you make in middle-east may create amaxing synergy, achieving things that wasn't possible before. Afterall, it's impossible for any of us to be an expert in various space, you have to gather a team of expert to build something meaningful and long lasting.

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  2. AnonymousApril 27, 2025 at 3:52 PM

    I really admire how grounded your vision is, you’re not just talking about helping from a distance but really immersing yourself and learning from the community. It’s inspiring that you’re approaching international work with so much thoughtfulness and respect.

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  3. Ali AlbanApril 27, 2025 at 5:59 PM

    Hi Giovanni! Thank you so much for sharing. Your passion for making a difference and truly becoming a dedicated and involved member in the community shines. Your commitment to working directly with communities and investing in lasting systems is exactly the mindset needed for real change. As you move forward, stay curious, build deep relationships, and trust that consistent, everyday actions will create meaningful impact over time. With your values and vision, you’re well on your way to making a difference that truly matters!

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  4. Julian KayApril 28, 2025 at 10:40 PM

    It's so incredible that you're actually going to do the thing that for most of us is currently just part of a project we can one day pursue. I wish you the best of luck on this journey and I know you have all the tools and personality to succeed. I really liked how you mentioned not only focusing on the big picture stuff, as I'm in the camp that if you can make a profound impact on even just one person's life, it was worth it. And I know that you will do this 100x over. I also completely agree with what you said about consistency as all great achievements start with doing one or two things every day for a long enough period of time to make that thing happen. Love it, can't wait to hear about your journey one day.

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