Erick Salazar

Mr. Oh
World Literature
28 February 2020

Global Citizen Essay

Often regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists in history, Stephen William
Hawking was a phenomenal man whose work has revolutionized humanity’s view of the
universe. ​Hawking was born on January 8, 1942 in Oxford, England.​ He attended Oxford
University, where he studied physics, later going to Cambridge to research Cosmology. In 1963,
Hawking was diagnosed with motor neurone disease which gradually paralysed him over time.
He became an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author, and director of research at the
Centre for theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge. ​Hawking has received a
multitude of awards in the various fields he has studied in, and much more​. ​He unfortunately
died on March 14, 2018 at the age of 76, after living with motor neurone disease for over 50
years.

Hawking has emerged as a global leader by ​advancing the world's understanding of space and
time through his knowledge, and helping our understanding of how quantum mechanics applies
to t​he universe as a whole. He has contributed to the world through his speeches, quotes, and
charity funds, influencing an extensive amount of people. Hawking provided the world with
valuable information through his books, helping make science more accessible to everyone
around the world. His ambition inspired the world and taught us that purpose supported by action
can generate results. Hawking has achieved remarkable things through his ambitious purpose.
That purpose was his goal of having a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is
and why it exists at all.

Hawking has shown awareness of the four global performance outcomes throughout his career.
He has Investigated the world by developing hypotheses and theories that specify what happens
to a black hole when negative mass particles are dropped into it. He has recognized perspectives
by explaining global issues, and using information about relevant contexts to understand issues
like global warming, and producing suggestions for addressing the issue. Hawking has
communicated ideas by developing, analyzing, and evaluating arguments, and explanations,
made by his fellow peers in the fields of physics and cosmology. Hawking has taken action by
identifying specific needs for improvement of global warming and artificial intelligence,
developing an action plan that details individual and collaborative actions to prevent or prepare
for such events.

Hawking is perhaps one of the best role models to help develop a student’s global competence.
I have learned from and have been able to relate to many of Stephen Hawking's values, skills,
behavior, and experiences. Whether it was Hawking's lazy approach towards his early studies,
the difficult obstacles he faced, or his consistent curiosity to learn more, there was always
something that I could relate to and learn from. His experience and insight has encouraged me to
be a more collaborative problem solver and more engaging citizen. After comprehending and
gaining much knowledge from Stephen hawking, I have learned to be curious, to be persistent,
that mistakes are important, and to never underestimate myself. ​Hawking’s wisdom and courage
has been and continues to be a source of inspiration to many people across the world.