Elinoam Baudoux
Sometimes, an unexpected curiosity can lead to transformative experiences that shape both the mind and the heart. In this interview, Elinoam Baudoux shares experience with STAND, from a Radical Immagination workshop to how the Global Issues Courses had an impact on her life.
A Journey of Imagination and Community with STAND
Elinoam Baudoux’s experience with STAND began unexpectedly through a workshop on “Radical Imagination,” and quickly evolved into a journey of learning, connection, and personal growth. Participating in the Global Issue Course, she discovered a vibrant, diverse community where differing perspectives were not only respected but celebrated, and debates became opportunities for empathy and critical thinking. The course highlighted the importance of grassroots action, showing that meaningful change starts with individuals and communities rather than distant institutions. Beyond theoretical learning, Elinoam engaged directly through volunteering, contributing to social justice initiatives and connecting with people from around the world. Through STAND, she not only gained practical skills and insights into global issues but also deepened her own sense of compassion, creativity, and responsibility as a global citizen.
Read Elinoam's story below in her own beautiful words.
"My name is Elinoam Baudoux, I am currently a student at University College Dublin, for a master’s degree in Culture and Literature. I am also a full-time traveller of this beautiful world and its unique cultures, may it be through books, stories, tales, and through volunteering experience abroad. Wherever I am, I always try to connect with people by offering everything I have: a compassionate heart, a motivated mindset, and all my creativity.
As such, my story with STAND, while unexpected, could almost be destined. As I was wandering aimlessly, trying to see how I could be useful in my community, I stumbled upon an ad online stating that STAND had a workshop entitled “Radical Imagination.” Impulsively, I signed up for this activity for the very same morning and met the wonderful Charlotte with whom I rediscovered the power of imagination. The rest is a wonderful story, which starts with the Global Issues Courses.
My first impression of the Global Issue Course was that it created a strong sense of community between the participants.
"While discussing and debating about global issues, we are bound to sometimes disagree with others, but STAND ensured a safe space in which everyone could choose their own opinions and be respected regardless."
This feat was not so easy, as the participants were all from various countries, religions, and academic courses. Diversity is a richness, but it must be handled with care and empathy so that it may evolve into something healthy in which different opinions are a strength and not a source of discords.
One funny anecdote that I remember is how STAND explicitly explained how our vision of the world differs from one another: at the beginning of the course, they showed the participants an image. Depending on people’s sensibility, some would see an older woman, while others would describe a young woman with a fur coat. This optical illusion demonstrated very clearly that what we see may appear differently to others, and that one vision is not “better” or “right” than the other. Our differences were not hierarchised in STAND, but respected and turned into an asset.
As all participants were all grounded in common fundamental values such as respect, critical thinking, empathy, all courses fostered interesting discussions motivated by curiosity, and the desire to be active participants in our communities. What surprised me most was to see how many students, young adults, wanted to be involved in our world’s future. While travelling, I met many people actively involved in social and environmental projects, but meeting students could be more uncommon as they are already so busy building their lives.
"STAND showed me that working for a community is something that builds young people, it gives them the skills to be mindful citizens of the world."
As a student studying post-colonial literature, I was already aware of the different power dynamic shaping our societies, but this course taught me more about the people around me. The Global Issues Courses discussed global issues, but at the same time, it showed me how to globally impact the world: it doesn’t start in international summits, or renowned NGOs, it starts with me and everyone. As Jane Goodall mentioned in one of her interviews: “We all have the power to make a difference, and we get to choose what difference we will make.” STAND really aligns with those values, and while the courses taught me practical skills, it taught me also about how to grow as a compassionate human being.
"I really recommend this course to all students. With the Global Issue Course, we got to learn more about how the economy impacts our daily life, how our perception of growth and development is distorted, how we can act to improve this wonderful planet we call earth, our home."
STAND provides knowledge to be more aware on how to apprehend the future, and a community in which we can all safely grow and act together. Personally, I also decided to volunteer with STAND as a direct continuation of the course, and I could not be more grateful for those opportunities. I met wonderful people and listened to their community projects, used my voice to write about social justice, and even held starfish and sea urchins at events!
STAND is an adventure, a beautiful one, and I’d love to see you all in it. As Bilbo yelled in Lord of the Rings: I am going on an adventure! "
Interested in joining the STAND community or learning more about the Global Issues Courses?
Find out more about this programme here, or sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with all upcoming opportunities.
