Major: Global Studies
Minor: Japanese
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Year at UNL: Senior
Favorite book and why:
Among my favorite books is Haruki Murakami's 1Q84; I've always been a fan of the sci-fi genre, and this book is no exception; it takes the reader on an adventure throughout the entire book.
Those who enjoy science fiction novels will enjoy this book.
Favorite movie and why:
This is a challenging question for me, as I watch a wide range of movies every month, so choosing a favorite is quite difficult. My favorite movie is Pirates of the Caribbean, which I grew up watching and is my go-to comfort movie. Another two of my favorites are Suspiria 2018 and Atonement; the first is a horror film set in a Berlin dance academy, and the second is a tragic love story set during World War II. It's guaranteed that the last movie will make you cry, and Suspiria 2018 doesn't appeal to everyone's tastes.
Why Global Studies?
I have gained cultural awareness and open-mindedness by majoring in Global Studies. I have always been fascinated by cultures and languages, so when it came time to declare my major, I went with Global Studies and a minor in Japanese. There are so many opportunities in this major, and I feel like a part of a close-knit community. My dream was to live in another country from an early age, and Global Studies opens doors for those opportunities, allowing you to learn so much about the world and yourself.
Any class I have taken with Emira has been amazing. It was during peak COVID season that most of my classes were held online. However, even her online class was insightful. My favorite classes are Food and Culture and Japanese 200. There was a lot of fun and interactive activity in these classes, plus in Food and Culture, you got to try new foods, even dried crickets. As for advice for new majors, I started undeclared, and I remember the pressure of choosing a major, however, I recommend you go at your own pace and try new ways to get involved at UNL. At UNL, it's easy to get involved in conversations and clubs, so don't be afraid to try something new. I enjoyed helping the international community and made long-lasting friendships with the students.
Extracurricular Experiences:
UNL offers a variety of study abroad and internship opportunities. I did the Assistant Language Teacher internship for Senshu Matsudo University Junior High School in the Spring 2023 and a study abroad at Senshu University in the Fall of 2023. The internship allowed me to interact in a Japanese classroom acting as an ALT for junior high school students and experience a slice of Japan’s work culture plus the program pays for your airfare and accommodation, and you can
explore Japan in your free time, which you have plenty of.
The Senshu University BCL program was an intensive Japanese language program where you were in class four hours a day. There you stayed at a dorm with other international students and had a Japanese roommate to try out your Japanese conversation skills every day. I would recommend it to students who have a business background and like presenting statistics in Japanese. I would also point out that there’s a curfew for the shower which can be a downside depending on the person but I wish the showers didn’t close at night. I hope that students have an opportunity to participate in these programs and participate in various activities during their time at UNL.
Post-Graduation Plans:
I have so many ideas in mind for what’s next, I want to do more volunteer work involving Teaching English as a Second Language and then either go to Grad School in Japan or start a career as an ALT for the JET program.
