Student Spotlight: Kia Brodersen

Photo Credit: Kia Brodersen
Kia Brodersen
Wed, 10/14/2020 - 18:20

Majors: Political science, global studies
Minors: National security studies, Spanish

Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Year: Senior

Favorite book
(recently) it is Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. I like this book because it integrates issues of race, social class, and gender norms in the everyday life of the main characters. It's also a fiction book, so it's not too dense or too tough to read if you're interested in these topics.

Favorite movie
I really enjoyed "Parasite" when it came out because of the way the director creates the story around socioeconomic issues in Korea. It's truly original and I have a lot of respect for that.

Why I chose my majors and minors
I chose global studies and political science because of my interest in current events. They're both great majors for integrating different kinds of subject areas where you can explore your specific interests more in depth. Having a deep understanding of current issues has always been incredibly important to me. Some of my favorite classes I've taken for both political science and global studies have been, transnational criminal networking, conflict and conflict resolution, conflict and development in Africa, international law, and so many more.

I've always enjoyed learning Spanish and the culture that surrounds it in many different areas of the world. Learning a foreign language is not only beneficial for yourself, but it also helps you to understand others' perspectives and talk with more people in general. My national security minor interests me because of how in depth the class contents are. It's a specified way of learning and understanding current events and how the US is involved. It is very interesting and challenging. My favorite classes from my minors so far are, linguistics of the Spanish language, advanced writing in Spanish, analysis of national security interests.

I would suggest taking classes that aren't something you know much about. For example, if you have a lot of background of European history, it would be beneficial to take a class about the Middle East or Africa. Try to really expand your knowledge so you understand how the whole world is interconnected.

One reason that I find these majors so important is because the classes you take inform you on the importance of current issues, not just in the US but the entire world. People who major in something like STEM don't have this focus. Do you know how intensely colonialism affected the world and how it's still affecting the world 200 years later? This isn't something you learn in the College of Business or Engineering. Not to say these majors aren't important, but political science and global studies help you be a more informed citizen able to participate meaningfully in society with tools you might not otherwise acquire through other majors.

Extracurriculars/internships
I've been involved in Sustain, an environmental advocacy club on campus that encourages the UNL and Lincoln community to commit to sustainable practices. I've met many passionate people in this club and it's really rewarding when you can connect with others that have the same interests. People should join sustain because you can be an advocate for the environment, an incredibly pressing issue right now, and the more people who join, the more we will be heard! I cannot stress enough the importance of environmental sustainability on campus, in our world, and within ourselves. Come join, make some friends, and be a voice.

Climbing club has also played a role in my time here at UNL. I've met so many great people and it's a good way to relieve stress and get a good work out in!

I'm also involved in volunteering at City Impact of Lincoln. It is a non-profit organization that empowers under resourced youth through reading, mentoring, and leadership. Through this volunteer opportunity, I've met more amazing, passionate people along with amazing children. They bring life and excitement to the reading camps and can make your day by being themselves. Watching the children improve their reading skills throughout the reading camps has been one of the most rewarding things to watch as well. I do this for about an hour and a half every Saturday, so it's not time consuming but still connects you with great people! I would highly encourage anyone looking for a volunteer opportunity to reach out!

Post-graduation plans
After graduating I would like to work for the intelligence community (thus the national security minor and political science major) I'm not sure which department quite yet, but working in foreign policy is something I'm very passionate about. I've also considered working for College Possible which helps under resourced high school juniors and seniors prepare for college. Like I said, I enjoy working with any age of children and this program also provides a living stipend, loan forgiveness, and extensive learning opportunities. It's always good to have options when thinking about the future!