Name: Liam Diesing
Instagram: Liamardo__Dicaprio
Major: Global Studies with Pre-Physical Therapy Track
Minors: Spanish and Biological Sciences
Hometown: Omaha NE
Year at UNL: Senior
Favorite Book:
Malcom Gladwell “Talking to Strangers” because its full of different stories from recent history about communication, crime, psychology, biology etc. He goes very in depth into lots of different events throughout history and breaks down why they happened the way they did, what caused people to make certain decisions and what the implications of those decisions were. Super interesting stuff.
Favorite Movie:
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” I read the book in high school and then saw the movie. They’re not really the same story but it’s about this guy who spaces off and daydreams all the time and honestly, I space off and daydream a lot too so I really vibed with it.
Why Global Studies?
I chose global studies because I really like keeping up with world events and learning about the ins and outs of different cultures. I met and made friends with a lot of international students my freshman and sophomore year so through them I got to learn a lot about what life, and education were like in other countries. Global Studies let you take your choice of so many different classes for the major too. I have gotten to take classes through the Spanish, Political Science, Anthropology and History departments to cover requirements for the major and it’s so cool to get that wide spread of knowledge from so many different faculties.
I also have an interest in healthcare and health sciences, and I aim to be a physical therapist one day. Through the Pre-Physical Therapy Track and Bio minor I got to take a lot of amazing classes like Anatomy, Ecology, Genetics and Physiology. I feel like being a Global Studies major has really made me more receptive and appreciative for other cultures and languages and I feel that will make me a better, more informed healthcare professional.
Extracurricular Activities:
I’ve actually been trying to make study abroad happen for quite some time, I was aiming for this fall but COVID-19 shut that down pretty quick. A buddy of mine mentioned to me he was applying for Fulbright to teach English abroad and so now I am applying to do that too. I would absolutely love to have a chance to go abroad and teach/learn in a Spanish speaking country after college before PT School. It would give me an awesome chance to do my part to serve others abroad and it would help me work on my Spanish skills.
This year I got an awesome opportunity to work for New Student Enrollment. It gives me the opportunity to welcome new students on campus and help facilitate their transition into college life. That can be a scary or confusing transition for some folks, so I wanted to be able to help make that experience memorable and enjoyable for everyone. The NSE process changed a lot due to COVID but luckily, I am still able to be involved and meet new students by giving them class tours, hearing their stories and telling them about the cool stuff on campus. It really teaches you to get out of your comfort zone and get to know students you have never met before. I highly encourage it because I honestly feel that it has made me into a better person, and it’s given me the tools to help students on campus find the guidance they need for whatever situation they’re in.
One thing I never thought I’d do is join a dance team. My friend told me to go to one Ballroom Dance Team practice and see if I like it. I was like “Okay, but only one practice” and now I’ve been on the UNL Ballroom Dance Company for a year and wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. I’ve made so many wonderful and talented friends there and I really encourage checking them out. Never be afraid to try new things!
I have to plug the UNL Outdoor Adventure Center too because I go there almost every other day to rock climb. It’s an awesome, challenging and fun workout and the community there is very open to new people and quite encouraging. The OAC sponsors a lot of trips for camping, biking and climbing too so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re interested.
I’m really into art, drawing and painting especially. I was super bummed to find there was not club on campus for drawing on campus, so I decided I’d start one. Now, the UNL Drawing Club is still going strong and people of all backgrounds are welcome. Even if you are a beginner, we welcome new artists and try teaching cool tips and tricks for art where we can.
I also work for New Student Enrollment so if you are a freshman keep an eye out for me at all the welcome week events!
I work for the International Student and Scholar Office which helps facilitate the transition for international students coming from abroad to study here. It’s a scary and complex transition for some, so I like doing my part to give them the guidance and resources they need to make the most of their time here.
Post-Graduation Plans:
Post-Graduation I would like to go to Physical Therapy School, but first I want to take a year to work and travel, gaining experience and brushing up on my Spanish language skills. I am also applying for a couple English teaching programs in Spanish speaking countries to help out with language learning. Ideally, I hope to work in physical therapy for underprivileged areas and become fluent in Spanish to help widen the demographic of people I can provide care for. I think a lot of people are concerned about language barriers and misunderstandings that can be brought about from them, especially in healthcare. I want to learn to help break down those characters and provide the best care I can. I have also always been interested in human anatomy, physiology and wellness so it’s a career I can completely give my heart to. On a side note I hope to do a lot of rock climbing too.