Name: Morgan McGee
Instagram handle: morgan_nichollee
Major(s) and/or Minor(s): Global Studies major with minors in Russian and Geography
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
Year at UNL: Senior
Favorite book and why: My favorite book is "Feminist, Queer, Crip " by Alison Kafer. It was the first book that introduced me to Critical Disability Studies. It is such a great foundational book and definitely recommend it for anyone potentially wanting to learn more about women and gender studies and disability.
Favorite movie and why:
My favorite movie is Mamma Mia. It is such a happy movie and whenever I am sad or stressed you can find me singing along to the film or making a Mamma Mia themed tik tok.
Why are you studying your chosen major(s) and minor(s)?
I decided to become a Global Studies major because out of high school I really wanted to become a foreign service officer. However, though my career goals have changed I am really happy with my major choice. The past three years Global Studies as a discipline has taught me so much about the world, and how to interact with the world. Global Studies has taught me about globalization and the growing communication, connectivity, and diversity at a global level. A degree in Global Studies allows me to have a unique perspective when it comes to problem-solving and experiencing the world. Through my education, I understand how connected world problems are, and how it is imperative to view these problems from the perspective of a global citizen, not just a US citizen. Global Studies have provided me the tools that are needed in order to analyze the complex and variety of the world and its problems.
I decided to become a Russian major after taking a few classes for my language requirement for my Global Studies degree and absolutely fell in love with the department. Dr. Tytarenko is an incredible professor and really deeply cares about all of her students, and I love taking her classes. I decided to become a geography minor for similar reasons, the department is really supportive and has amazing supportive faculty.
What are some of the best/most interesting classes you’ve taken?
My favorite class I have taken at UNL is a Global Studies specialization class on Women Dissidents in Eastern Europe with Dr. Waissarova. I really enjoyed learning about the impact of women in both the Cold War and World War II, which you usually do not learn about in traditional history classes.
What are your suggestions for new/other majors?
My recommendation for a new Global Studies major is to explore all the different classes you can. The best thing about the major is that is interdisciplinary and so you can really customize it to what you like and also get to explore areas that you are curious about.
As the world becomes more interconnected, it is even more important to have a globalized education. Global Studies allows you to have a unique foundation to provide you the skills necessary to succeed as a global citizen.
Extracurricular Involvement:
I am on the University's Debate team and it has provided me the most meaningful experience at my time here at UNL. I have gotten to represent our university at a variety of tournaments all across the country and have had the pleasure to qualify for the national tournament every year at UNL. But outside of competition, my experience on the team has allowed me to volunteer my time at Lincoln North Star my junior year as an assistant debate coach and give back to the city of Lincoln. I have also gotten to give presentations on Ableism and Ableism in Debate for other colleges and their debate teams. Debate at UNL has provided me so much opportunity and growth. My Global Studies degree gives me a competitive advantage in debate rounds through the various knowledge and skills, such as research that I have gained through my classes.
What are you post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I am planning on getting a joint JD/MA in Disability Studies or Public Policy. I am hoping to go into disability rights law and work for a disability special interest group.