Name: Sara Benes
Instagram handle: @sarabeans18
Majors: Global Studies and Psychology
Minor: Sociology
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Year at UNL: Senior
Favorite book and why:
"Manual for Women" by Danielle Bean. It's a book I've always enjoyed about highlighting the natural gifts women possess and highlights methods and practices for being your best self and living life to the fullest.
Favorite movie and why:
There are too many good movies out there! I really enjoy Marvel movies, or coming-of-age films like "Ten Things I Hate About You" or any other film that makes you laugh and cry.
Why are you studying your chosen majors and minor?
I am studying these majors because I have a real passion for people and culture. Some of the most interesting classes I've taken at UNL include Abnormal Psychology, Psychology of Immigration, Intercultural Communications, a study abroad course on the history and culture of Spain, and another study abroad course on the psychology of disability. I believe anyone who wants to serve others and/or work with people in their career should consider a Global Studies or Psychology major. There is much more to both disciplines than meets the eye!
Extracurricular Experiences:
Some of my most memorable experiences at UNL include my Greek life involvement through Panhellenic and Pi Alpha Chi, as well as my study abroad experiences. I was fortunate enough to join a faculty-led program to London and Paris studying art history in a time of war, and spent my Fall 2019 semester in Salamanca, Spain on a Gilman Scholarship. I was able to study psychology, Spanish, and cultural studies. The first program was a faculty-led summer program in London and Paris, studying art history in Europe during a time of war and how war affected the different cultural movements in Europe. My Fall semester program in Salamanca was through IES Abroad, where I took courses in psychology, Spanish, and history and cultures of Spain. Specifically, I took a class on solution-focused brief coaching, the psychology of disability, history and cultures of Spain, a creative writing course (in Spanish), and a 300-level Spanish language course.
While I was in Spain, we took excursions to Segovia, Toro, Zamora, Sevilla, and Granada. We visited vineyards, Cathedrals, castles, the Alhambra, and more. One of my favorite memories in Salamanca was playing fútbol and "fútbolin" (foosball) with Spanish students and sharing cultural conversations with an advocacy group for people with social and intellectual disabilities.
Anyone who is even considering Greek life should try it! My sorority has been a real source of growth and challenges during my collegiate career. And studying abroad is far more achievable than you think!
What are you post-graduation plans?
My post-grad plans include attending graduate school to pursue a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling and work with people who suffer from PTSD, ideally with refugee populations, military personnel, or veterans. I have a strong passion for my country as well as the global community, and I would really enjoy serving in that way. Until then, I will work in the Nebraska area and continue my own research on perceptions of child labor as they relate to citizenship status.