Name: Vivian Perez Alvarado
Instagram handle: Vivian.alvarado.7505
Major(s) and/or Minor(s): Political Science & Global Studies Majors, Minor in Arabic Studies
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Year at UNL: Senior
Favorite book and why:
My favorite book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This book is very inspiring and takes you to a different era. It is my favorite book because it inspires you to follow your dreams and to pay attention to the signs life/God gives you. Also, it is very helpful to take a step back and reflect on what you have done, what you are doing and what you want to do in the future. Of course, the future is unknown and that’s how alchemy is compared to the future. It teaches you that you may not get a desired outcome but what you’re doing is sure evolving. This can be you or something else. I read this book as evolving positively but it can be applied the opposite. I would recommend this book because it’s a trip to the other side of the world, a different era, without having to to do it physically.
Favorite movie and why:
My favorite movie is Coco. I love this movie because it represents my culture and my traditions. Even abuela (grandma) looks like my grandmother. El Dia de los Muertos is my favorite holiday so this movie means a lot to me. It makes me feel proud of who I am.
Why are you studying your chosen major(s) and minor(s)?
As a first-generation student there were many majors, I could choose from, but my call was to understand how the government works and to understand people’s differences (traditions, religion, culture) from mine. I chose Political Science because there is more to learn than Democrats and Republicans polarization. We need more Latinx and from other minorities in governmental positions. This is how we can change the future of our communities. As for Global Studies, I have always been intrigued by trying new food, music and way of thinking. I chose it because I think the United States is so diverse, we should try to understand as much as we can other people’s backgrounds. Arabic Studies major is not offered therefore I chose it as a minor. This minor is very important for me because it has introduced me to a new world. Learning Arabic and getting to know people in this community is the reason I chose it. My learning comes from getting to know people and listening to what their experiences are. Overall, I chose all of these majors and minors because they complement each other.
What are some of the best/most interesting classes you’ve taken?
Some of the most interesting classes I have taken are Political Ideas, Women in the Qur’an, Israel & the Middle East and Logics and Critical Thinking. I found these classes interesting because they all introduced me to a new subject, helped me improve on what I already knew and even challenged me. I have learned from the most famous philosophers in Political Ideas such as Socrates to women’s right in the Qur’an to how to be patient to resolve a problem in Logics and Critical thinking to ongoing conflicts such as the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
What are your suggestions for new/other majors?
One of my suggestions is to make time to have fun in college. Meet people that are different from you, you will see there is always something to learn from them and even how you interact with each other. Also, make connections from different majors. You do not know if one day you will be tired of hearing about your major all the time and would like to hear from other major experiences. Eventually they learn from you too. Lastly, do not be afraid to try something new. If it wasn’t for you then that's okay at least you tried it. You also never know if being introduced to for example painting can be useful later (hint: self-care) or perhaps ends up being your passion. Attend events offered on campus and get involved on campus. You will be surprised how much you will learn and how that can help your future careers.
Why should someone in another major choose your major?
If you are thinking of choosing a major or would like to change it, I would recommend my major if you are looking to find joy in what you are studying every day. For example, in Political Science there is always going on and people are talking about it. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the subject if you are not familiar with it. In Global Studies, there is always something happening around the world that you may be interested in. As well as how that impacts the United States. As for Arabic Studies, you get to meet people from other countries, and they can even become great friends. Hence, my Omani friends who I met through Arabic classes.
Extra-Curricular Experiences:
Before I came to UNL and until 2018 I was a citizenship, English and GED tutor at El Centro de las Americas. I volunteered there because in order to become a citizen it is important to understand the history and the government of the United States. I also wanted to help permanent residents become naturalized citizens and be able to have access to services they couldn’t. Not only this changed their future but their families. This led me to find organizations on campus related to immigration and the Latinx community. I was a member of Define American where we hosted an event every year where we obtained donations for scholarships for undocumented/DACA students. I chose this organization because it is a nonpartisan organization. Most importantly, we collaborated with other organizations. Being involved in these activities helped me obtain experience. Experience is very important when searching for jobs so if you have a little extra time to spend on campus do it as it will add up as experience and you will not have to worry so much after you graduate.
What are you post-graduation plans?
After I graduate, I look forward to taking a year off from college. I would like to apply to internships and fellowships and gain more experience while I prepare for the GRE/GMAT exam. I look forward to applying for an MBA program outside of Nebraska.