Name: Marsileen Alawdi
Instagram handle: @Marsileenxa
Majors: Global Studies/ Journalism with a French Minor
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Year at UNL: Sophomore
Favorite book and why?
The Prophet by Khalil Gibran. It is a beautifully written book that really talks about important phases of life and why they are important. He talks about important topics such as love and marriage, family, and work. It is an easy and quick read that will change your views on the world.
Favorite movie and why?
Little Women by Greta Gerwig. It is one of my comfort movies and based on a book that I really enjoy. I enjoy the mix of comedy and seriousness that this movie offers. It deals with some heavy topics such as being a woman in a male dominated workplace and losing someone you love. However it also shows the loving bond between the March sisters and their friends. It’s just one of those movies that you can watch over and over again.
Why Global Studies?
I chose to study Global Studies because I want to learn more about the world. I want to be aware of different people and cultures so that I can understand them better. I also think that Global Studies allows me to be more aware of political and social issues around the world. Sometimes we are so focused on ourselves that we don’t pay attention to what is going on around us, but global studies forces us to open our eyes.
The reason I decided to double major with Journalism is because I want to go to law school. I think that Journalism will help me prepare for that. I really enjoy journalism because it gives me creative freedom. I can take classes that focus on photography or classes that focus on writing and broadcasting. It is really up to me to decide what I want to focus on, so I think it is pretty
great.
One of the biggest reasons I decided to minor in French is because of my high school French teacher, Madam Van Zandt. She really showed me the beauty in knowing multiple languages. Not only do I love the French language, but I also believe that learning French and becoming a French speaker will help me in my future career.
One of my favorite courses that I have taken is Love, Sexuality & Femininity in the History of Arabic Culture with Dr. Alba Hasan. I learned a lot of new things and read many amazing books in the class that have stuck with me. It was a class that I looked forward to going to. Another course that I am really enjoying is a course I am currently taking. It is JOMC 222: Social Justice, Human Rights & the Media with Kelli Boling. It talks about a lot of political and social justice issues around the world in a way that actually gets through to students. It is a discussion based class so everyone has the opportunity to say something.
Global Studies has a lot of flexibility, It allows you to have control over a lot of what you are learning. You can choose what language you want to learn, what regions you want to study, and what themes you want to know more about. It offers a broad range of courses so there is going to be a course you enjoy no matter what it is.
Extracurricular Experiences:
I am going to study abroad in Angers, France this summer so I am super excited. This study abroad will give me six credits that will go toward my French minor and also complete my Global Studies abroad requirement. I am also a member of the Middle Eastern and North African Association and the Yezidi club. These clubs have allowed me to meet people with similar backgrounds as me. They have also taught me new things
about the University and their majors or other things that they are involved in.
Post-Graduation Plans:
After graduation, I plan to go to Law School. I want a career in an international field. I am leaning toward Humanitarian law because it allows me to help people who don’t have access to a lot of resources.