Name: Kristen Nieves
Instagram handle: @kristen.nieves
Major: Geography
Hometown: Edmond, OK
Year at UNL: Senior
Favorite book and why: All the Bright Places is a quick read but such a lovable story.
Favorite movie and why. Twisters. I am from the area the movie is based on and have always had an interest in weather. Being able to remember the events of the tornado made the movie more personal.
Why Geography?
I love to travel, and this expands opportunities for me to go places I have never been before. It also allows me to see things in a different perspective and understand the world around me through a geographical lens.
My favorite class was World Regions with Jim Benes. Take as many classes as you can in geography because there is so much to learn. Geography is such a diverse major and there is most likely a topic that can be studied from a geographical standpoint. A minor or major would be beneficial.
Extracurricular Experiences:
I went on a canoeing trip with the OAC to The Niobrara River and it was such a wonderful experience to camp and see a beautiful place. There are numerous trips you can take with the OAC so I would suggest finding a location you like and taking the class for the trip.
This last Spring, I was given the opportunity to study in Puerto Rico for a week where we studied the soils and physical geography of the island. My family is also from the island, so it was very important to me to visit where my ancestors lived.
Post-Graduation Plans:
My plans for right now are graduate school. I love to learn and want to do more in geography before settling down in a job. I also have looked into Educational Administration in Higher Education due to other leadership opportunities.