Name: Chelsea Lara
Instagram: @Karime.444
Majors and Minors: Anthropology and Spanish with minors in Women Studies and Global Studies.
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Year: 4th
Favorite Book:
My favorite book is The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, The reason it is my favorite book is because it talks about real mental health issues and how they affect friends and family. It tells the specific journey of a women who is being accused of killing her husband and you are in her mind because after he husband dies she doesn't speak. It shows that you never know what people are really going through, and you could always be next.
Favorite Movie:
My favorite movie is Freedom Writers. As an activist for equality and equity, this movie hit home because of the environment they highlight. As coming from a rough, yet welcoming community, it shows that it's hard to make something of yourself without having someone who actually believes in you.
Why Anthropology?
I chose to major in Anthropology because I love how diverse it is—we study human behavior across time, from the past to the present and even into the future. My cultural and bio anthropology classes deepened my passion for the field, showing me the many ways we can understand humanity. I also chose to major in Spanish as a way to stay connected to my roots, especially while attending a PWI. I was curious to see if my experiences would align with what I studied and wanted to meet people who speak my native language and look like me. For my minors, I pursued Women’s Studies after taking an Activist & Feminism class that opened my eyes to how far women have come and how much we still have to fight for visibility and appreciation. Global Studies was a natural choice because I had already completed most of the credits through my Anthropology coursework, and it complemented my interest in understanding societies on a broader scale.
Some of the most interesting classes I’ve taken include Activist and Feminism with Professor Kruse, which required us to actually go out, volunteer, and engage in activism. This hands-on experience helped me make connections and understand that gender inequality isn’t just a broad issue—it’s deeply intersectional, affecting women of color in different ways. Another eye-opening class was Cultures of Spain with Professor Iker. I hadn’t realized how many dialects and languages exist within Spain depending on the region, and it really expanded my understanding of cultural diversity within a single country. One of the most knowledge-packed courses I took was Colonization, Decolonization, and Globalization with Professor Heselton. We analyzed the impact of colonialism across different regions of the world, and for our final project, I got to do a deep dive into Cuba, which was both challenging and fascinating.
For those considering new majors, I’d suggest Anthropology for anyone who loves understanding people, cultures, and societies in a broad, interdisciplinary way. Spanish is great if you want to connect with different cultures and improve communication skills that are increasingly valuable in many fields. Women’s Studies is perfect for those passionate about social justice, and Global Studies ties everything together with a worldwide perspective.
During my time at UNL, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in research, volunteer work, and activism, all of which have reinforced my academic interests and personal values.
Extracurricular Experiences:
I worked under Dr. Buller and Dr. Livingston on their research about how COVID affected pregnant women. This experience allowed me to analyze interviews and contribute my insights to the collected data. They really encouraged us to be involved, and it was incredibly rewarding to take part in research that had real-world implications.
I’ve also volunteered at the CARE center, where I helped with event booths and worked to spread accurate information about domestic violence, stalking, and related issues. Raising awareness about these topics is crucial, and it was meaningful to contribute to a cause that directly impacts so many people.
More recently, I helped organize three protests focused on the immigration policies put in place by the Trump administration. I believe in advocating for those who can’t always speak for themselves, including members of my own family who are unable to speak out. Everyone deserves the chance to build a life for their families, and I want to use my voice to support them. My background in Anthropology and my Spanish skills have made me a more effective advocate for immigrant communities, allowing me to understand their experiences and communicate with them directly.
I highly recommend that students in any major seek out research opportunities, volunteer in their communities, and engage in activism. These experiences provide hands-on learning, help develop critical thinking and leadership skills, and allow you to make a real difference. No matter your field of study, getting involved in causes you care about will enrich your education and give you valuable experience beyond the classroom.
Post-Graduation Plans:
After graduation, my goal is to work as a translator at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. This community has a significant need for Spanish-speaking professionals who can provide linguistic and cultural support to patients. This opportunity would allow me to make a meaningful impact by ensuring effective communication and advocating for those in need. While my plans may change, this is my current plan.