Name: Chase McClure
Instagram handle: @cm3360
Major and Minor: Global Studies Major with a Communication Minor
Hometown: Mitchell, SD
Year at UNL: Senior
Favorite book and why: The Giver by Lois Lowry. I love dystopian novels, and this one does a great job of showing that perfection is often just a mask for insecurity, and that in the pursuit of perfection you can forget what it means to truly live.
Favorite movie and why: Interstellar. Although I would never want to travel to space, it has always been a huge fascination of mine. The way the movie weaves scientific exploration with a story about family is very compelling.
Why Global Studies?
I changed my major a few times throughout my undergrad, but I ultimately decided on Global Studies mainly because of its interdisciplinary nature. I have the ability to study a variety of subjects that come together to create a degree that is wholly different from anyone else’s. While I may focus on East Asian studies and human rights, another Global Studies major might be researching food insecurity in North Africa. It makes conversations with others in my major much more interesting.
My top three favorite classes have been International Human Rights (POLS 470), Gender Communication (COMM 380), and Stitching Culture: US-Japan Quilt Exhibit Collaborative (ANTH 492). Each class helped widen my worldview and develop my own perceptions of the world, especially when it comes to culture and human rights. These were not just classes that built up my academic abilities, but ones that changed me personally as well. Again, Global Studies is interdisciplinary and allows you the ability to focus on a wide range of topics, unlike any other program I have looked into.
Extracurricular Activities:
Throughout most of my undergraduate career, in addition to being a full-time student, I have also worked a full-time job. Juggling school and work responsibilities has not been easy; however, I would not change anything about my experience. I have developed skills in time management, prioritization, and productivity. I have also learned the importance of setting aside time to check in with yourself and practice self-care, because burnout is a very real issue that students need to be mindful of. I was able to set aside time this past summer to study abroad in Japan, and that experience changed me in many different ways. You can sit in a classroom and learn about language and culture, but actually experiencing it is very different. I met so many amazing people during my time there, and I was lucky enough to continue those relationships through Stitching Culture: US-Japan Quilt Exhibit Collaborative (ANTH 492) course this past fall, which focused on curating an exhibit of Chinese textiles for the International Quilt Museum here in Lincoln. A group of students from Saitama University, where I studied during the summer, were also involved in this project, and I was able to continue the cultural exchange I had started.
Post-Graduation Plans:
After graduating, I plan on continuing my studies in graduate school and eventually law school, specifically focusing on international and human rights law.