Name: Ella Valleley
Instagram handle: @evalleley
Majors and Minors: double major in Global Studies and Spanish with a double minor in National Securities Studies and Communications.
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Year at UNL: Junior
Favorite book and why:
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. Great novel. It’s my favorite book because the writing is so vivid and textured, it feels almost cinematic, and the wild, intricate connections between timelines that end up snapping into place are just brilliant. This is a book that stays with you long after you finish it.
Why Global Studies?
Finding Global Studies was not a straight path for me. When I first came to UNL, as a freshman, I was actually Undeclared, I wasn't sure what I wanted to study. With a little peer pressure from my parents, I ended up in the business school and quickly found out that I was in the wrong place. So when I ended up switching to Global Studies, I was nervous to start new again. Thankfully, I have only grown more and more intrigued and excited as the years have gone on.
Extracurricular Experiences:
I had the opportunity to study abroad in Bilbao, Spain during the summer of 2025. It was an incredible trip and I would highly recommend to everyone! My study abroad helped me not only improve my Spanish significantly, but it also allowed me to experience a new culture and part of the world I had never seen before. I still keep in touch with the numerous friends I made during that trip (and even my host family).
Post Graduation Plans:
Right now, I am looking at a couple of master programs for post-graduation, but my eye has definitely been on John Hopkin's Global Security Studies program!