Name: Mark Newcomer
Major/Minor: Global Studies (Major)/ German & National Security Studies (minor)
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Year at UNL: Junior
Why Global Studies? I have always had an urge to travel the world, see amazing things, meet amazing people, and do amazing things, and by being a Global Studies major, you get to do exactly that. The world is constantly changing, and it is important to keep up on current events and issues pertinent to the world today. I personally feel that globalization has always been a worldwide focus, and the Global Studies major has provided me with the flexibility to focus my studies on what is not only important in the world today, but also what will be important in the future. If you are interested in global studies I would strongly urge you to have an open mind, get involved on campus and challenge yourself to learn about and meet people from around the world. Possessing knowledge about other cultures, having language skills, maintaining interest in current global issues, and keeping an open mind are all invaluable skills to have in any global studies related job.
Experience Abroad: I spent part of the summer studying abroad in Japan. Although I have primarily centered my studies on the Middle East, I have always been fascinated by Asian culture and architecture. While in Japan, I learned about Japanese religions and pop culture, after which I received credit for RELG 398. In Japan we traveled to many major cities visiting Buddhist and Shinto shrines, hiked Mount Fuji, saw ground zero in Hiroshima, spent time living in a Buddhist monastery with Zen Buddhist monks and enjoyed the bustling city life in Tokyo. Japan has so much to offer I feel like in my three weeks there I was only able to brush the surface but nonetheless, it was such an amazing time and I will never forget the experiences I had and the memories I made.
Post-Graduation Plans:
Upon graduation I will commission as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army and hope to be stationed in Germany or Hawaii as an engineering or military intelligence officer. After my time in the military I hope to work for the FBI, CIA or United Nations, and continue to enhance and apply the skills I have been taught through Global Studies.