Name: Genesis Garcia
Major: Global Studies
Minor: German
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Year at UNL: Senior
Why Global Studies? I became a Global Studies major because I have always been interested in international relations and helping those who have have been affected by war, poverty, and natural disasters. I enjoy learning new languages and meeting new people so that I can broaden my knowledge of different cultures and gain a new perspective of those internationally. What's great about being a GLST major is that you are not limited to just taking courses in one main area, but have the opportunity to take courses in many different areas. With GLST, I am able to focus and learn more about the European region while having thematic specializations of Global Security, Foreign Policy and Human Rights. One of the most interesting class I have taken is United Nations and World Politics. You learn about the influence United Nations has in international relations, international organizations and UN programs that focuses on security, human rights, environmental protection and so much more! My advice to those who are new to Global Studies is don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because there's so much more you can learn and you are able to gain a new perspective of something you didn't know before.
Tell us about your study abroad/internship experience.
I had the opportunity to study abroad in Berlin, Germany for the Spring Semester in 2014. During my time in Berlin, I lived with a host family while attending Deutsch in Deutschland to learn German. Already knowing two languages, I wanted to learn a third and decided on German because I love the culture and wanted to gain a new experience. Germany is a very diverse country that has many cultural influences. It is very modern, the people enjoy getting together, celebrate carnival, and attending festivals while enjoying a delicious Bratwurst.
Since I attended a language school, I was able to practice my German everyday as students in my class were from around the world and I got to learn more about Germany through the conversations I had with my host mom and sister. What was great about DID is that each weekend they held trips to different cities, historic landmarks, and local events such as the MyFest in Kreuzberg, so I was able to travel to Hamburg, Dresden, and other places. The program I went on was Faculty-Led so a UNL professor and other UNL students were also in Berlin. Together we learned about German civilization, visited museums, plays and attend a Hertha BSC soccer game in Olympiastadion. Being a fan of soccer in a country and region that embraces the sport, I had the opportunity to travel to Munich to see the Allianz Arena, home of Bayern Munich and attending the El Clásico game of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in Madrid.
What are you post-graduation plans?
After I graduate, I plan to pursue my masters and applying for a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English in Germany. If not granted a Fulbright, my plan is to get an internship abroad and eventually work for an NGO in Germany. My passion is to help others who face difficult situations whether its personal, local, national or international. I want to be able to make a difference in people's lives, provide resources for those who are unable to escape danger or difficult situations and make an impact in the global world. My ultimate goal is to have my own non-profit organization for disaster relief and provide necessities that are needed in one's daily life.