Name: Taylor Legler
Major/Minor: Global Studies/ Pre-Nursing and Minor in Sociology
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Year at UNL: Senior
Why Global Studies?
When I started my freshman year at the university, I had declared Elementary Education as my major. As time passed in my first semester, I knew I wanted more. I talked to a few friends, as well as an advisor, and determined that Global Studies was the correct path of education for me! I have always had a passion to travel and in extent learn about the political, economical, and cultural relations between nations. It’s incredible how Global Studies embodies all of those characteristics and by switching majors it has allowed to me to explore the world on a whole new academic level, with great enthusiasm too. I chose to emphasize my studies in culture and society as well as human rights, which also links back to my minor in sociology and its connection to studying human society.
Global Studies has also played part in helping me determine to continue my studies in the medical field. Learning about the amazing opportunities a nursing degree can offer over-seas, I am excited to connect my Global Studies and Nursing degrees and see where my education takes me!
My favorite class concerning Global Studies, and my thematic specialization of culture and society, was Sociology 217: Sociology of Race and Ethnicity. This class focused on research behind the experiences of different ethnic groups and their race and religion. The class offered an amazing insight on past, present and future ethnic relations, as how society has embrace different policies and institutions behind the fight for equality for all races.
Some suggestions I would pass on to students studying Global Studies is to study abroad, get involved in everything and anything at UNL, volunteer, and connect with your peers and professors. It is incredible how many ties and relationships I have formed within my past few years studying at UNL, and it’s all because I put myself out there and became involved. Staying connected between my sorority, work on campus, and volunteer hours (off campus) has brought me great joy and the ability to create lifelong memories. I would also like to point out that being spontaneous, every now and then, can be a great way to change things up and get a new perspective on life too!
Tell us about your study abroad/internship experience.
I had the ability to study abroad in Angers, France last summer and it was absolutely incredible! The one-month program allowed myself, and others, to further our education in French as well as immerse us into the French culture. Being placed with a host family and having classes being taught all in French, this program limited my ability to speak English and pushed me to practice/reinforce my French language skills-which I am forever grateful for that opportunity. The program also offered the chance to visit different monumental sites in France, including Mont Saint Michel, the Beaches of Normandy (and local sites nearby), and well-known chateaux (castles) of France.
What I truly appreciated the most, though, were the day-to-day experiences. Whether it was using figuring out the local transportation system, conversing with a shopkeeper, attempting to order a meal, or relaxing in a nearby park or museum with my host family’s dog, those moments are what made the study abroad program!
What are you post-graduation plans?
As of now, my ideal plan after graduation, and finishing nursing school, is to join a nongovernmental health education and work overseas as a nurse. I have always enjoyed giving back to my local community and I hope to extend that by giving back on a global scale. After that, I really am up for anything! My family lives in New York, so I could also see myself heading back to the east coast and working for a family clinic in the city! All and all, I do know at the end of the day, no matter where I am, I want to help others and be happy!