Name: Anna Spethman
Favorite book and why: My favorite book is “The Alchemist,” a novel emphasizing the importance of discovering one’s dreams through the tale of an Andalusian man in pursuit of his own life’s purpose. A central idea in this book is the process of turning metal into gold, otherwise known as “alchemy.” This phenomenon represents the central idea in the story of how both negative and positive experiences in life can be turned into golden opportunities, especially in the pursuit of one’s dreams!
Favorite dish/food and why: My favorite dish is pretty much any and every dessert because it’s always good to appreciate the sweet things in life, calories aside (:
Why Global Studies? I chose to major in Global Studies because this type of education offers a new way of thinking outside of the individual mindset. Global Studies requires a student to become aware of the world in its diverse richness. My Global Studies regional focus is on Africa and since having the opportunity to take classes discussing different aspects of the continent with passionate professors, my own passion to learn more has continually grown!
Among the classes I have taken at UNL, two of the most interesting have been Conflict and Development in Africa along with International Human Rights which I am enrolled in currently. For new Global Studies majors, I would suggest taking classes outside of your comfort zone in order to ensure your interests in all facets of study within this major. Also, make sure to get to know your professors in Global Studies because they are inspiriting people doing great things in the world!
Tell us about your study abroad/internship experience: I recently traveled this summer to Morocco on an education abroad trip. While there, I studied Arabic language as well as Islamic Society and Politics. Outside of the classroom, I had the chance to explore the marketplaces that lined the streets of Meknes, the city I resided in. During my time there, I was able to visit the famous city of Casablanca and even travel to the mountainous city of Ifrane where we hiked in an area full of native monkeys. My favorite part of my Moroccan experience was the bartering system characteristic to this region’s marketplaces- it definitely required good language skills and negotiation tactics! Also, being in Morocco during Ramadan fostered in me a newfound respect for this holy month and its practitioners.
What are you post-graduation plans? Ideally after graduating from UNL, I will attend law school in Lincoln. I aspire to work in refugee resettlement post-graduate studies in order to better serve international communities in their transition to the United States.