Name: Ashley Kunz
Major/Minor: Global Studies and History majors with a minor in French
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Favorite book and why: Other than the Harry Potter series, my favorite book is American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America by Colin Woodard. Rather than viewing America as a single, unchanging entity, this book shows that the US is a collection of distinct groups of people with unique histories and contributions to what we know today as the United States. I think as a Global Studies major it is important to understand the history and cultural plurality of my own country so I can better understand nations around the world and the complexities that are involved in international relations.
Favorite dish/food and why: Onion rings
Why Global Studies? I have always been interested in international relations and how sovereign states and individuals can affect global change. My regional specialization is Africa with thematic specializations in culture and society, and global security and foreign policy. One of the most interesting classes I have taken was Algeria and France (HIST326) which discusses French colonialism in Algeria and the social and political consequences that have shaped the country and the region. My advice to other Global Studies majors is to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible and not count yourself out. With most people in this major looking at going into the Foreign Service, United Nations, or other international organizations, its easy to be intimidated, but apply to as much as you can and don't underestimate your abilities.
Tell us about your study abroad/internship experience. This summer I spent 6 weeks interning at the Center for Studies and Research on Women in Islam in Rabat, Morocco where I reviewed the religious texts of the Qur’an and Hadiths through Itjihad and interpreted the readings in an egalitarian way. I also took Arabic classes both in modern standard Arabic and in Darija, the Moroccan dialect. Morocco was a great experience and I got to explore everything from Roman ruins to the Moroccan mall and made close friends along the way. I can honestly say the thing I miss the most is being able to see my host family every day and the Moroccan tea. This October I am planning on attending a week long United Nations conference, Habitat III, in Quito Ecuador to discuss sustainable development.
What are you post-graduation plans? After graduation I am planning on attending law school and ideally I would like to have a career in the US State Department as a consular officer in North Africa.