Name: Amelia Becher
Major/Minor: Global Studies major, National Security Studies minor
Hometown: Platte Center, NE
Year at UNL: Senior
Favorite book and why:
I have too many to choose from, it is a constant struggle trying to find enough room on my bookshelf and I usually have at least three with me while traveling.
Favorite dish/food and why:
I love trying any new foods but I especially love Moroccan food because of all of the different spices and flavors used.
Why Global Studies?
I started off college studying mechanical engineering but soon realized that although I liked problem solving I wanted to work with people instead of with just things. Global Studies allowed me to take classes that let me explore world issues and introduced me to new concepts for solving them. My thinking was challenged and I learned to approach ideas and concepts in a new way. I have met so many wonderful teachers and students involved with the program and I believe that we all unite over the same goal of trying to make the world a better place. One of my favorite classes I have taken is Love, Sexuality, and Feminism in Arabic Culture, it is a newer class but a great one to take. To any new Global Studies majors I recommend taking classes in a wide variety of subjects as we are lucky to have so many options that count for our degree. Also, don't be afraid to join clubs even if you don't think it fits with your program. (I have been heavily involved with Engineers Without Borders although I'm no longer an engineering student for the last three years)
Tell us about your study abroad/internship experience.
My study abroad experience is a little unique. Through the Engineers Without Borders club I was able to take a UNL civil engineering class called Sustainability in Madagascar. We spent the year designing a solar powered light system to bring lights to a classroom in the village of Kianjavato, Madagascar. Then in the summer we traveled there to install the system our selves. While there we slept in the tents that we brought and got really good at taking cold rainwater showers. It was amazing to become part of the rural community and learn first hand what a difference our project made. We had already installed lights in a few other classrooms in past years and since it gave students a safe place to study in the evening test scores were already beginning to improve for the children. The location we stayed at was also a research post for scientist from the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo.
Because of this we got to watch them process a fossa that they had trapped and wanted to put a radio collar on for a new study. I actually got to hold the fossa and was then dubbed "Mother of Fossa". Life in Kianjavato was slow and island time is definitely a real thing. We woke up every day to the sunrise and worked until sundown. It was a life changing experiences and I hope to be able to travel back there again one day.
What are you post-graduation plans?
After graduation I hope to be able to work with an NGO focused on environmental conservation. I would then like to work full-time for a few years and eventually go to law school focusing on environmental law.