Name: Abby Garden
Major: Global Studies
Minors: Arabic Studies, National Security, and Human Rights
Year at UNL: Junior
Hometown: Kearney, NE
Favorite Book:
My all time favorite book is Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi - This book is largely what interested me in human rights and Middle Eastern studies. Set in 1980 during the Iranian revolution Professor Nafisi risked her life to educate the intelligent young women of Tehran and provide a place to be more than what the oppressive regime would allow.
Favorite Movie:
My favorite movie is Wonder Woman!! I'm such a Wonder Woman nerd (I checked out the anthology of Wonder Woman comics over 20 times at my local library growing up and almost never returned it, oops). It's the story of compassion and care that the world needs right now. While she's the ultimate female role model, I think she does even more to show how to be a good human, golden lassos' and all.
Why Global Studies?
I chose Global Studies because I think the cultures, people, politics, and beliefs of the world are incredibly cool. I'm the type of person that wants to learn everything about everything, and Global Studies allows me to do that! I love the wide array of classes, flexibility, and opportunities available. I've learned that in the professional setting you can draw from all your experiences and I believe that Global Studies provides me with a wide array of knowledge and experiences that will benefit me for whatever comes next!
Internship Experience:
This summer I interned at the Office of the Public Guardian in Kearney, NE. The OPG is a division of the Nebraska Judicial Branch that oversees the care of vulnerable individuals that do not have a legally acceptable guardian in their life. The territory I covered was a large chunk of Western Nebraska and was able to visit many home care facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes. Learning about the challenges of elder rights, home care, health care, and the legal process in rural communities in Nebraska was fascinating. As an intern I assisted in data input, contacting wards, and obtaining resources to help them. I highly recommend reaching out to the OPG because you can visibly see the benefits to a ward and how important the services we provide are.
Study Abroad Experience:
I recently returned from a semester in Edinburgh, Scotland and am counting down the days until I can go back! Scotland is a hidden gem in Europe that is widely overlooked. Not only is it unbelievably beautiful but is full of history and culture that's affected the entire world (just think, you'd never have a pedal bicycle, chicken tiki masala, OR a flushing toilet).
After Graduation Plans:
Following graduation I plan to go into the Peace Corps and serve overseas. Check back with me in three years to find out more, because I'll probably still be figuring that out!