Name: Sofia Cranley
Majors: Global Studies, Sociology, and Spanish majors
Year at UNL: Junior
Hometown: Madison, WI
Favorite Book:
I have so many favorites but probably To Kill a Mockingbird. Totally cliché, I know, but I read it in 8th grade and it was the first book that I really felt passionate about and moved by.
Why Global Studies?
I have always been fascinated with other cultures and in love with traveling. I entered into my undergrad as an international business student but I quickly discovered that in the business school I was’t getting a chance to learn about the things I loved to learn about; literature, history, and culture. At the same time, I knew that my end goal was to work for an international business and travel around the Spanish speaking world. I discovered Global Studies and it checked all my boxes and allowed me to learn about what really interested me. & I’m so glad I made the switch! My suggestion for new Global Studies majors is to take advantage of every opportunity (including your awesome advisor Emira)! You are going to be blessed with some of the most diverse classrooms and worldly professors, there is so much to learn if you are an active participant and engaged listener. And… study abroad! Just do it!
Study Abroad Experience:
I studied abroad at the University of Havana in Cuba this past summer and it was an absolute dream. Granted this dream included no running water for 2 weeks, a 30 minute walk to and from class in the blistering heat, and being constantly bothered by taxi drivers who, of course, knew we were Americans… but a dream none the less. My Abuelo was Cuban so I got to meet his sister, nieces, and nephews which was one of the most profoundly humbling experiences I have ever had. When I got off the plane they cheered and hugged me even though I had never met them or even spoken to them on the phone, it was a moment filled with so much love that I will never forget. Even without this familial tie Cuba was amazingly beautiful. The Cuban people are unbelievably friendly and eager to talk to you, all you have to do is give a little to get back a lot. My professors at the University were wonderful and the history and politics of the island are absolutely fascinating. I took two classes; Culture and Society of Cuba and Cuban Literature, both taught in Spanish. The beaches are beautiful, the old cars and refurbished colorful facades are iconic. The fruit, best I’ve ever had. And, because of their socialist government, every facet of Cuban life is different than ours in the US. It was an eyeopening experience to walk in Cuban shoes and bare witness to the colorful and complicated island that is Cuba. Frankly, if someone offered me a plane ticket tomorrow I’d be the first to board!
Future Plans: Next semester (Spring 2018) I will be studying in Madrid, Spain and I can’t wait for this next opportunity!
After I graduate I plan on moving to Chicago and working, at some level, in international business, after which I would potentially like to attend law school.