Name: Chelsea Akyeampong
Major: Global Studies & Political Science
Minor: French & African Studies
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Year at UNL: Junior
Favorite book and why? Lilac Girls
It’s about the experiences during WWII and the Holocaust from the narration of three different women whose stories are all intertwined. Caroline Ferriday is a social advocate who scrapes up money from organizations to help children in Europe affected by the war and the Holocaust while Kasia Kuzmerick works as a courier for the underground resistance movement but eventually is sent to Ravensbrück where a doctor Herta Oberheuser is in command as apprentice. Their stories are intertwined when Caroline works with Kasia on being part of a team of women who tell their stories about their experience in the concentration camp and seeks medical attention for the physical damage she suffered while imprisoned. Herta is tried in court and Kasia is asked to testify against her. This is my favorite book because it demonstrates women empowerment and how we, women, strive to forgive, never forget the past, and look forward to a brighter future of peace and harmony.
Favorite movie and why? Disney’s Hercules
Because I love Greek Mythology and it’s a cute movie that tells the story of how one can go from “Zero to Hero” (like the song in the movie), from nobody to somebody which is something we Global Studies strive for in order to bring about the changes we want to see in this world, as the next generation of global leaders. I love all the songs, my favorite being “I won’t say I’m in Love,” when Meg refuses to say she’s in love with Hercules. I think I have watched this movie over 10 times!
Why Global Studies?
I chose Global studies because I am very interested in international affairs especially how the international political system controls aid and development to developing countries in particularly, Africa. I wanted to broaden my scope and sense of community, so I chose to focus on Africa since it plays a big role in my heritage. I think this major is essential in understanding the world we live in today.
In fall of 2016, I took Social Justice and Human Rights in the Media, that advocated for those chained by contemporary slavery and subjected to inhumane treatment by human traffickers. I am especially concerned with the detrimental effects of human/sex trafficking and contemporary slavery in Africa in which we must address this problem. I took a political science course called National to Human Security, in which I gained more knowledge on the international community’s commitment in providing protection to the world’s most vulnerable victims. This led me to commit to joining coalitions that closely identify with my aspirations of protecting these individuals that the world has seemed to ignore since most of the attention is on parts of the world other than Africa. This Spring 2018 semester, I am taking political science class called, Immigration in Politics which seeks to understand concepts and theories of historical and contemporary immigration patterns. However, this class mainly focuses on immigration patterns and characteristics within American and barely mentions anything about Africans and their contribution to this concept. This leads me to seek more hands-on opportunities such as this program in which Africa and its people are the main focus of my studies.
I have continued to take French language and literature courses since eight grade and all the way up to now in which I hope to become fluent because French is the “language of diplomacy.” I believe my knowledge in French will aid in my communication skills in Africa because the two most widely used foreign languages within the continent is English and French. I think of these as the most interesting classes, I have taken because they build on my knowledge about some of my passions and how I can turn those passions into reality.
Study Abroad Experiences:
In June 2017, I spent the month studying abroad in Paris, France, learning French. I love Paris because there is always something to do on any day or at anytime. I have visited Chateau Chambord, Chateau Chennonceau, Chateau d’Ambroise, and Chateau Versaille so far. I have also been to the Champs Elysees, the Louvre Museum, and the Musee d’Orsay. I love going to the gardens in France because they are so beautiful which makes the atmosphere feel relaxed and enjoyable. I have learned that in France, life is a bit more relaxed in order to enjoy it more whereas in the US, everything is fast-paced and we tend to miss out on some of the most enjoyable moments such as spending more time at the dinner table or any meal, in order to enjoy a conversation with our loved ones. The teaching methods in France are a little different in which chalkboards are used and paper handouts are given in which computers are not a necessity but are available. I like my French class even though it is a little difficult because of my level, but I enjoy learning with my classmates because we all understand the fact that we are here to help each other master a difficult language that would eventually benefit us. This is the most important lesson that I will ever learn in a classroom, encouraging ourselves and fellow classmates to excel. My most memorable experiences are with my new friends. We practically went anywhere and everywhere with each other. We each have a catch phrase and mine is: “C’est la mort!” which translates to “It’s death!” Haha! I say that every time we are crossing the street because streets and the way people drive will literally kill you if you do not pay attention. We almost had an accident one day, in which one of us was not paying attention and got caught in the middle of a busy road! Now we just laugh it off! We have other French catch phrases that describes every moment of our lives together here in Paris. C’est la vie!
Post-graduation plans:
After graduation, I would like to enter into an internship that will provide me with tools needed in future world leadership positions such as working for the US State Department under the Secretary for African Affairs in establishing effective relations between African countries and the United States or work for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in improving conditions for refugees and establishing policies and legislation that address the significance of the detrimental uncertainty and vulnerability that stateless persons face. While working for the federal government, I will enter law school in which I would like to study international and human rights law. My career path will involve drafting international legislation protecting the security of those most vulnerable to human rights violations. My goal is to follow in the footsteps of Amal Clooney!