Name: Sam Laughlin
Major/Minor: Majoring in History with minors in Global Studies and Political Science
Hometown: Papillion, NE
Year at UNL: Sophomore
Favorite book and why: Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway is my favorite book for many reasons. Firstly, it was the first Hemingway book I ever read so it opened me to a whole new world of literary styles and got me interested in the author. Even more so, the book helped me look at all kinds of music, art, books, etc. through a different lens and begin to examine them on a deeper level.
Favorite movie and why: My favorite movie is always changing but I can never get enough of The Departed. The plethora of renowned actors and the perfect storyline for a Boston crime-drama make this the perfect movie for when you want to feel like the characters portrayed; which is what I believe is what the best movies. Martin Scorsese is, in my opinion, the best director in Hollywood and this is certainly his best work.
Why Global Studies?
I chose Global Studies because I have always been interested in doing any sort of international work. At the beginning, I was not sure exactly what sort of job that was but as I’ve progressed through the program it’s becoming clear what opportunities there are for me. I haven’t taken a bad Global Studies course yet, but my favorite is certainly GLST 201 because of how challenging it was and the amount of new perspectives I gained from it, especially on topics that I don’t think about every day. The best advice I could give a new Global Studies student is to use the skills you gain through the college in your everyday life. Not only should you begin to challenge issues around you, but try and provide viable solutions to them.
Study Abroad Experience: This Spring I have been studying abroad in Swansea, Wales. I’ve learned so much about the culture I’m immersed in and even more about myself. To gain a better perspective on the opinions of my own country, I’m taking an American Politics class as well as a Southern American History from 1865-1955. I’ve found the most challenging course to be my British Modern History but I’ve probably learned the most from just speaking with locals and getting out of my comfort zone while traveling. I’ve been able to go to so many soccer games (such as Manchester United-Liverpool and Hamburg-Schalke), Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day, Belfast, Germany, and will be going to the Netherlands, Italy, and many more places across Europe once I finish classes. I’ve found Swansea to be a second home thanks to the amazing memories, friendly people, and the ancient culture that is so present in everyday Welsh life.
What are you post-graduation plans?
After I’ve changed my major five times in only a short two years, it’s safe to say I don’t have set post-graduation plans! However, I think an ideal path for me would be some sort of government advising position where I could use my analytical skills and be constantly on my toes. I think that any position where I will always be learning and actively having to make decisions will suit me well.