Name: Marissa Gaunt
Major: Global Studies
Minors: Russian, Arabic, National Security Studies, and Mathematics
Hometown: Columbus, Nebraska
Year at UNL: Senior
Favorite book and why:
A Thousand Miles to Freedom: My Escape From North Korea, by Eunsun Kim. I love this book because it provides a realistic insight into the mindsets of the North Korean people. Ms. Kim gives a detailed and intimate account of her time in North Korea during the famine and her nine-year journey to freedom in South Korea. After nearly dying from starvation, she crosses into China with her mother where they are sold into human trafficking. They escape China through the Mongolian desert and are rescued by authorities who help them get to South Korea. This book is one of many defector memoirs that addresses the immensely over-looked brutality that takes place in North Korea.
Favorite movie and why:
Zombieland. I like this movie simply because it makes me laugh. Plus, it is witty, adventurous, and cleverly mocks the apocalyptic genre of film.
Why Global Studies?
I majored in Global Studies because it allowed me to explore the intellectual curiosity I have about the world. What I love about the major is that it is versatile and reactive to constantly and rapidly-changing global dynamics. Thanks to Global Studies, I discovered my love for languages and learned how critical they are to understanding their respective cultures. My favorite classes are The Quran and Russian Culture Through Film.
My suggestion for new Global Studies majors is to constantly seek out new experiences and take advantage of every opportunity given to you. There is always something to be learned from everything you do!
Education Abroad:
This past summer I interned in Voronezh, Russia as an English teacher and it was my most challenging and rewarding experience. It was gratifying to share my language with people from such a different background and see their sense of accomplishment when they learned something new. Every day in Russia was a challenge for me and I loved every minute of it! I learned a lot about myself and gained an invaluable understanding of the Russian way of thinking.
Post-Graduation Plans:
After graduating, I will get a TEFL certificate and, ideally, teach English in the Middle East or Southeast Asia. Eventually, I would also like to get a Master’s in Remote Sensing and Geospatial Sciences. I plan on using my skills and education in a career with the Federal Government where I could travel the world and do important work.