Name: Ellie Woody
Major/Minor: Global Studies and Political Science with minors in Spanish and Arabic.
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Year at UNL: Sophomore
Favorite book and why: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch is a current favorite — I started reading it and couldn’t put it down. The book is about a man who is transported to an alternate dimension, and his journey to return to his own dimension. It blew my mind.
Favorite movie and why: The Great Gatsby — I love the story and the visuals in the movie are stunning.
Why Global Studies?
I chose Global Studies because it’s a great interdisciplinary major that allows me to learn about international relations and politics as well as languages and culture. I really enjoyed Dr. Hillebrecht’s International Relations class, she is a fantastic professor. I’ve also enjoyed and learned a lot from the Spanish classes I’ve taken. I suggest that new Global Studies majors use the flexibility of the major to explore other subjects they’re interested in, whether it be area studies, languages, politics, etc.
Summer Experiences:
Last summer I worked as a program assistant for the Mandela Washington Fellowship hosted at UNL. This is a State Department funded program for young African leaders. I got to meet and befriend some of the most incredible, passionate people I have ever met, in areas ranging from fighting climate change to empowering women and much more. I assisted with logistics of the program, as in where events would take place, transportation, and other planning details. I also accompanied the Fellows on site visits around Nebraska, so I saw some amazing projects taking place in my state. Next summer I plan to do an intensive Arabic language program – not sure which one yet.
What are you post-graduation plans? (If you’re not sure talk about what might be your ideal career)
I have a range of career interests. Generally, I hope to be in a career where I am using my skills in languages to serve others. I’m interested in government and non-profit work ranging from being a Foreign Service officer to working in immigration law. Luckily, I have some time to narrow down what I want to do!