Name: Genevieve Tonniges
Major/Minor: Global Studies and Political Science with minors in French and Russian
Hometown: York, NE
Year at UNL: Sophomore
Favorite book and why: I don’t have one definitive favorite book, but one of my favorites which everyone would know is “To Kill A Mocking Bird.” The content is and has always been relevant, the construction of the town and the world is so lifelike, and the characters have incredible depth. It’s a must-read for everyone!
Favorite movie and why: Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark. I have always loved those movies. They definitely contributed to my sense of adventure - and maybe my interest in global studies! Though, I’m sure whatever career path I take will differ slightly from Indy’s.
Why Global Studies? Growing up in rural Nebraska, I was always well aware that there was a much larger world outside my beloved hometown of 8,000 people. I’ve always had an infatuation with exploring it and knowing every last thing about it. Global studies is wonderful, if you’re having a hard time deciding, it encompasses so many disciplines and makes you ready for a broad spectrum of careers. It’s a great way to see how other people live, before you decide how you’re going to live, yourself. Advice to anyone in global studies: Branch out. Of course politics is very important and an integral part of this inter-disciplinary major, but there are so many other important parts to it as well - history, religion, culture, music, economics - don’t find yourself trapped in one thing! Make sure you take advantage of all that global studies has to offer!
Education Abroad: This summer, I went on two study abroad programs. I went to Israel in May, and to Martinique in July. In Israel, we toured Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Aravat Desert. The class was centered on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and water resources in the Middle East. In Martinique, we took four hours of French from a local institution, and then took a class with our UNL professor, which was centered on Caribbean culture and the history of colonialism. Both experiences were very different, but both were very fulfilling!! In Israel, we saw the Western Wall, the Holy Sepluchre, and the Dead Sea! In Martinique, we hiked an active volcano, we went snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea, and we ate authentic Creole food and French food regularly! They were both wonderful experiences, and have both changed my life and my viewpoint greatly! To anyone who is unsure of whether or not they should study abroad - do it! You will not regret it.
Post-Graduation Plans: In August, I started AFROTC. So, after graduation, I will do at least six years in the Air Force as an officer. If all goes as planned, I will work in the linguistics encryption department, and hopefully be stationed somewhere in Europe! After the Air Force (which is a long time from now) I have tentative plans to work for the US Foreign Service and continue my service to our country. Either way, no matter who I work for, I would ultimately like to help people, and hopefully change a few lives in the process.