Dear Dr. Jurgensmeyer,
I just happened upon the Global Studies website and I thought
I would take a minute to write a quick note. I transferred
to UCSB in 1999 and graduated with a Global and International
Studies major in 2001. I am constantly telling people what
an amazing major it was and the opportunities it opened up
for me but it occurred to me that I had never expressed that
in so many words to the people within the Department itself.
I was a bit of a lost soul when I transferred to UCSB and
did not know what type of study or career to pursue. I saw
you give a short presentation at orientation and I was hooked.
Over the next two years I took classes in global history,
journalism, environmental studies, political science, Islam.
I also had the opportunity to travel around the world. Every
class I took as part of the Global Studies requirements was
not only fascinating and inspiring but challenged me to think
more critically than any other classes I would take. The professors
actually cared about what they were teaching and it made the
students care as well. I even took part in protest in Washington
D.C. to help raise awareness about living wages and the World
Trade Organization.
I have always had an interest in medicine but did not discover
my passion for it until I traveled to India on my study abroad
trip. As I result, I am now in the process of applying to
medical school. My ultimate goal is to work or volunteer abroad
to help the underserved. I honestly wonder how many more years
it would have taken to reignite this spark had it not been
for my major and study abroad trip.
I hope the students are still lining up to get into the major
and that they realize what an amazing opportunity they are
being offered.
Courtney Smith
courtneynsmith23@hotmail.com
[April 9, 2003]
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