Latanya Simpson ’20
Global Studies was completely new to me, as I did not know about it until attending college. I gravitated towards the practice of Global Studies once I realized marketing was not the path for me. I want a career that allows me to be socially interactive on a global scale. Marketing sold me a dream of the career that I want, but Global Studies delivered by promoting a global awareness that allows us to all be conscientious thinkers. The deciding factor on my path to becoming a Global Studies major was the variety of courses that were available on specialty topics, and the freedom to personalize each semester based on my interest. From taking The Consumers Society with Charlotte O’Kelly, to Global Border Crossing with Kara Cebulko, and Sustainable Futures with James Tull. Global Studies has broadened my understanding on immigration, consumer behavior, and sustainability.
Global Studies is a unique major because it allows each student to have a personalized four-year agenda fit to their liking. While there are required courses within the major, there is still a lot of room to take free electives that spark our interests. These electives can be a course offered outside of the major such as, African World View, which I have taken with Daniel Kyei-Poakwa from the Black Studies Department. Even more unique, is the study abroad requirement. As a Global Studies major, it makes sense that each student graduates with a global immersion experience and skill set. I was able to fulfill this requirement by traveling to Tijuana, Mexico with the Global Border Crossing class. I spent a week interacting with local families and meeting migrants on their journey to seek asylum. This experience is one of the greatest highlights from my education at Providence College. While this path worked for me, many of my peers studied abroad for an entire semester and enjoyed an experience of a lifetime. The Global Studies experience is completely what you make of it.
Complementary to my Global Studies major, I am also a Sociology major. Both majors work hand in hand, as they offer corresponding electives. Sociology exposed me to the structural development and functions of human society, and the sociological problems that come with societal functions. Global Studies has allowed me to take what I have learned in Sociology and apply it on a global scale, understanding the interdisciplinary between economies, culture and politics. I am extremely happy with my decision to double major because I know that I will be graduating with a well-rounded education. In the future, I hope to maintain a career in international relationships, bridging the gap between global development. My advice to anyone considering becoming a Global Studies major is to enroll in GST 101. Take the time to do an introduction course to find out if Global Studies is the best fit for you.
