Looking Forward (and also looking back)

Looking forward at this coming semester, I find myself feeling a lot of different feelings. Thrilled, yet nervous, to be more than half way done with my college career. Worried that I will struggle balancing so many things all at once. But when I look forward at what is to come, more than anything I am excited. Excited to be taking really interesting classes in three subjects (International Politics, Economics, and History). Excited to contribute to clubs on campus that I love. And incredibly excited to have the experience to intern at a really great place–The Center for Global Studies.  

Before I entered college, I had no clue what I wanted to major in because I loved so many different areas within the Liberal Arts. Even now, two years later, I absolutely love what I am studying, but continue to remain interested in many other topics, such as geography, global health, and literature. This is one of the reasons why I am m looking forward to interning with the Center for Global Studies, because I am excited to be given the opportunity to learn about countless global topics. I am excited to be given the opportunity to plan and attend events, interview scholars, and therefore learn about areas that I am interested in that have not been able to study formally. For example, so far, I have written about a lecture by a prominent scholar on ISIS, Jihad, and Islamic Law, which fits perfectly into this category of topics I wish I had more time to study!  

No matter what I do in the year to come and following graduation, I know that the Center for Global Studies will have assisted in providing me with tangible skills that I will continuously be able to use. Everything from press releases to social media to creating posters and marketing events—no matter what my field I know that these skills will be incredibly helpful. I can’t wait to hone these skills, and countless more.

All in all, while this semester might be one of the most academically rigorous and busy semesters of my Penn State career thus far, I am excited for the skills and opportunities this internship will present me with. I am exceptionally grateful to have been given this opportunity and to be able to work and study what I love.

-Katie Bartuska

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