From Lecture Hall to the United Nations
As a nursing student, I never expected a general education class to open doors beyond the hospital. But this spring, I took a Human Rights course not because I wanted to but for the general education credit.
It ended up being one of the most meaningful experiences of my college career. Because I showed up with passion and engaged deeply with the material, my professor offered me a one-day internship as a notetaker during a high-level United Nations meeting in NYC.
Here’s what I took away from this experience:
- Learning beyond the major matters. Healthcare intersects with policy, justice, and global issues.
- Professors notice curiosity and care. It wasn’t just about credits it was about showing up with intention.
- Opportunities don’t always come from where you expect. If I had taken this class just for credit, I would’ve missed it entirely.
Has a class outside your major ever surprised you like this?
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Taking a course outside your major can illuminate unexpected paths in your career. In this case, a Human Rights class not only fulfilled a general education requirement but also provided invaluable insights into the intersection of healthcare and global issues, highlighting the significance of human rights in the health sector. This experience emphasizes that curiosity and passion in education can yield remarkable opportunities, such as a one-day internship at the United Nations. Classes that seem unrelated to your major may offer perspectives that enhance your professional journey, broadening your understanding of how vital interdisciplinary knowledge is in today’s world. Engaging deeply with class materials fosters relationships with professors and may even lead to mentorship or unique internships. Such unexpected opportunities remind students to approach education with an open mind and an eagerness to learn. By prioritizing engagement and curiosity over mere compliance with credit requirements, students can unlock potential career paths they hadn’t considered. Keep in mind that many career opportunities arise from diverse experiences; being open to learning from various disciplines can provide a well-rounded foundation for success in future endeavors. Moreover, this narrative encourages all students to reflect on their educational choices and consider how seemingly minor decisions, like class selections, may lead to significant career advancements. The journey from a nursing student to participating in a UN meeting exemplifies the potential of interdisciplinary education and the value of staying curious throughout one’s academic journey.