Meet the Global Staff: Spotlight on Kaitlyn Waller
Did you know that the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) has a number of globally-focused staff members and student staff that advance our triparite mission? In this series, we'll be introducing you to these individuals and exploring how they engage with and support the students, faculty, staff and partners in IANR. The next in this series is Kaitlyn Waller, part of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Team.
By Divine Mbabazi, CASNR Global Ambassador
Who is Kaitlyn?
I am from the Twin Cities in Minnesota and went to college in Grinnell, Iowa. After studying abroad in Nantes, France during my junior year, I knew I wanted more opportunities to engage in international education. After I graduated, I spent a year teaching English in the suburbs of Lyon, France and then started my Master’s degree in French and International Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As part of my degree requirements, I spent a year working at ESCP Europe – a college of business located in Paris. After graduating, I worked for two years in Zhejiang Province, China as a college counselor for an international high school. Currently, I work with the CASNR Global Hub and the CUSP Scholarship program here at UNL, which allows me to help more students think and act globally!
What got you interested in global education or global affairs?
My interest in global education definitely started with my year abroad. After that experience, I knew I wanted to work with international education, to help facilitate more global exchanges for future students.
Why do you think global learning is important for students at UNL, the U.S. or more broadly)
I think it is important to recognize that we live in an increasingly globalized world. Professional opportunities, more and more often, require a higher degree of intercultural competency. More personally, I think that the world is a potentially gorgeous and wonderful place, and global learning allows everyone to experience it more fully.
What is your role/ portfolio of work?
I work with the CASNR Global Hub to do some student programming and advising for CASNR’s amazing study abroad programs. I also work with the CUSP Scholarship program to help scholars meet their academic and professional goals.
What is one accomplishment that you’re most proud of over the course of your work?
I am very proud of the internship I completed in Paris, in a completely French-speaking office. It was a challenge to adapt to a new professional environment in my second language, but I loved every minute.
Stay tuned for our next feature on Chris Ebbers, student success navigator for the 3+1 Food Science Program.