UNO Grad Embraces English Interests, Unlocks Opportunities

From exploratory studies to English – Natalie Pearson is proof that everything falls into place when you follow your passion.

As a first-year student, Pearson was unsure of what she should study. She started out in Exploratory studies, then briefly veered into computer science, until an Honors Program colloquia course on J.R.R. Tolkien made her realize her calling was in the English department.

There, she unlocked new interests and built a major that spoke to her individual goals.

She dove into courses in Irish and British literature, and even studied abroad in Cork, Ireland, which further fueled her passion. She tackled courses in technical writing, strengthening her resume for future content roles. In her spare time, she worked at the UNO Writing Center, where she helped her fellow students hone their writing talents. Her role there also led to further opportunities at national conferences on peer tutoring, where she was able to present her expertise to writing center tutors from across the country.

Pearson was also able to turn her real-life work into course credit through the English department’s internship program. For her internship, Pearson worked at Spielbound, Omaha’s board game cafe. As their communications intern, she created portfolio-worthy work that highlighted their nonprofit mission via social media posts, newsletters, and photos.

“It was terrifying when I switched, but I would not have it any other way,” Pearson said. “I am in the most perfect spot that I could possibly be, and I think it was actually because of my major in English.”

Pearson thrived in her English department endeavors, primarily because of the freedom her instructors gave her to individualize her studies.

“UNO definitely gave me the flexibility to pursue whatever I wanted to do, even if my interests were entirely separate fields,” Pearson said.

Leaving the University of Nebraska Omaha for post-grad life will be bittersweet. But Pearson knows that she can leave content with her choices, and proud of the decision she made as a first year to follow her passion.

“It was really all about deciding what makes you happy," Pearson said. “And I was really able to combine the two things that make me happy.”