Story and photo by Ross Benes, NewsNetNebraska

An inquisitive little girl wanted to be an actress.  Then she found out it wasn’t her thing.

After trying the theatre with unfulfilling results, Alisha Tesfalem applied her wits to journalism and hasn’t looked back.

“I’m always been really curious so journalism was the next best thing to entertainment,” she said.

Tesfalem forsees broadcasting or activism in her future

A senior with majors in broadcasting and sociology, social justice drives Tesfalem.  Her passion for equality is what inspired her to embrace sociology.

“Everyone should major in sociology,” she said.  “It talks about life.  It makes you understand people and why the world is the way it is.  It helps you understand systematic oppression.”

Even if Tesfalem doesn’t directly use her sociology major to obtain a job, she believes sociology will always be valuable to her.

“With sociology you cannot be content with not doing anything.  My [sociology] degree will be a great asset in what I’d talk about in my job.  It will do me well, and I will continue to use it in how I think.”

Although Tesfalem is undecided about life after college, part of her would like to pursue broadcasting and eventually become a host.  The other part wants to be an international activist and help the world.  Like most kids her age, there remains much uncertainty.

But there’s one thing she’s sure about, she said.

“I don’t want to go back to school.”