First Global Studies graduate encourages students to find their passion

Monika Sattler ’09 continues her education at Georgetown University.

In today’s interconnected world it is important to understand other countries, cultures, and interactions that take place around the world. Just ask Monika Sattler ’09. Raised in Germany, Sattler came to Bryant to study international business. After taking severally internationally-focused classes, she decided that her true interest lies in global politics.

She took a special interest in studying Iran and nuclear weapons, and worked closely with Associate Professor of History and Social Sciences John Dietrich. Her favorite class was “Introduction to Foreign Politics,” where she had the opportunity to debate topics with her classmates.

“It was so rewarding to understand a topic so well that I could convince other people to take on my position on an issue,” says Sattler, who became Bryant's first student to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies. "To encourage her classmates to continue their discussions outside of the classroom, she founded the Bryant Debaters club.

Become an expert

After completing her degree requirements last December, Sattler, a three-year member of Bryant’s Women’s Volleyball team, began pursuing a Master’s in Security Studies, at Georgetown University. After completing the program she would like to return to her home country to work for the German government or create her own company in the United States.

Since the subject matter is so broad and expansive, she encourages current global studies students to find a niche that they truly enjoy. “Then try to find out everything you can about this topic and become an expert on it,” she says.

“The most important thing, no matter what you do, continues Sattler, “is to identify something you are passionate about and that you are willing to dedicate all of your energy.”