Hi everyone! My name is Isabella and I am a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, I am pursuing a double major in Politics-Philosophy and Economics. I am still working towards an exact career goal, but I hope to do something that involves international relations or international economics. In the past, I have worked as a volunteer coordinator for a political campaign, interned at a criminal defense law firm, and perhaps my favorite, worked as a counselor at a summer camp. Although all of these experiences have been rewarding, my biggest passion is travel. I hope my time in Prague will help me narrow down possible options and provide an invaluable experience working and living internationally.

During my time at Pitt, I have enjoyed being involved in clubs. I am the mentorship chair for Phi Eta Sigma honor society, in which I match upperclassmen with freshman in similar fields of study. This club has allowed me to meet so many creative and intelligent people both in my major and outside of it. Additionally, I decided to join a social sorority on a whim sophomore year and am now a member of Theta Phi Alpha. Through this, I participate in various philanthropy events as well as my favorite perk, the intramural soccer team.

Outside of clubs, I participated in a Pitt-affiliated study abroad program in Barcelona, Spain last summer, in which I made life-long memories and friendships. During my time in Spain I was enrolled in history courses as well as daily language. It was this experience that inspired me to apply for Pitt’s IIP program in order to maximize my time abroad while in undergrad. I even switched my majors to be more oriented toward international relations. Following my time in Spain, I became a Global Experience Ambassador for ISA (International Studies Abroad) in which I help promote and advise students on their different program offerings. I have always been passionate about travel, and have been fortunate enough to travel to 9 different countries, (adding Czech Republic as my 10th!).

Outside of the classroom, some of my interests include cooking, reading, cycling, and listening to music. I love to cook Puerto Rican classics and always bring way too much food to Superbowl parties and friendsgivings. My favorite thing to make is arroz con gandules. I also really enjoy reading. My favorite genres are fantasy and contemporary fiction. I am currently reading “Tress of the Emerald Sea” by Brandon Sanderson in tandem with reading my Prague guide book! I also like to cycle and enjoy cycling classes as well as long bike rides when the terrain allows (not Pittsburgh). Another passion of mine is music. I grew up playing the piano and ukulele, although now I mostly listen instead of play. I have never met a genre I don’t like. Some of my favorite artists are Noah Kahan, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Zach Bryan, and Myke Towers.

As a born-and-raised Philadelphian I am also a huge sports fan. I love the Phillies, Eagles, Sixers, and occasionally the Steelers. I love watching and attending baseball games so being in Prague during the bulk of baseball season will make it tough for me to watch because of the time-change. Despite this, I am eager to begin my program in Prague, and perhaps discover a love for a new sport!

I chose Prague because I have never been to eastern Europe, and this was an area I really hoped to explore. At Pitt, I have taken a couple classes focused on the region putting the Czech Republic at the top of my travel bucket-list. My parents have been fortunate enough to take a vacation to Prague, and told me it was the most beautiful place that had visited in Europe! Additionally, being in Spain last summer I wanted to go somewhere new, and perhaps slightly less hot. (although I was told Prague is having a record hot summer this year) I am also 25% Czech as my great-grandparents both immigrated from there, but I sadly know nothing of the culture. I hope participating in this program will allow me to see the Czech way of life and fully immerse myself in the food and customs.

While abroad, I will be interning for Ashoka. Ashoka is an NGO committed to fostering change and entrepreneurship worldwide. It hosts offices in 35 countries spanning five continents. Ashoka works to provide funding and support to passionate change-makers across the globe. I am thrilled to continue my passion for international experiences and learn more about Czech culture and social change at Ashoka.

I am counting down the hours till I will be in Prague, and I am ready to embark on this new experience!