Hi everyone, my name is Billy Qiu, and I am from Huntingdon Valley, PA, just outside of Northeast Philadelphia where I spend most of my time. In my free time, I love to spend time with my friends and family, enjoy good food, and play badminton and tennis. As a foodie, I love to travel to new places and visit new restaurants and food stands around the area to try new cuisines I have not tried before. I am also a big fan of Pokémon, and I love to collect cards and play games if I am not studying for exams or doing homework assignments. 

Next, I am a proud first-generation student in the last semester of my senior year at the College of Business Administration (Pitt Business) at the University of Pittsburgh. I am pursuing a double major in finance and supply management with a minor in economics. On Pitt’s campus, I am involved with the Undergraduate Finance Club, Supply Chain Management Club, Real Estate Association, Asian Student Alliance, Badminton Club, and the Chinese American Student Association. Previously, I studied abroad and took two classes in London for 6 weeks in the Global Business Institute program offered by the Global Experiences Office. 

Further, I have had an intriguing experience as a student at Pitt Business. For example, I have had the pleasure of becoming a first-year teaching assistant for Pitt Business for the past 3 years, and I recently just ended my last class with my students last semester. Over this past summer, I interned at the Pittsburgh Land Bank at the Urban Redevelopment Authority as a land bank and real estate intern. It was rewarding to see my growth from the first day, when I was unfamiliar with the responsibilities of a Land Bank, to the final day when I discovered that we have extraordinary powers to “recycle” vacant land and structures for new owners in our community throughout Pittsburgh! 

Additionally, I decided to participate in the Global Service Learning in Bolivia program because I wanted to study abroad one last time before I graduate in the spring and gain more real-world experience to learn about service learning. I believe the best way to learn and gain more real-world experience is by doing hands-on activities. As a result, studying abroad over the spring break will provide a transformative opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of global issues. I am curious to explore how service-learning operates in a real-world context beyond the classroom. I am also eager to learn and engage in hands-on projects, and I aim to connect theoretical knowledge to practical applications, enriching my overall academic journey. Professionally, GSL in Bolivia offers a chance to develop critical skills such as cultural competency, adaptability, and effective communication, all essential for a global business, finance, economics, and supply chain management career. 

Finally, by working with diverse groups and contributing to meaningful service projects, I hope to build a foundation of skills that will help me in future roles requiring cross-cultural collaboration and problem-solving and to contribute back to the community!