Hello! My name is Sydney, and I am from Apollo, Pennsylvania, about 40 minutes outside of Pittsburgh. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh, pursuing a major in Marketing with a minor in Studio Arts. I am still deciding on which certificate(s) to pursue and a possible second major, but I am deeply interested in how creativity can be leveraged to connect with audiences and make an impact.

At Pitt, I am actively involved in several organizations that align with my academic and professional interests. I am a member of the American Marketing Association (AMA), where I have the opportunity to collaborate with other passionate marketing students and participate in skill-building activities. I am also part of Pitt Dance Marathon, an organization dedicated to raising funds for children battling cancer. Recently, I founded a new club on campus, St. Baldrick’s at Pitt, in support of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. This non-profit helps fund childhood cancer research, a cause that is very close to my heart. Our club aims to raise awareness about childhood cancer and engage the community through several unique fundraising events and activities. We plan to host a head-shaving event next semester, which will not only raise funds but also serve as a powerful visual statement of solidarity with kids battling cancer. I am excited to see how we can make a positive impact and rally support for this important cause! Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of teamwork, event planning, and how marketing strategies can directly support a greater cause.

Professionally, my focus is on combining my marketing proficiency with my passion for helping others. I believe that marketing has the power to inspire people and drive meaningful change, especially in non-profit work. In my work with St. Baldrick’s at Pitt, I have seen how marketing can raise awareness and motivate people to support a cause. I want to continue using marketing strategies to help nonprofits raise funds, engage their community, and ensure they can fulfill their missions.

I chose to participate in this Global Service Learning program in Trinidad because it offers a unique opportunity to immerse myself in a community-based project while further developing both my professional and personal goals. In addition to contributing to the project, I wanted to learn how business strategies can be adapted to fit different cultural and social environments, and Trinidad offers an exciting setting for this kind of exploration.

Academically, I aim to gain hands-on experience that complements my studies at Pitt. Understanding how to work within diverse cultural settings is critical in today’s globalized world, and this program will provide me with insights into how community-driven initiatives operate outside of the classroom. Professionally, I hope to enhance my skills in teamwork, adaptability, and creative problem-solving, all of which will be essential in my future career in marketing. Personally, I am excited to learn from a different community, expand my worldview, and contribute to a cause.

As I prepare for this experience, I am also thinking about how I can bring back the lessons I learn to Pittsburgh, especially in my work with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. I believe that the more global and diverse our perspectives, the more creative and effective our strategies can be. I am excited about the opportunity to give back while growing as both a community member and a professional.