Hi everyone! I’m Varsheni Ramesh and I’m from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. I’m a sophomore business student at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in finance with a minor in economics. On campus, I’m involved in Phi Beta Lambda, a professional business organization, as well as Smart Women Securities, an all-women’s investment portfolio. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy discovering new food spots, staying active, and spending time with friends and family. I also love exploring new cities and cultures, which inspired me to study abroad previously and continues to motivate me to seek out opportunities that combine travel, learning, and service. I’ve always believed that even small acts of service can make a meaningful difference, and I try to incorporate helping others into both my academic and personal life whenever possible.

After studying abroad for the first time, I knew international experiences were something I wanted to continue pursuing. This will be my first experience participating in a global service learning program that combines international exposure with consulting and nonprofit work. I chose to participate in this program because service has always been something close to my heart, and I was especially drawn to the chance to apply business skills in a way that directly benefits a community. I see this as an opportunity to combine my professional skills with my passion for service, creating impact both for the community we work with and for my own personal growth.

One of the most exciting aspects of this program is the opportunity to work alongside a global community partner in a real world setting. In Bolivia, we will be working with CEOLI, an organization that provides education and healthcare to low income children and young adults with disabilities. What stood out to me most about CEOLI is its focus not only on meeting immediate needs, but also on empowering students with the tools and skills necessary for long term independence and success. I’m inspired by organizations like CEOLI because they show how education and support can transform lives, and I hope to contribute to that mission in meaningful ways.

In terms of academics, I hope this experience will strengthen my understanding of how business skills such as problem solving, strategic thinking, and financial analysis can be applied in nonprofit and international contexts. I am excited to connect what we learn in the classroom to hands on consulting work and to better understand how organizations operate in environments that differ from those I am familiar with. From a professional standpoint, I hope this experience will help me continue to build on my transferable skills including communication, adaptability, teamwork, and professionalism. I’m excited to learn from the community we’ll be working with and contribute to meaningful and impact driven work.

As I prepare for this journey, I feel both grateful and excited to see how this experience will shape my perspective on global service, community engagement, and the role nonprofit consulting can play in creating positive change. I’m looking forward to the personal growth that comes from stepping outside my comfort zone, learning from different perspectives, and building connections that will stay with me long after this trip.