Hi! My name is Marko Hryckowian, I am a junior studying finance, supply chain management and global management. I am participating in the Global Service-Learning program within the Nature Seekers partnership, traveling to Trinidad and Tobago.

At the beginning of my junior year, I was disappointed that I had not taken advantage of Pitt’s wide variety of global programs. To quell this idea, I entered the global experience office in Sennott Square to simply investigate the idea, not thinking much change would come from it. I asked one question. What is studying abroad like? I was immediately met with raving reviews. Each representative I spoke with had countless stories of their experiences in study abroad, each with unique programs. This is where I learned about the Global Service-Learning program. I spoke to two of the student representatives (shoutout ryan and ben) and they could not have been happier to talk about their time in the global service-learning program, specifically in the Trinidad group. I was hooked. This opportunity presented itself as a chance for me to pursue my academic, professional, and personal goals, while also being an incredible and unique opportunity to explore and travel while making a difference.

Academically, I am striving for courses that feel meaningful, useful, and effective. I’ve come to learn those terms perfectly encapsulate the global service-learning program. The opportunity to do real life work with a real-world partner emphasizes the impact or the work we’re doing. Additionally, the student led nature of the course instils an ownership of the work and in turn a strong intrinsic motivation to perform well and grow, an aspect often neglected in normal courses.

Professionally, I want my college experiences to grow my skills and prepare me to succeed in my post college career. This program emphasizes the transferable soft skills needed for a new environment such as this one, developing the adaptable nature that is critical for success throughout my professional and personal life.

In my personal life, I hope this program enables me to grow, allows me to make differences, and opens opportunities for experience. The inherent characteristics of this program compels these goals to come to fruition naturally. Partnering with an NGO, completing a real project, and eventually traveling to the country all directly align with the aspirations I hope to achieve.

We have completed just about a month of the course and I can already see my goals progressing in real time. I am developing the skills I hope to achieve. I’m becoming a better leader and teammate as I grow closer to my team both as a group and as friends. Exposure to an international environment is expanding my world view and introducing me to cultures I’ve never been immersed in. I believed studying abroad was financially restricted for many people in my position; however, due to generous scholarships and the work of the university, I am able to pursue a transformative experience like this. This trip will be my first time traveling abroad and I could not be more thankful that I am experiencing it like this!