Hello! My name is Mackenzie Szabo and I am a rising Freshman at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing an undergraduate degree in Accounting and a dual degree in Political Science. This summer, I have the privilege of participating in the Haller Global Fellowship in Ireland. Over the next four weeks, I am excited to immerse myself in the college experience before officially beginning my first semester, dive into learning about business, gain valuable experience working with communities, travel to a place I have always wanted to explore, and share my experiences through this blog! 

A little bit about me, I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, before moving to Pennsylvania during high school. While moving across the country was a big adjustment, it introduced me to new opportunities and experiences that have shaped who I am today. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, baking, spending time outdoors, and playing Dungeons & Dragons. I also enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures, which is one of the reasons I was so excited about the opportunity to study abroad in Ireland. 

Academically, I have always enjoyed subjects that challenge me to think critically. My interest in accounting stems primarily from its analytical nature and the way it combines logic with real-world decision-making, and at the same time, my passion for political science stems from my interest in law, government, and how policies shape society. After earning my undergraduate degree, I hope to attend law school at the University of Pittsburgh though I am unsure about what comes after that. 

I chose the Haller Global Fellowship because it offers much more than a traditional study abroad experience. The opportunity to learn about international business while working directly with local communities and collaborating with students from different backgrounds is something I knew would challenge me in the best possible way. I believe that understanding business from a global perspective is essential in today’s interconnected world, and I wanted an experience that would help me develop both professionally and personally. By the end of this program, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of business in an international setting, strengthen my leadership and communication skills, and become more confident in navigating unfamiliar environments. Personally, I hope to build lasting friendships and step outside of my comfort zone, and academically, I look forward to applying what I learn to my future studies at Pitt. 

Thank you for following along on my journey! I’m so excited to share what I learn, the people I meet, and the adventures I have throughout my time in Pittsburgh and Ireland.