During my short time at Pitt, I’ve already noticed how different the U.S. feels from coast to coast. This is only my second time ever in Pennsylvania, so naturally I’ve had some uncertainties about what life here will look like. Even though I’m having a great time meeting other business students and getting a taste of living on my own, part of me still wonders how soon I’ll start feeling homesick.

But even with those doubts, I can already tell I’ll be able to call this place home. Whether it’s joining an intramural volleyball team on my second day or trying a Primanti Bros sandwich the size of my face, I’m slowly getting used to my new college life.

Back in California, people hear “Pittsburgh” and immediately think snow and freezing temperatures. Ironically, I’ve experienced heat here that’s worse than anything I felt in LA. I thought my biggest worry would be buying heavy jackets, but instead I’m learning how to survive humidity that

One thing I love is how friendly everyone is. I can walk up to anyone at the park, start a conversation, or jump into a volleyball game without it feeling weird. Coming from such a massive city, I really appreciate this small‑town vibe tucked inside a bigger city. And despite the heat, I’m constantly taken away by the scenery surrounding campus.

In class, we were introduced to a project where we’ll advise and consult businesses in Carrigart, Northern Ireland. I chose the “Digital Disruption and Innovation” group because it focuses on how digital platforms and AI are reshaping business and economic development. It lines up with my interests of how modernization will influence future financial and economic markets within business. I’m excited to begin my first project and to see where it pushes me.