“Pivot!” This is a motto that the professors for this class use a lot. It means to always be on your toes expecting some complications while working through your project and being resilient and solving the issue in order to still execute what you promised you would. I always heard them say it, but I…
From International Traveler to Online Learner
In my last blog post, I was eagerly awaiting our trip to Puerto Rico, but unfortunately, since then, a lot has changed: The coronavirus has become a widespread pandemic shutting down operations worldwide. When I first found out that we would not be traveling to Puerto Rico, I was obviously upset and my group was…
Trading in Palm Trees for My Parents’ House
Well, A LOT has changed since my last blog post! For starters, our trip to Puerto Rico never came to fruition. Unfortunately, Pitt decided to cancel all spring break study abroad programs due to the Coronavirus. We found out about this less than five days before we left and we were all devastated, to say…
Greetings from Zoom!
Just over three weeks ago, I thought I was going to spend my spring break in Bolivia. Today, I write to you from my house. No, not my place in Oakland; my childhood house. As I wrote to you in my previous blog, we were days away from departing for Bolivia. Actually, it was 4…
Reflecting on My Biggest Challenges in Florence Prior to COVID-19
Ciao amici, it has almost been a month since I got back to the United States because of the corona virus. My last week in Florence was a whirl wind trying to find a flight home while on spring break, packing up my belongings, and saying goodbye to my friends. I am very sad that…
Uncertainty and Adaptability during COVID-19
Two weeks ago, the current state of our world was unimaginable to myself and my global service learning classmates. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our trip to Bolivia (and all other University sponsored study abroad programs) has been cancelled. The entire world is now facing extreme uncertainty and hardship in all areas of life. Countries…
Living Alone Together: A New Virtual World
The last few weeks have been a constant period of rapid changes occuring in my world, and in the world around me. Just one month ago I was writing a blog post recounting my excitement and eagerness to head to Trinidad and work with our clients, the DORCAS Women’s group and Nature Seekers, but now…
Goodbye, Sydney
My time in Sydney was amazing and I would not trade it for anything. However, living and working in a new country is always going to present new challenges, no matter how similar the lifestyle there is to what we are used to. One of the biggest challenges I faced during my time in Australia…
Favorite Sites in Florence, Italy
Ciao, I am writing this post from my home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, my program was cut short because of the corona virus. Now that I am settled at home, I wanted to update my blog. After reflecting on my experiences in Florence, I wanted to share some of my favorite places (and restaurants too!)…