Hi! My name is Marley Pinsky. I just finished my first year at Pitt, where I am majoring in Politics-Philosophy and Urban Planning and minoring in Spanish. I am also interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Philosophy and researching development and urban renewal in Pittsburgh. I am involved at Pitt as a member of Student Government, a violinist in the University Symphony Orchestra, an incoming Resident Assistant, and the Student Assistant to the Honors College’s Office of Community Engaged Learning. After my time at Pitt, I am considering applying to Masters in Urban Planning + Juris Doctor dual degree programs. In my free time, I love playing instruments, going to concerts, reading, and exploring both cities and nature with friends.

I am so excited to study sustainable urbanism at Pitt in Amsterdam this May! When my Urban Studies professor, Dr. Roberta Mendonca de Carvalho told me about Pitt in Amsterdam, I was immediately interested. Watching YouTube videos about Amsterdam’s walkable urban design was one of my original motivations to study Urban Planning. I am fascinated by the idea that cities can foster a more sustainable, equitable, and interconnected world if only we design them intentionally. From what I have learned so far, Amsterdam exemplifies this idea, pioneering a multi-modal transportation system that benefits not only the city’s carbon footprint, but also its vibrant sense of community.

Academically, I am looking forward to experiencing a model sustainable city myself and learning about both the past and ongoing policy processes that have helped Amsterdam flourish. However, I also hope to challenge my idealistic vision of Amsterdam, as it is not exempt from the inequities inherent in a capitalist city. I am curious about the extent to which Amsterdam’s walkability, social infrastructure and more benefit all residents equitably. Amsterdam presents many development solutions for other cities, but what unique challenges does it face? 

Professionally, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of my own career goals. I know I will have so much to learn in Amsterdam, and I am excited to see what energizes me the most. From a personal perspective, I am always excited to explore and learn a new city, but I am especially thrilled to experience life in another country. I hope to gain a genuine understanding of “where my feet are,” learning not only about policy and planning, but the intricacies of Amsterdam’s culture. I also hope to gain cross-cultural skills, practicing sensitivity, open-mindedness, and active listening when learning from experts and locals. And last but not least, I hope to find community within my Pitt in Amsterdam cohort, making memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.