My name is Nora Diday, and I’m a rising senior majoring in history and economics with a certificate in written professional communication! My long-term professional goal is to pursue law, but I plan on working for a few years before law school to broaden my practical expertise.

This May, I’m so lucky to be able to participate in Comparative Economics of Central Europe, a Pitt program taking place in the Czech Republic and Poland. I was thrilled when I heard about this this program because it appeals to both my academic interests and my urge to immerse myself in new experiences. I’ve been learning about the histories of cities like Prague and Krakow since high school, and to visit these incredible sites towards the end of my journey as a student feels like the pinnacle of this education. The curriculum of this program also combines my two majors, and I’m excited to see how these disciplines, along with political science, combine to give my peers and I an informed and nuanced perspective on this region of the world.

This will be my first time traveling outside the US. I’m a bit nervous for the flights and I’m dreading the long airport lines and jetlag, but I know it will all be worth it. Specific experiences I’m looking forward to are visits with government officials, learning about how Poland adjusted after occupation during WWII, and touring local businesses. In a broader sense, I’m excited for how this program will immerse me in unfamiliar cultures and environments, and I’m hoping that learning how to navigate this will build communication and problem-solving skills that I’ll use for the rest of my life.

Na Schledanou!