Hello!
My name is Garrett Whitney, I just recently concluded my Sophomore year here at Pitt. I am double majoring in Economics and Politics and Philosophy. After graduation, I hope to attend law school and pursue a career as an attorney. Outside of the classroom, I try to take advantage of the plethora of opportunities that Pitt has to offer. I am a research member in the Social Change Research Hub, where I participate amongst a group of undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty members to develop a global database that centralizes solution-based resources combatting systemic racism. I recently had the privilege of presenting this database — READ — to the United Nations Permanent Forum for People of African Descent in Geneva. I also serve on the executive board for the American Cancer Society, where I work to fundraise and develop benefical relationships with local businesses and organizations to support our vision.
When I have free time, I love being outside! In Pittsburgh you can often find me reading in Schenley Plaza, running through the Shadyside, or heading over to Seven Springs with the ski club. At home in New Hampshire, I am an avid surfer and love being near the water or finding a new hike to adventure with my friends.
This May, I will be participating in the inaugural session of the Pitt in Romania Summer Study Abroad program. We will be spending time in Bucharest, Transylvania, and Brussels studying Political Identity Formation and Eastern European Politics all from the perspective of Romanian identity and politics.
In this program, we will be educated in a holistic understanding of Romanian identity. Our group will meet with Romanian aristocrats, Arch Bishops, and members of the Presidential administration but also with community leaders, opposition members, and political activists. I hope to gain an intimate and personal education in the complex political and social dynamics of modern-day Romania. As a lover of food, I’m also excited to see how cuisine differs as we proceed from the urban Bucharest into the rural areas of Transylvania.
I’m looking forward to posting on this blog again from Romania!