Hi everyone, my name is Michael Timm, and I am a freshman Industrial Engineering student traveling to Greece as part of the Pitt Plus3 Program. Outside of the classroom, I stay very active on campus and enjoy taking on leadership roles. I currently serve as the Risk Management Chair for my fraternity, Triangle, participate in Honors Council, and act as Vice President of Engineers Without Borders, while also being involved with the Water Polo and Swim teams. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue developing as a leader by serving as a Peer Leader next school year, and I am looking forward to gaining professional experience this summer through my internship with Lighthouse Electric. When I’m not in class or at meetings, you can usually find me around Pitt spending time with my friends.

I chose Greece largely because of my growing interest in Industrial Engineering during my freshman year. The opportunity to study abroad and gain exposure to engineering practices on a global scale immediately stood out to me. I am excited to observe how different cultures approach problem-solving, teamwork, and efficiency, and how those perspectives influence engineering and everyday life.

Outside of academics, I enjoy staying active and working out, so I am especially looking forward to playing spikeball on the beach and exploring everything Greece has to offer. This will be my first time traveling outside of the country, which makes the experience even more meaningful. I am excited to meet new people, build lasting friendships with my classmates, and fully immerse myself in the local culture, food, and environment. I am particularly interested in learning how communication and social interactions differ across cultures and how those experiences can help strengthen my own interpersonal skills.

During these two weeks, I hope to challenge myself by staying open to new experiences and embracing every opportunity that comes my way. I want to grow more confident navigating unfamiliar situations, learn from the people around me, and gain perspectives that I can carry forward both personally and professionally. I’m excited to see how this experience shapes my mindset, pushes me to think beyond my usual environment, and helps me return with new skills, stronger connections, and lasting memories.