Before this experience, I didn’t fully realize how much I would be stepping outside of my comfort zone, not just geographically, but academically and professionally as well. I chose to participate in this program in Trinidad and Tobago because it offered something different from a traditional study abroad experience. Instead of simply learning in a classroom, this program allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in a real-world setting by working directly with a nonprofit organization and engaging with a local community. That combination of hands-on experience and cultural immersion is what drew me to this opportunity.

Going into this experience, I had a mix of expectations and questions. I expected the environment to be welcoming and community-oriented, especially based on what I had heard about the culture in Trinidad. At the same time, I wasn’t entirely sure what it would be like to work in a different cultural and professional setting. I assumed that the project would follow a structured plan, similar to what I’m used to in school, but I also wondered how much flexibility would be required when working with a real client. One of my main questions was how well we would be able to translate what we’ve learned in class—like project management concepts—into something that would actually be useful for the community we are working with.

Personally, I hope to gain a greater sense of independence and confidence through this experience. Being in a new environment and working with people from different backgrounds will push me to be more adaptable and open-minded. Intellectually, I want to deepen my understanding of how business concepts apply in real-world, community-based settings. It’s one thing to learn about project management or consulting in class, but it’s another to actually use those skills in a way that impacts people directly. Professionally, I see this as an opportunity to build skills that are transferable to my future career, especially in areas like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

One area I’m particularly interested in observing outside of coursework is community structure and sustainability. I want to better understand how local organizations operate, what resources are available, and how priorities might differ from those in the United States. For example, I’m curious about how community-driven initiatives in Trinidad compare to those in Pittsburgh, and what that says about differences in values, resources, and needs.

In terms of leadership, I would currently describe my style as collaborative and adaptable, but still developing. I tend to work well in teams and value input from others, but I’m also aware that I sometimes rely too much on structure. I anticipate that this experience will challenge me to become more flexible and take initiative in situations that are less defined.

Overall, I see this experience as more than just a class or a trip. It’s an opportunity to grow in multiple ways from personally to academically, and professionally. While I know there will be challenges along the way, I’m looking forward to learning from them and gaining a better understanding of how to work effectively in a global and community-based context.