Hi! My name is Alyssa Kocon, and I am currently a senior at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing a degree in communication as well as a certificate in human rights and social justice. This is my fourth semester at Pitt, spending two of those semesters at Pitt Greensburg, and previously transferring from Community College of Allegheny County.
During my time at Pitt, I have been involved in Lambda Pi Eta, the communication honor society, and have had the opportunity to attend the Eastern Communication Association conference. Being part of that experience gave me the chance to connect more deeply with the field and get out of my comfort zone by presenting on a panel. I have participated in two Pitt global experiences, which will make this my third! The first being Identity, Religion, and Empire in Spain and the second being Himalayan Health in Mussoorie, India. The Himalayan Health program was especially transformative for me, as I spent six weeks in the Himalaya with peers I did not previously know, studying wilderness first responding.
Outside of academics, some of my hobbies include yoga, hiking, sewing, and tending to my many houseplants. With my love for the outdoors, I volunteer with Tree Pittsburgh, and I participate in trash cleanups around the community. Both of these are very important to me, as the environment, sustainability, and community are a big part of who I am. When I am not in the classroom or working on hobbies, you will oftentimes find me with my friends. I have a very close inner circle of friends who support me greatly and are a very important part of my life.
I chose to participate in this program in Costa Rica, mainly because of the immersive language aspect. I found my love for traveling in 2023, while taking my first solo trip abroad to Rome to visit a close friend. Since then, I have traveled every chance I get, and I plan to keep traveling. Traveling has pushed me outside of my comfort zone in many ways and has helped me become a more adaptable, independent, and open-minded individual.