I’m Kestrel, but you can call me Kess if that’s easier (or Lynn, or really anything other than Cass). I’m from the small central Pennsylvanian town of Winburne. I live with my Mom, and am very close to my aunt, uncle, and cousins who live down the road. I am currently studying bioengineering at Pitt, and I work as a research assistant at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in the Department of Mollusks (meaning I dig through leaf litter to find tiny snails).

When I decide to do something, I generally need at least one of two reasons. Either it is something that I would benefit professionally or academically from, or it’s something that I believe I would enjoy. Plus3 Vietnam applies to both sets of criteria. The rational half of my brain is happy knowing I’ll be earning credit and a boost to my resume. The fun half of my brain knows I will be learning more than I have ever learned in any other class in my life, and that this experience will be life-changing.  I love nothing more than learning about other viewpoints. Different people’s opinions, different takes on things I haven’t considered. In Vietnam, I am hoping to learn things I haven’t even begun to fathom, and to see new things and meet new people.

Overall I’m just really excited to go on this amazing adventure!