Hello, my name is James Boston and I am a freshman in the University of Pittsburgh College of Business Administration studying Finance and Accounting. I am excited to be participating in the 2019 Plus 3 Germany program and cannot wait to get to Augsburg!

Before I came to Pitt, I went to Upper St. Clair High School, which is about 45 minutes south of Pittsburgh. Ironically, my high school mascot was the Panthers, so I moved from Pantherland to Pantherland. I have always had a passion in music, and was a member of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO) in the Double Bass section. I also was a member of my high school ultimate frisbee team, and am a big outdoors guy.

Here at Pitt, I am a member of the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band. As a freshman, I auditioned and was selected as a member of the herald trumpet core. I also was selected to the Varsity Marching Band Council (VMBC) and serve the band as the Traditions Committee leader. Outside of music, I am a member of the Socially Responsible Investment Portfolio (SRI) in the business school and I recently was selected as a member of the Blue and Gold Society.

I chose the Plus 3 Germany program because of my interest in cars. Since I was a kid, I always have been a car enthusiast. One of my favorite Pittsburgh events is the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, which is the world’s largest classic car race still held on city streets. If you haven’t been, you need to see what you are missing.

When I heard the Plus 3 Germany Program was focused on the auto industry, I knew that Germany was my top choice. During the program, I want to learn more about the car industry as a professional, and not a hobbyist. What are current market trends and what are companies doing today to accommodate the rapidly changing transportation industry? Loving the hobby side of cars is only one aspect of the auto industry, and Plus 3 Germany will expand my perspective.

I also am excited to experience Germany and visit German auto industry companies. Germany is historically known for their craftsmanship in the auto industry and is an epicenter for amazing automobile innovations (e.g. the Autobahn, and the Nürburgring). The opportunities to meet these companies is extraordinary, and I knew that if I did not go, I would never get to have that opportunity.

I cannot wait to get over there and start the program. I have only heard amazing things about Plus 3 Germany! Next stop, Augsburg!