Hi everyone! I’m Kayla Siedlecki, and I’m a freshman studying in the College of Business Administration with a planned major of finance and a dual degree with actuarial math. I am also planning to minor in economics and Spanish. After graduation, I plan on becoming a financial actuary, although my plans are subject to change as I progress through my classes. Outside of my studies, I enjoy pursuing more creative activities, including dancing, painting, and drawing. I am part of the Pitt Ballet Club and the Pitt Dance Ensemble, performing in both their fall and spring semester shows. I am also involved with Ice Cream Sundays, a philanthropic club that brings ice cream to children in the Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital. I have also continued my journey in faith and have found a religious home here in the Lutheran group PSALM. I am originally from West Chester, PA, which is outside of Philadelphia. I have grown so much personally and professionally since moving to Pittsburgh, and I am excited to continue growing while in Vietnam!

When most people hear Vietnam, they picture a third world country still drastically damaged from the Vietnam War. However, this is far from true; Vietnam is a rapidly developing country with increasing amounts of modernity. Even just from picking my top three countries on the Plus3 application until now, my perceptions of Vietnam have changed, and I am intrigued to see how they will continue to develop throughout my trip and even beyond. When I looked through my options on the Plus3 application, I was immediately drawn towards the Asian locations. I have never been to Asia, and I find many Asian cultures fascinating. I think that my curiosity about different Asian cultures stems from my high school friend group because my group of friends is fairly diverse, so we often share a lot of cultural tidbits with each other. It was tough for me to order the three Asian destinations – China, South Korea, and Vietnam – but eventually, I chose Vietnam. Why did I choose Vietnam, a country largely perceived as far behind the US by Americans? I was drawn to not only the culture but also to the educational opportunities that lie ahead of me now. With respect to the culture, Vietnam was the country that I have the most personal connection to. One of my close high school friends is of Vietnamese descent, and she would tell us of Vietnamese traditions and of the delectable cuisine. She would even try to teach us how to say her Vietnamese names, although to no avail. Because I have this small personal connection, it led me to want to learn more, so that I could fully appreciate her culture. With respect to academics, Vietnam offers the largest variety of industries because the theme for the trip is globalization. Since I am just finishing my first year, I want to continue to explore different industries. In addition, globalization has become extremely prominent in the world today, as technology is increasingly interconnecting different cultures around the world. Learning about globalization will help me to understand how business leaders must think in order to run a business involved in the global economy. Finally, the Vietnam program connects participants with English-learning Vietnamese students. This opportunity will allow me to learn even more about Vietnam and their culture, along with building global connections.

With every word I write, my anticipation for this experience builds. I can’t wait to watch the modern buildings of Ho Chi Minh City come into view as the plane begins its descent towards the runway. I can’t wait to meet the excited Vietnamese students that will not only be our guides but also our friends. Finally, I can’t wait to immerse myself in both the cultural and academic aspects of this program. Now, all I have to do is get through finals week.