Hi, everyone! My name is Josh Briggs, and I am currently a freshman in chemical engineering. In terms of academics, I want to gain as much experience as possible during my time at the University of Pittsburgh. I plan to graduate with minors in economics, industrial engineering, and chemistry. Plus3 is the perfect fit for me because of my interests in engineering and business. In my career, I would like to transition into a management position eventually.
I grew up in Wexford, Pennsylvania (about 40 minutes north of Oakland). I have two cats at home and am excited to see them for the brief time between finals ending and this trip. Going to college in Pittsburgh has always been in my mind. I also love the urban feeling of Oakland and the plethora of things to do. When I am not working or studying, I am usually spending time with my friends. Whether we are just laying on the lawn of Soldiers and Sailors or having a poker night in my room, I think relaxing with friends is the perfect way to spend free time. If I am trying to relax with some alone-time, I am probably playing FIFA or watching a funny show. My favorite hobby is soccer. I will watch just about any game, but I love to play outside with friends, too. In Italy, I plan to see Milan play Genoa on May 6th, and I could not be more excited for it.
I am thrilled about this opportunity to study abroad because it combines a lot of things that I love. Of course, the most exciting part of the trip is being able to experience everything that Italy has to offer. From the historic landmarks of Milan to the breathtaking views at Lake Como and gondola rides in Venice, I will wake up eager to explore every day in Italy. I am also interested in the supply chain and industrial engineering applications of the trip. Since my engineering and business interests combine to focus on optimization and efficiency, learning about the supply chain of fashion companies will be interesting for me. Last, I love fashion. I am not the kind of person to walk around the mall for hours and browse every clothes rack; however, if I see something (usually online for a cheap price), my mind races with ways to wear the item. I think that when a person loves what they are wearing, they feel more confident.
I took a school trip to Berlin in my sophomore year of high school and want to continue learning about different cultures. This seems like the perfect time to study abroad. With co-ops and internships further down the line, I doubt I would have had time to study abroad any other summer. I want to be completely immersed in the Italian ways, and I am not afraid to try new things. From broadening my perspective of the world to learning about supply chain and fashion, I could not be more excited to get on the plane to Italy.
