Hello! My name is Halima Morafa and I am a freshman in the Swanson School of Engineering, majoring in mechanical engineering. This summer I will be partaking in the Plus 3 Korea study abroad program. I am from Memphis, TN and was raised in a very culture cultivated environment. My parents are Nigerian and British so luckily I have been exposed to very different global perspectives. I am very excited to blog about my experience in Korea and to learn more about smart systems and international technological businesses in Asia.
I chose the University of Pittsburgh because I wanted to go to a school that academically challenges me and exposes me to a completely different cultural environment. When I came on campus, I had a feeling that with the very unpredictable weather and unique Oakland location I would love my time at the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, with the incredible engineering program, the various co-op and study abroad opportunities, and Swanson’s Excel program, it was impossible to choose any other institution.
Since I have been here, I have been able to partake in several non-academic programs that I truly love, such as the African dance group, Ya’baso; the African Student Organization; and the National Society of Black Engineers. I’ve spent this year going on adventures with my friends, taking photo shoots across the city, and trying all the great restaurants here. The University of Pittsburgh has honestly challenged me while giving me the opportunity to explore a whole new region of this country. And with the Plus 3 Korea program, I hope to learn more about new regions and see how business and engineering are incorporated in smart system industries.
I am really excited to go to Korea through this study abroad program. Although I have had the opportunity to travel to Nigeria and a few European countries, I have never been to East Asian countries nor have I traveled abroad for academic and professional exposure. In Korea, we will be able to visit various cultural sites such as the DMZ, Jogyessa Temple, and Han River; try some great authentic Korean food like bibimbap; and meet with global companies like Samsung to discuss the implementation of smart systems in international technological companies. Smart systems incorporate functions of sensing, actuation, and control in order to describe and analyze a situation and make decisions based on the available data in a predictive or adaptive manner, thereby performing smart actions. As an aspiring mechanical engineer, I am curious to see how this advanced operating system can impact the design and manufacturing process of various products.
I hope that in Korea I can try some great kimchi, take some incredible shots of historical locations, and have a unique new experience abroad! Until next time!
