Hello everyone! My name is Frankie Fattori and I am a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in computer engineering. I am incredibly excited to take part in this year’s Plus 3 China program in order to compliment my in-class experiences with a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad opportunity.

I am originally from Oxford, Pennsylvania, a small town near the southeastern tip of the state (located about one hour south of Philadelphia). One of the most interesting aspects of my first-year experience here at Pitt has been the transition from this somewhat rural, suburban borough of population 5,700 to a college embedded in the second largest city in the state. The immediate access to countless educational opportunities, a wide array of professional organizations, and a variety of social, sporting and entertainment events was particularly eye-opening. I have no doubt that my travels in China will yield a similar sensation, given that the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an are, in their own right, home to some of the most culturally and/or educationally stimulating experiences.  As a high school student I participated in the concert and marching bands as well as the ski and snowboard club. However, clubs in which I was more personally invested were those relating to service, including Helping Hands, National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. I hope to continue this volunteer involvement throughout my college career, and therefore have become a member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Although I have primarily focused on academics this school year, I believe that my membership in these organizations will create a good foundation for future volunteer opportunities.

As this semester comes to a close and our departure date quickly approaches, I have grown increasingly excited for this international travel experience. I vividly remember learning about the Plus3 program as a high school student touring the Swanson School of Engineering. I knew instantly that this was an opportunity I should apply for during my freshman year. Not only will this program permit the study of a specific engineering-related subject, but it will also afford the benefits of travel and immersion in another country: exposure to different political and economic systems, insight into the lifestyle and customs or another culture, and an enhanced understanding of corporate international relationships. More specifically, I pursued Plus3 China for several reasons. As a computer engineer, learning the details and intricacies of smartphone production is especially appealing to me. Also, a knowledge of China’s electronics industry may be of great importance in my future career, with electrical machinery and equipment being one of China’s largest exports. Trade between China and the United States, however, has not been void of issues. Another goal of mine while in China is to learn about the impact of the ongoing trade dispute between these two countries and how this issue manifests itself in the corporate realm and in the lives of everyday citizens. From a more social perspective, I firmly believe that understanding and appreciating other cultures is critical regardless of someone’s intended career path. As I have visited parts of Western Europe in the past, I hope to continue to develop a broad worldview by exploring Chinese culture and tradition.