Hey everybody! My name is Ryan MacElroy. I am one of eight children, and I am very excited to embark on Plus3 Vietnam! I live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. My hobbies include skiing, soccer, and watching documentaries. Fun fact: I once ate an entire bag of chocolate chips in one sitting.

I am a freshman in the Swanson School of Engineering, and I am majoring in chemical engineering. I am also pursuing a minor in economics. I chose chemical engineering because of its wide applicability to different industries. Chemical engineers can be found in areas such as food, plastics, and energy. From this widespread reach into the world, the potential for innovation is great. I am driven by the opportunity to make the world a better place by creating.

Outside of class, I am involved in ChemE Car, Pittbusters, and intramural soccer. I also enjoy volunteering at Humane Animal Rescue, where I get to cuddle with cats two hours every week. After my freshman year, I am looking to get involved in Pitt’s Co-op program to get some professional experience under my belt. Co-op will also reveal what I like and do not like in a career.

For me, selecting Plus3 Vietnam as my top choice was easy. I went an entire summer eating nothing but Ellios frozen pizza for lunch. This comfort and complacency in my lifestyle, while relaxing, did not allow me to develop and grow. The only spot where I can do that is outside of my comfort zone. After watching several videos of Gordon Ramsay eating and cooking in Vietnam, I can surely say that living there for two weeks is well out of my comfort zone. I am going to be apprehensive about eating lots of fish. I am going to be nervous talking to the Vietnamese people. I am going to feel nervous, excited, terrified, and joyous. All of these experiences and emotions live outside of my comfort zone. Although they are uncomfortable, my experiences abroad will help me grow personally, academically, and professionally.

Traveling to and living in Vietnam will make me a better person. One way this will occur is by teaching me to embrace the unexpected. Things will not go as planned- not in Vietnam, and certainly not in life. Tackling these situations and making the best with what I have will reinforce that sometimes an even better outcome is replacing the original plans. Another way I hope to develop is to become more appreciative of everything I take for granted. My life is secure and safe. Meeting those who are less fortunate than I am will inspire me to help others and to cherish all that I have.

Studying abroad will help in my academic career by expanding my learning outside of the classroom. By learning how to connect with those from different cultures and worldviews, I will become a better leader; the ability to unite a diverse team is a valuable skill for group projects.

Professionally, immersing myself in a completely different culture will force me to improve my communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal. Verbal communication is difficult due to the language barrier, so I will have to speak simply and concisely. This will help me to refine my own writing, allowing me to be more clear and direct. Since verbal communication is difficult, nonverbal communication is key. Forcing me to be aware of my body language will develop this skill.

I cannot wait to step off the plane in Vietnam. Everything will be different, and it will definitely be uncomfortable at times, but as the old saying goes, variety is the spice of life.