Hi, my name is Princess Nwoga. I’m from Blackwood, New Jersey and I’m a freshman majoring in engineering at Pitt. For now, I plan on entering the civil engineering department with a focus on structural engineering. Sometime down the line, I plan on either pursuing the sustainability certificate or getting the architecture design minor so I can expand my knowledge in the field and understand the perspective of architects or help with sustainability. Engineering classes, especially the first-year classes can be stale, so it will be nice to take some creative classes outside of engineering.

Some things about me is that I like being active when I can which includes, dancing for fun, running, exploring or hiking, or doing volunteering that involves being in the outdoors. Over spring break, I participated in the Alternative Spring Break program in Tennessee and got some great hands on experience with building trails. In my free time, I also like playing simulation games, making stories, and watching TV shows. As for clubs, when I have time I like to help out with events held by the Pitt Program Council. Some of these include Fall Fest, the Laser and Fireworks show, Rolling with Roc, and more!

In May, I’ll be participating in the Plus 3 Costa Rica Program. I chose the Plus 3 Program so I can get an idea of what it’s like to study abroad early and figure out if I enjoy it. Envisioning studying abroad is great, but when it turns into reality it can be quite intimidating. This program is only 2 weeks, so I won’t have to spend a whole semester in a country I’m unfamiliar with. I’m really excited for this program because my family doesn’t travel much and some of my goals are to travel around the world, see new sights, meet people from different cultural backgrounds, and try tons of new food. This is what I hope to get out of this program. I’m excited to be outside the US again, connecting with peers, and learning about coffee, bananas, and all the products that Costa Rica is known for.

I’m also excited to see how people live their daily lives in Costa Rica, their traditions, and how they interact with their environment. I hope this will allow me to gain a better understanding of the culture there and to connect with different types of people in the future.

Pura Vida!