As the weather warms up in Pittsburgh, I silently wish the same for Ireland. In just three short weeks I’ll be hopping on a plane for Dublin for what I’m sure will be a life-changing experience. 

So, I believe this is the part where I introduce myself before returning as a different person. 

Hello, dear Reader! My name is Adalgisa (Gigi) Butkewitsch. I’m a second-year, double-degree student at the University of Pittsburgh studying English Literature and Business Marketing. Within my curriculum, I have collaborated with the university by doing paid research focusing on pandemic-themed literature. I’m also active in the Pitt Program Council, and outside of Pitt, I’ve been acting and producing independent films.

Fun fact: I’m originally from Brazil, but I’ve been living in the U.S. for a decade. I’m ecstatic about this trip to Ireland; I know the Americas well but have not yet gone to Europe. This curiosity is what led me to the Plus3 program in Ireland. It perfectly aligns with my future professional goals. I chose it after researching Ireland’s contribution to the business world.

In focus, Ireland is one of the top places where the best marketing is currently being cultivated and I’m excited about the opportunity to see that success and innovation with my own eyes. The companies I’m most excited about visiting are marketing pioneers: CORE and THINKHOUSE. Marketing is a field I hope to work in. Plus3 Ireland is an incredible opportunity to see how diverse that field is in an international setting, and I’m so interested in learning from its complexities and accomplishments. I also hope to make friends and use the Plus3 Global Studies credits I’m gaining from this program to learn as much as I can about the Irish perspective in addition to my American and Brazilian views. 

So until then, I’ll be prepping for the trip and anticipating all the happenings in Ireland with an open heart and an open mind. Ireland—see you soon!