Introduction

My name is Mackenzie Norris, and I am a freshman nursing major at the University of Pittsburgh on the Oakland campus.  I am originally from Bethesda, Maryland, close to D.C.  I am working to pursue a BSN with a minor in economics, a certificate in global health, and an honors degree.  Outside of the classroom, I am an active member of the Honors College Student Council and am a Girl Scout assistant for Kappa Delta, a social sorority.  I have loved exploring the different areas of Pittsburgh and attending their various sporting events at both a professional and collegiate level.  I have also enjoyed trying the many coffee shops on and off campus.  

Birmingham Plus3 Program

This summer, I will be traveling with nursing and education majors to Birmingham and London to expand my knowledge of the healthcare and education systems in the United Kingdom and compare them to those in the United States.  I have traveled to London briefly with my family, but am looking forward to reexploring the city, as we did not see everything during our time there.  I am also excited to visit the various hospitals and lectures arranged during our stay and compare the US and UK healthcare systems.  I am interested in seeing how their national healthcare system works and if there are any practices I can incorporate into my professional life in the future.  I am excited to get the chance to expand my knowledge on nursing and how the hospital works, as well as speak with different nurses and students to understand the systems in Birmingham better.  It will also be interesting to compare Birmingham and London to each other and see how the national healthcare system looks in different places.  However, I am ecstatic to explore the city with my peers, visit museums, sightsee, and see Mamma Mia! while abroad.