Hi everyone! My name is Juliana Medei, and I am currently finishing my first year as a nursing student at the University of Pittsburgh. I am from Pennsylvania and have always been passionate about helping others, which is what led me to pursue a career in nursing. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, staying active, and being part of environments that challenge me to grow. I value compassion, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that I believe are essential both in everyday life and in the healthcare field.

Academically, my first year of nursing school has given me a strong foundation in subjects like anatomy, physiology, and the fundamentals of patient care. I have developed important skills such as critical thinking, communication, and time management, all of which are essential for success in nursing. Professionally, I hope to work in a fast-paced healthcare setting where I can provide high-quality, patient-centered care and make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. I am especially interested in gaining hands-on experiences that will help me better understand different healthcare systems and patient populations.

For my Plus3 program, I am traveling to the United Kingdom. I selected this program because I am excited about the opportunity to explore a different healthcare system and compare it to the one in the United States. The UK’s approach to healthcare, particularly through its public system, offers a unique perspective that I am eager to learn more about. I believe that seeing these differences firsthand will deepen my understanding of global healthcare and broaden my perspective as a future nurse.

Through the Plus3 program, I hope to grow personally by stepping outside of my comfort zone and immersing myself in a new culture. Academically, I am looking forward to connecting what I learn abroad to my nursing education, especially in terms of global health and healthcare delivery. Professionally, I hope this experience will help me develop cultural competence and adaptability—skills that are essential for working with diverse patient populations. Overall, I am excited for the opportunity to learn, explore, and grow through this experience in the UK.