Hi! My name is Zoe Dereef, and I am a Pitt Nursing student. I am attending the Plus3 Argentina trip this summer. Im from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, which is not too far from Pittsburgh. At home, I enjoy spending time with my family, and we enjoy going to TopGolf in Maryland and playing pickleball. On campus, I enjoy going on bus rides to different parts of the city. My favorite locations are Shadyside and Lawrenceville. I am involved with BSNA (Black Student Nursing Association), and we have fun at various events, such as painting, Easter egg dyeing, and community service opportunities. To stay active, I enjoy taking HITT and cycling classes at the REC center and also going on long walks through Schenley Park.

Nursing is something I have always had a passion for, as it allows me to work in a variety of settings that fit my needs as I grow up. My grandparents also instilled in me my passion, as they are both in the healthcare setting. My favorite memory is my Grandma eating lunch with me at school when she would substitute for a nurse. With my nursing degree, I hope to gain many experiences while also providing impactful care to the community.

This summer, I’m excited to travel to Argentina to gain a different view on healthcare. I also hope to gain an understanding of the administrative side, as I am interested in a master’s program in health care administration. During this program, we will explore Argentina’s different sectors of healthcare through site visits, interviews, and discussions. We will get to understand how different sectors of hospitals run and the levels of care they provide. On top of the importance of healthcare and business, we also get to understand the country’s culture. Through being in the largest city in Argentina, we will be immersed deeply in the culture. I believe this experience will provide connections through the friends I make and the leaders we will talk to, as well as help me gain a wider understanding of healthcare throughout the world. I believe this experience will help me become a well-rounded nurse and also remind me of exactly why I chose my degree and inspire me to work hard in the next semesters. This will be an unforgettable trip and I cannot wait for it to begin.

Adios!