Hallo! My name is Noah, and I’m a rising sophomore in the Swanson School of Engineering’s Electrical Engineering program at the University of Pittsburgh. Growing up just ten minutes north of Oakland, I always had a feeling I would end up at Pitt. My long-term goal is to build a career as an electrical engineer here in Pittsburgh, allowing me to stay close to the community and family that mean so much to me.

I’m the oldest in a big family, and that background has shaped a lot of who I am today. I enjoy sports, trying new things, and making the most out of every opportunity. When I’m not studying in Hillman Library, you can usually find me grabbing a meal in the Eatery, working out at the new Recreation Center, or biking through Schenley Park.

During my first year navigating Pitt’s freshman engineering curriculum, I discovered a strong passion for electrical engineering. I’ve always been naturally drawn to math, coding, and building things, so I’m excited to dive deeper into those interests as I continue in the program. Outside of school, I’ve spent the past two summers working as an apprentice carpenter, and I plan to return to that work again this coming summer. That experience has taught me a lot about problem-solving, teamwork, and the value of building something tangible. I enjoy collaborating with others, and I often find that my best work happens when I’m part of a team.

I chose the Plus3 Netherlands program because I want to broaden my perspective of the world. Growing up in Pittsburgh, I haven’t had many opportunities to travel far from home. This program will be my first chance to experience life outside the United States, and I’m incredibly excited to explore a new country and culture. I hope the experience will help expand my worldview and give me a deeper understanding of how people live and work in other parts of the world. Just as importantly, I’m looking forward to building lasting friendships with the people traveling alongside me and creating memories that will stay with me for years to come.

The Netherlands is also known for its innovation and strong commitment to sustainability; something that really interests me as an aspiring engineer. I’m eager to see how engineering and sustainability intersect there, and I’m excited for the structured company visits and cultural experiences that are part of the program. Through this opportunity, I hope to grow both personally and professionally: learning how to communicate with people from different backgrounds, expanding my global perspective, and building connections that may benefit me throughout my career.