Emily O’Brien is a second-year Nordenberg Scholar and member of the Frederick Honors College at the University of Pittsburgh where she is majoring in World and Heritage Language Education with an emphasis in French and minoring in Hispanic Language and Culture. She serves as a Resident Assistant in the Honors Living Learning Community in Sutherland Hall, where she mentors first-year students and plans programs for her floor and the broader Honors LLC. Emily also works as a Pitt Pathfinder, leading weekly campus tours for prospective students and their families. In her free time, Emily is involved with STEP @ Pitt, a student organization that partners with the nonprofit Canine Companions, which trains and provides service dogs to veterans and individuals with disabilities, free of charge. Through this organization, Emily serves as a puppy sitter, supporting students who are raising future service dogs. As part of the Nordenberg Leadership Program, Emily completed both sections of the Panther Leadership Academy, participating in leadership development workshops and delivering a presentation on implementing positive change within her community. She has also engaged in numerous leadership and career development opportunities, including events that featured accomplished professionals sharing their experiences and advice. Her favorite part of being a Nordenberg Leadership Scholar is being able to learn about the experiences of other professionals through developmental opportunities provided by the program. Looking ahead, Emily plans to attend an education-focused professional development program through the University and to study abroad in Nantes, France, for a semester.
Major: World and Heritage Language Education - French
Minor in Hispanic Language and Culture