💛 Family Across Oceans

One of the hardest days for me in college was, ironically, Family Weekend. I remember watching so many parents and families visiting, taking pictures, laughing, and making memories — and I was there by myself. It was one of those days that reminded me how far away home really was.

When I first came to the U.S. as an international student, I learned how bittersweet those moments can be. You want to belong where you are, but your heart stretches across continents. That’s why this project was so meaningful to me.

This past weekend was Family Weekend at Pitt — a time when many families visit campus to reconnect and celebrate. But for many of our international students, that’s not an option. Their families are far away — often waking up at 2 a.m. to join a video call or sending care packages that take weeks to arrive.

We helped a few students call home and have honest, heartfelt conversations with their parents — sharing gratitude, love, and tears. These short videos remind me that behind every student’s courage to study abroad, there’s a family’s quiet, powerful love.

I hope these videos warm your heart and bring a little sunshine to the start of your week — and a moment of gratitude if you have loved ones close to you that you may sometimes take for granted. 💛

💛 Part 1: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPXIQ-HAC0O/

💛 Part 2: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPZrdgDgFwu/

💛 Part 3: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPcfPABAGq-/

 Thank you to everyone who supports our international students — directly or indirectly, personally or professionally. You make a difference more than you know. 💙

 #GlobalTies #PittFamilyWeekend #InternationalStudents #Belonging #HigherEd #H2P