The journey to Point Park University for most students has been very eventful and fascinating. We all had our ups and downs that have led us to this point (no pun intended). Now that everyone is back to school and adjusting to the college lifestyle, I believe it’s appropriate to discuss how we feel about our university. Personally, I would love to complain about the Powerade fountain drink being out since the first week of school, or how the Lawrence Hall lobby smells like a dehydrated walrus peed on the floor, but the truth is that I love this school.

I never actually planned on going to college. My teenage years were filled with making pizza, and it was something I knew a strange amount about – Everything from hydration levels in dough to how different tomatoes reacted to different spices. I was certain that this was what I was going to do with my life. However, I eventually realized that profession really cuts into your family time, which was a sacrifice I wasn’t willing to make. By my senior year of high school, I was absolutely lost on what I wanted to do with my life.

I decided to follow the footsteps of my stepdad and go to trade school. I studied HVAC, which I loved. I was 19 while everybody else was in their 30’s-60’s. Being the young one was amazing, and I would just ask them all deep life questions to soak up their experiences.
Although the profession pays well, the thought of being 19 in a work van was so lonely to me. I wanted something more. An older friend of mine from my trade school brought up the idea of joining the Navy. I was instantly sold. Who wouldn’t want to travel the world while being able to further their education for free?

However, I soon hit a roadblock. The previous year, I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. According to the Department of Defense, I wasn’t “fit to serve” because of that diagnosis. At first, I was incredibly embarrassed about this. Where I’m from, men aren’t allowed to feel. What would I tell my friends? What would I tell my family members who were so proud that I was going to serve our country? The easiest thing in life to do is tell the truth. Shortly after, I realized the whole situation was a blessing. I would be able to show other men my age that it’s okay to not be okay.

After missing out on the Navy, I was more confused about my life plans than ever. Then, one night, my mom had a dream. In her dream, her grandmother told her not to worry, and that I was going to college. Personally, I just looked at her like she was crazy. What would I possibly go to college for?

Then, I saw a commercial for Point Park University, so I checked out their website. Nothing interested me at all. I thought about maybe being a teacher, but kids are ruthless to student teachers, and there was no chance that I would just sit there and let some 12-year-old talk back to me. Then, I saw the brand new Sports Communication major. I applied, but was fearful that I wouldn’t get accepted. I never took high school as seriously as I should’ve, which my grades reflected. Despite this, I was accepted into the university. Sometimes, it still seems fake.

The term “judgment free zone” has always seemed impossible and corny to me, but Point Park proved me wrong. Everybody in this school is free to be themselves without worry about any sort of judgement. I’ve never felt such a welcoming atmosphere in my life. You never become a “product of your environment” here because you are the environment. You really get to create your own reality at this school.
The social life is second to none here for me. The culture here is amazing. The education seems to be wonderful as well. Small classes make it easy to know your professors on a personal level. Needing any reassurance on a topic? Just raise your hand, a professor will be happy to help. The size of the school is also something that I really love.

I truthfully can’t list many things here that I don’t enjoy. If I was to nitpick, I would say that the food department tends to be understaffed which leads to less options in the dining hall. Also, I understand for Lawrence Hall to get air conditioning they would have to gut the entire building, but maybe get window units put in? I forget what sleeping with a blanket on feels like. Still, there isn’t too much to criticize about PPU. I’m very blessed to be here, and I’m extremely thankful for everyone involved in this University.