Graduation is just a few days away. Our two seniors reflect on their time at the university and The Globe.

Erin Yudt, Editor-in-Chief

Where does one even begin? So much has happened during my three years here at Point Park. From losing basically all of our dining hall plates to being invaded by spotted lanternflies to three university presidents (if you count Provost Michael Soto’s brief time in between Don Green and Chris Brussalis) to federal work-study almost being cut. The list goes on and on.

There have been so many changes at the administrative level of this university that there were many times I was truly scared for the future of Point Park. Being a part of The Globe has allowed me to see some of the behind-the-scenes, which I am so grateful for, but I wish I could have brought more information to light and had more of an impact on improving communication throughout the university.

I firmly believe that honesty is the best policy. As journalists, it is our job to find the truth and represent all perspectives, but there were so many times we could not do this, as the university gatekept sources from speaking freely. While I may not fear so much about the future of the university anymore, I do fear for The Globe’s independence and communication between administration and students.

Yes, we are student journalists. We make mistakes, but we truly intend to report fairly and accurately with no ill intent. We want to bring all kinds of information to students, staff and faculty, but we cannot do this properly if every person we come in contact with has to go through the university’s public relations team. This is not only impacting our work but the university as a whole. One person cannot and should not control the narrative. Every interview should not be scripted.

With this being said, I do not know where I would be without Point Park and the city of Pittsburgh. Coming from a super small and rural town, the city was exactly what I needed, and I fell in love with it in all of its crazy Yinzer glory. I met so many amazing people, learned so many things and felt at home for the first time in my life. I will really miss Point Park, Downtown and the city of Pittsburgh.

I am not the best advice-giver, but if I could say one thing, as cliche as it is, everything does happen for a reason; you just may not know it yet. Trust in yourself and the process. Put good energy into the world. Be kind, open, curious and always honest. Put yourself and your mental health first. Live in the moment.

Lastly, a huge shoutout to my family and friends. You know who you are. Thank you all for reading, and remember that trans rights are human rights, BIPOC lives matter, abortion is healthcare, and vote in every election.

I would like to close this with the wise words of Bill Nye the Science Guy: “The more you find out about the world, the more opportunities there are to laugh at it.”

Ana Bellamy, Co Feats/A&E Editor

The last two years felt like a whirlwind. It went by so fast that I have been struggling hardcore realizing that graduation is next week. Stepping foot on campus for the first time felt like yesterday. It was snowing, and the gloomy weather matched the fact that I was mourning the loss of my beloved CCAC community. Anxiety and excitement hit me like a ton of bricks. I knew I was going to like Point Park, but not as much as I ended up loving it in the end.

I was excited for the Downtown experience, to make new friends and to get involved with the clubs on campus. Joining The Globe was the very last thing on my list. I was told that campus newspapers were competitive and strict. However, when I went to my first pitch meeting I was met with open arms. I joined The Globe on a whim so I could write about the shows I go to and the music I listen to. I ended up being a co-editor a semester later, which was a fun surprise, and I got to learn the inner workings of printing a newspaper. I got to interview some amazing people for my articles, none of whom I would have talked to if I were not part of the paper. My writing also improved, which is a plus.

I will miss my friends most of all. Yes, I can still hang out and text most of them post-graduation, but it will break my heart not seeing them most of the week. There is nothing like walking up and down the streets of Downtown Pittsburgh with my best friends talking about assignments and secret admirers while dodging sketchy characters in the soft glow of the street lamps.

Here is my advice for current students and/or prospective students: be kind to yourself, take advantage of the counseling center when you can, and make sure you balance class work with fun activities on campus. Also, be spontaneous while making new friends or joining new clubs; you never know where those experiences will lead. I am a history major, planning on working in archives after graduate school, and I became a Features and Arts & Entertainment Co-Editor all because of my interest in music.