Two words that stuck with me throughout orientation: have fun.
Wanting to be prepared for my new college beginning, I spent a lot of time reading and saving posts about what graduates regretted not doing during their four years at Point Park University. Two of the most common things said were not getting involved and not making enough friends. I vowed to not go down that same path, which is where the Pioneer Experience comes in.
It took a lot of courage to attend. I was worried about not fitting in with others due to my social anxiety. Sometimes, conversing can be hard for me, especially when it comes to bigger groups. But at Point Park, I knew that getting involved meant taking risks — if I didn’t, it would be more difficult to attend events due to a lack of friendships. So, I took the leap of faith and went.
From watching the energetic performance of our Cheer and Dance Team, to Departments After Dark, there was so much that our Pioneer Ambassadors planned out for us. All of them were so welcoming and positive throughout the week. Their energy motivated me to keep coming, even if I was exhausted after the day ended. It wouldn’t have been the same without them and I thank them for all their efforts.
Team Orange, led by the ever-kind Sky Wolff, had 30-to-40 people in the beginning. But by day two, only a handful of us came back. While I was a bit saddened by it, I ended up forging close bonds with four other girls in that group. We sat with each other during the Lip Sync Battle and picked up cigarette butts on Downtown’s streets together. They’re the best group of friends I could ask for.
On Wednesday, During Departments After Dark, I went to Village Park and made candy sushi with ResLife out of Rice Krispies, Fruit Roll-Ups, and gummies. I loved the taste of it to be honest. Then, SAEM had crafts and mocktails. But the best part of the night was Mad Libs with U-View; all the club members were so nice. We even played Google Feud afterwards and made bets with candy.
Thursday was Face Painting with UNO Club: Delaney Yeakle, the president and one of the Ambassadors, was happy to welcome me to her table. I got a pastel-pink heart with silver glitter painted on my left cheek.
Black Student Union had an ice cream social. I never knew you could put Cool Whip on ice cream, but it made for a delicious combo.
We did want to participate in Tote Bag Painting with Bison Exchange, but every table was full. Everyone looked so happy doing it, though, and I wish I had come earlier and grabbed a seat. I would’ve painted big red hearts on mine.
I also got to see my first Pirates game thanks to Point Park. The best parts about it? Not only did I get a free shirt, but they won. Plus, the cannon graphics for when the opposing team got struck out were spectacular. Attending the game made me realize why people love watching them so much. I was inspired to take graphic design more seriously because of it, as well.
Overall, I thank the PA’s for sacrificing the last month of their personal summertime so that my first week at Point Park was unforgettable. And a special shout-out to Sky Wolff for being an amazing and joyful leader. I’m grateful for every memory Team Orange and I made together.
