MAYANGELA SPEICHER • DERRY MEMBER AND YOUTH LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

I started my freshman year of college at Point Park University last fall. Entering college not only creates new experiences, but broadens my perspective as a result. 

The major I’m studying (film production) without a doubt opens up pathways to gain new knowledge through versatility. This whole first year has gone by extremely fast as I think to myself how much content I have learned in what seems like such a small period of time. Living on a campus located right in downtown Pittsburgh honestly is a complete culture shock to me coming from Hershey (from a small town to a full on city). When living in a fast paced environment, there is always something going on. This helped me understand even more the importance of living in the moment and finding peace throughout the day. To branch off of this, college is no doubt a gateway into creating connections and meeting new people whether in a class, at a job, or at an event. I came to realize how meaningful this opportunity has become as I am able to get to know people with unique backgrounds, their life stories, as well as getting to study the major I thoroughly enjoy.

Pittsburgh contains a wide variety of museums, restaurants, and events/activities. Just recently Pittsburgh held its St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This parade is one of the biggest parades held in the country as Irish culture is extremely prominent around this region of Pennsylvania. Polish culture also immigrated to this area since perogies are a staple in every restaurant in downtown Pittsburgh. What I love so much about this city is the traditions it still upholds and recognizes its importance in how this city has evolved over a historical period of time. Sports of course is a major part of the society here with three major national teams playing throughout the year. I try to wallow in as much as possible all that goes on in order to carry all the new memories I have gained in a completely different place and tie it with my studies. 

Film is all about telling stories and this is a great setting to start at and eventually develop into other locations. My school gives us the opportunity to come up with our own stories based on our own unique experiences and apply it to a visual medium. I am very grateful to have hands-on learning my freshman year to grasp the beginning fundamentals of such a complex major. During the winter I traveled with a student production in Clairton, PA. My role was a production assistant which was basically entitled to hold lights, put away equipment, and assist with anything else. Even if this is such a little role, this enables my experience to be diverse in this field. From this to where I am now in creating short films with official equipment, I am growing in knowledge and broadening my perspective, going all the way back to stepping foot into Point Park University in Pittsburgh. A new chapter in my life as a student pursuing new adventures.