Hugh Henry Brackenridge established The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) on February 28, 1787. We can thank Pitt for a lot of things, whether that be friends or jobs, or a great hub for social life. I thought I could take a few moments to discuss my love for our beloved university as we celebrate its founding day.
Dear University of Pittsburgh,
Thank you for all you gave me so far. I remember the moment I decided Pitt was It like it was yesterday. I followed my Pathfinder like a little kid, oohing and awing at the Cathedral of Learning and the city-like feel. I remember walking down Forbes Avenue, going to the Mt. Washington observatory for the first time, and realizing I’d get to go to Heinz Field for football games. I knew in my heart I would give anything to attend such a diverse and prestigious university. February 23, 2014 I committed to Pitt by sending in the deposit which sealed my fate. It’s still the best decision I’ve made so far.
I felt like an outsider most of my life. In high school, I was never a part of a particular group because I was always searching for somewhere to belong. I searched in the band group, drama group, “popular” group, etc. Somehow I still found myself looking on the outside, feeling lonely and sad most of my life. You (Pitt) gave me a place to belong. I am not looking in from the outside anymore. I am in the center looking at how big of a community I’m surrounded by. You allowed me to form my opinions, allowed me to form a variety of friendships, and accept the person I am becoming.
You give us our lifelong friendships, pride, gratitude and personality. We can form a connection with someone in a completely different state just by saying “Hail to Pitt!” if we see them wearing Pitt gear. You give us experiences by your location: Heinz field, PPG, and museums are at best 20 minutes away by a bus. You give us a bigger network than most universities—one of my best friends goes to Carnegie Mellon University. You understand our lifestyles by including public bus fees in our tuition instead of making us pay separately for a pass, and giving us fun activities to always do. Free concerts on Bigelow boulevard, college football games in an NFL stadium, and heading downtown for a day out are now part of my normal.
I have class in the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere. I live in a city where big-named celebrities like Will Smith, Russell Crowe, and Amanda Seyfried filmed movies. I get to live in the city of champions: The Pittsburgh Penguins just won the Stanley cup last year. I am proud to call myself a Pittsburgh Panther. I thank you Pitt for this life I have where I’m not just surviving; I am thriving. I want to thank you for giving a scrawny girl who was constantly searching a place to fit in, the gift of community, acceptance and leadership.
Happy Founders’ Day!
Photo Credit: All photos author’s own