5 tips for success at Pitt-Greensburg

Regardless of whether you’re a commuter or resident at Pitt-Greensburg, Breanna Tomsey says it’ll feel like home.

The Butler, Pennsylvania, native had considered private schools such as Grove City College and Duquesne University but said her Pitt-Greensburg tour, prompted by an offer for a free application, helped solidify her choice. 

“I toured the campus in February and fell in love. It’s beautiful, the people were super nice and it felt like a home,” said the senior public policy major, who is pursuing minors in legal psychology and sociology. 

She recalled being pleasantly surprised to find a tight-knit community in which her tour guide, Austin, was greeted by everyone he passed.

“There was no awkwardness or anyone being rude,” said Tomsey. “That was nice because, on all other campus tours, it wasn’t [only] that people didn’t say ‘hi,’ but they just seemed to mind their own business. They didn’t build each other up in a sense. But I saw that here.”

Plus, the residence halls were, she said, nicer than others she had seen. “That was big.”

By the time she reached the Milstein Library and its stained-glass windows, which reminded her of her favorite work from her high school English course, Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave,” she was sold.  

“I just felt a connection to home there. At that moment of the tour, I realized this was where I wanted to be.”

Tomsey’s sense of belonging increased after meeting her community assistant (CA), Joyce Lin (UPG ’22). CAs are students and members of the Residence Life staff assigned to build community and serve as a direct resource for other students on their residence hall floor. 

“COVID 2020, that was my freshman year,” said Tomsey. “Everything was so strange and different. But because of my CA, I felt connected with and connected to.” By the end of the year, Lin encouraged Tomsey to apply to be a CA herself.

“I have loved every single moment,” Tomsey said.

Tomsey is active beyond her residence hall, too. Since her first year, she has served on the Student Government Association (SGA) as a senator, committee chair and speaker of the house. She spearheaded various initiatives, including Steelers game wing nights, scavenger hunts and charity functions. At the end of last year, she was elected to be SGA president. 

“I ran for the position because it’s always been a goal of mine to be someone that people who aren’t in student government can talk to for their opinions to be heard,” said Tomsey. As president, she plans to focus on helping clubs and student organizations expand their budgets and discover resources. “I am mostly trying to build that community more because I love Greensburg, and I’d like to see other people come here and find the same passion.”

In the same way she encourages residents on her floor, she said she is inspired to encourage other students to be bold.

“I find reward in helping them transition to campus and being someone they come to,” she said. “There’s always a group where you can find a home and someone to talk to. Everyone can find themselves within a club here because there are so many. This university is a great place to be.”

Tomsey’s 5 tips for success

Learn time management. “Between classes and wanting to be social and find friends, it can be a tricky balance to find at first. Don’t focus too much on the social aspect and not enough on your studies. If you’re worried about not having enough social time and beginning, that’s OK. Because in the end, you’ll find your group and people. 

Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. “Don’t be afraid to be yourself out there. Show what you can do and how you can help. That’s how you find your true group of friends differs. You should never pretend to be someone just so other people like you. It’s college, and we’re all adults.” 

Explore on and off campus. “Greensburg, the city itself, has a lot to offer. My favorite off-campus place is Twin Lakes, but as a law major, I’m also a fan of the courthouse. Twin Lakes Park is a beautiful place to walk around if you need a breather or to take a walk. On campus, we have hammock posts here. It’s so nice, so peaceful, right by the library, too.”

Get involved. “That’s a big deal as well. We have an activities fair, so if you’re unsure what you want to get involved in, it’s a great thing to go to. All the different clubs are there. You can see what they’re about, what they do and if you’d like to join.”

Know that asking for help is okay. “Everyone does struggle, [and asking for assistance] makes you a stronger person in the end. The professors here also really care about you. There are normally no more than 30 students in a classroom, so it’s easy to connect with them. They’re willing to help. Your CA, Commuter Mentor or Peer Leader is also more than willing to share advice along the way, no matter what it is, even if it’s just forming a study group or something like that.”

— Kara Henderson, photography courtesy of Breanna Tomsey