Community Crawl: Things to do in Pittsburgh neighborhood by neighborhood - Emily Heiser

 Pittsburgh is like a patchwork quilt; the energy of the city revolves around its many neighborhoods, each with its own history and unique draws.  Whether you’ve lived here 5 months or 5 years, there’s always something new to see. Let’s explore some of these areas of the city and my personal favorite spots, starting with those closest to campus!

*Free admission for Pitt students

Oakland

The hub of academics and health care in the city, Oakland, is where we find the University and our school of public health. Around us are UPMC Magee, Presbyterian, and even more hospitals, clinics, and research centers that make up a large part of Pittsburgh’s biomedical influence (not to mention clinic sites!). Whether you’re looking for a museum to explore or the perfect study spot, Oakland has so much to offer. 

Favorite Bite to Eat: The Porch

Favorite Coffee: Divvy 

Favorite Place to Get Lost: Carnegie Museum of Art & Natural History*

Top Spot: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden*

 

Shadyside

Shadyside has a few main streets full of businesses and restaurants. I see it as the best place in the city for a social outing, and some of the best food! A walk down Walnut Street on a nice spring day is a perfect destress activity. 

Favorite Bite to Eat: Kujira!!!

Favorite Coffee: Delanie’s

Favorite Place to Get Lost: Shadyside Art Festival

Top Spot: Kards Unlimited

  

Squirrel Hill

Squirrel Hill is where I lived my first semester, along with several other cohort members! Murray Ave has many unique businesses to explore, and Squirrel Hill is right next door to Schenley Park, one of my personal favorite spots in the city. It’s also a quick drive across the river to the waterfront, where you can find AMC Theater, Dave and Busters, and many more shopping choices. 

Favorite Bite to Eat: Squirrel Hill Cafe

Favorite Coffee: Meccha Matcha

Favorite Place to Get Lost: Squirrel Hill Night Market

Top Spot: Pigeon Bagels

 

East Liberty

East Lib is where I go for the essentials. On my shopping days, I can stop at Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Target, PetSmart, Home Depot, and grab a bite to eat. Another great area for students to live and commute to school. 

Favorite Bite to Eat: Dancing Crab Thai

Favorite Coffee: Margaux

Favorite Place to Get Lost: Bakery Square 

Top Spot: Trader Joe’s

 

Strip District

I love Sunday mornings in the Strip, starting of course with Pamela’s Hotcakes and a drink from one of the many coffee shops. Historic businesses like Enrico’s bakery, Penn Mac, and Wholey’s Fish Market are just a short walk from modern night life at the Puttshack, Aslin Beer Company, and Novo Food Hall. Wandering down the terminal I’ve found a go-to nail salon and the cutest plant shop. 

Favorite Bite to Eat: Pamela’s Diner

Favorite Coffee: Allegheny Coffee Co. 

Favorite Place to Get Lost: Heinz History Museum

Top Spot: Wholey’s Fish Market

 

Cultural District

The Cultural District is the coolest part of downtown! I’ve been to many shows between the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, and the orchestra at Heinz Hall. It’s the best area for arts and entertainment, and you can stop by Howl at the Moon after a show to keep the night going with some music. Plus, all roads lead down to Point Park, where firework shows, pop-up concerts, and festivals can fill many Saturdays. 

Favorite Bite to Eat: Proper Brick Oven and Tap House

Favorite Drink: The Spritzery

Favorite Place to Get Lost: Three Rivers Heritage Trail

Top Spot: The Benedum Center

 

North Shore

The North Shore proves why Pittsburgh is great whether you’re a sports fan, music lover, or both. I won’t forget the division championship Raven’s-Steelers Game, or Noah Kahan at Stage AE. Also, home to Allegheny General Hospital (Featured on The Pitt) and North Shore Riverfront Park. 

Favorite Bite to Eat: Burgatory

Favorite Drink: Too many to pick from ;)

Favorite Place to Get Lost: The Science Center

Top Spot: The National Aviary

South Side

Another busy area for students! Carson Street has so many fun businesses and restaurants, not to mention even more over at South Side Works. 

Fav Coffee: Delanie’s (Again)

Favorite Place to Get Lost (In the chocolate sauce): Page’s Dairy

Fav Food: Urban Tap (Shout out to trivia night!)

Top Spot: Ascend Climbing Gym

 

These are just a few of the dozens of neighborhoods that make up the beautiful city of Pittsburgh. I hope you’ve found some new places to try across the city, if you’re coming to stay or just for a visit. Social life and self-care are such an important part of grad school, and I couldn’t imagine building relationships with cohort members or finding so much time in nature anywhere else. 

How My Experience as a GCA Has Helped Me in Grad School - Abby Johnson

 

Coming into Pitt’s graduate program, I had worked for 2 years as a genetic counseling assistant (GCA) in a pediatric neurogenetic clinic. And while working as a GCA is absolutely not a requirement for getting into the program (my classmates especially have a very diverse background of experiences), I learned a lot as a GCA, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience for me. Some of the most valuable skills I gained were ones that didn’t seem so significant while I was working as a GCA but translated well to my knowledge base as a student.

As a GCA, I was very involved in the genetic counseling process from start to finish. This included chart review for patients coming in, drafting genetic testing orders, uploading reports once we received them, and calling out non-diagnostic results. Having this holistic understanding of what a genetic counseling session involves was helpful for me when first starting classes. I was already prepared for the level of knowledge we’re supposed to have as genetic counselors and I was familiar with concepts like testing options, how to decide on a test, and what concerns patients might bring into a session. This practical knowledge on the logistics of a session helped me take more away from my classes because I knew what the most important things to focus on were and what questions I could ask to fully understand the context of the information I was learning.

On a more patient-focused level, I also greatly benefited from the amount of shadowing and counseling exposure I had as a GCA. Coming into school, I was comfortable speaking to patients on the phone and in-person for sessions, which seems like a small thing, but has really helped me feel more confident going into simulated patient sessions and rotations. I also learned many soft skills from watching different genetic counselors in a multitude of patient situations. In classes we learn about skills that we can use in patient sessions, and having seen these in-person, I am able to better connect and understand the utility of many of these skills. The everyday exposure to appropriate and culturally sensitive language is another thing that has stuck with me. I feel better prepared to explain and talk about genetic concepts and disorders in a way that avoids language that may trigger judgement, blame, or negative connotation. Skills like this come more naturally from greater exposure to genetic counseling as a whole and working in a space dominated by genetic counselors.

As useful as this experience has been for me, I do want to reiterate again that it is absolutely not required to have GCA experience in order to be successful in grad school! Many of the skills I learned are not unique to a GCA job, either. There are so many experiences where you can become comfortable speaking with patients or learn to be mindful about your language. You can also learn so much from shadowing experiences and other exposures such as listening to genetic counseling podcasts or reading current literature. One thing I love about my cohort at Pitt is that each of my classmates bring in such different experiences, and I can see how those experiences have been helpful for them in their journey as well.

The last thing I want to say about my experience as a GCA is that I was able to get to know many different genetic counselors on a professional and personal level. Developing these relationships helped me feel more confident that I was in the right place. Every genetic counselor I worked with inspired me so much info many different ways and I am truly honored to be able to join them as a colleague in the future.

Food for the Soul: Finding Community through Food as a Pittsburgh Transplant - Julie Borovicka

 

    My first night in Pittsburgh, sitting in an empty apartment surrounded by boxes, my partner and I ate homemade pizza and a Caesar salad, made for us by my sister to welcome us to the city. I didn’t know it at the time, but food would become the catalyst for the formation and growth of many of my friendships in Pittsburgh.

    As our GC cohort of 11 got to know one another (and other friends from the Human Genetics department!), food was central to our larger gatherings from the beginning. We were welcomed to the city early in the semester by our second-year GC friends with a picnic in Mellen Park, and we ventured out to try new restaurants as a way to get to know the city and each other. As a new school year in an unfamiliar city loomed on the horizon, these connections made the transition a little less intimidating.

    Our food-related gatherings have only grown in magnitude since then. In November, we gathered for a truly formidable Friendsgiving feast – complete with a 25-pound turkey, side dishes galore, and pies, trifles, and tarts to finish. December brought on a cookie exchange party, with everyone bringing a batch of their favorite cookies to share and a large tin to swap cookies with friends. In the cold of winter and the stressfulness of final exams, these meetups were a much-needed brain break and source of whimsy (and sugar!). Each time we gather with each other to enjoy a meal, I am reminded that food can be a form of self-care – that sharing food nourishes not only our bodies, but also our emotional health. As we eat, we get to know one another better, sharing jokes, stories, and memories. 

                  

                  Friends at Friendsgiving           Cookies, ready to be exchanged

The connections I have made over these meals have added richness and joy to my life here in Pittsburgh, and for the rest of my post, I wanted to share some ways to start building a community that will nourish you, both physically and emotionally. So, without further ado, some ideas for building fellowship around food as you navigate a new city:

1. Host a dinner party

Hosting a dinner party doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Make a Partiful invite, ask new classmates to bring a dish to share, and encourage them to add to the guest list, and I promise you will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of new friends (and food) that show up. 

2. Rally a group to try a restaurant you’re curious about

I have found some of my favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh this way! If you’re already planning to head to check out a new place yourself, go one step further and send out a quick text and invite friends to come along.  

3. Volunteer at a local organization

Get involved at organizations like Community Kitchen or Ronald McDonald House, where you can volunteer alone or as part of a group to help prepare a hot meal, or at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, which has a number of opportunities available. This is a great way to both meet new people, give back to your greater community, and establish a regular volunteering commitment, if you’re interested in doing so.

4. If it’s nice outside, have a picnic in a local park

This is a great way to pair food with enjoying one of Pittsburgh’s beautiful parks – take advantage of the great weather and bring a blanket, a good book or a frisbee, and a picnic basket full of goodies to a park like Schenley, Frick, or Mellon to get out and see a little more of the community. Encourage friends to drop by while you’re there, or organize an impromptu game of ultimate frisbee or soccer.

5. Try out a food-related festival

To get to know the city of Pittsburgh better, why not try out one of its many food festivals? Local favorites like Picklesburgh and Pierogi Festival bring the city together, showcasing its quirky personality, some of its best and favorite foods, and often offer the bonus of live music and local art vendors to peruse, too. 

6. Keep an eye out for neighborhood gatherings

This is a tip that I have learned from living in my specific neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Friendship. The week that my partner and I moved into our apartment, we noticed signs posted for a block party and decided to attend. While enjoying a meal of burgers and hotdogs, we got to meet some of our neighbors. Since then, we have also attended our neighborhood Friendsgiving and cookie exchange, and always keep an eye out for the next neighborhood gathering. Getting to know our immediate neighbors means that our walks down the street are filled with more familiar faces and has expanded our sense of community in Pittsburgh beyond work and school.

    My parting advice to anyone looking to find friends in a new city? Go where the food is – community will always be close by. I hope this column has given you some practical advice for taking your first steps towards new meals, new recipes, and new friends. Happy eating!

Grad School Survival Guide: Working (Full Time) - Stephanie Spano

 
Most people call me crazy, but I am balancing a full time job while in my first year in the genetic counseling program at Pitt. It’s been a lot, but the good news is I am living proof that it can be done! I won’t lie, it’s hard, can be chaotic, and some days I am solely powered by caffeine and sheer willpower. In my experience so far, it has been totally worth every late night and early morning. Full disclosure, I am working as a GCA and have been in my position for almost 4 years. I am extremely fortunate to work with amazing genetic counselors and other staff who fully support my decision to work and go to school. For me, choosing to work while in school was a no-brainer, but it has not been easy.  It stretches your time, your energy, and a lot of your sanity, but it has also been rewarding in ways I did not expect. My survival guide boils down to three things: time management, self-care, and a planner that will become your second brain.

1. Time Management Isn’t Optional… It’s Survival

When you’re working 40 up to hours a week and tackling grad-level coursework, time becomes your most valuable currency. You can’t afford to “wing it.”
A few strategies that saved me:

• Time Boundaries: Assign specific hours for work you and school you and stick to it. Having clear boundaries helps me to not feel overwhelmed. When I am at work, I try not to focus on school and vice versa. You also need to build in dedicated hours outside of work or class for YOU. Use that time for errands, fun, and rest.

• Use Every Spare Moment: Those 20 minutes between work or before class add up. I use that time to tackle quick tasks like reviewing notes, checking emails, or even just preparing for the next day or week ahead.

The goal is to make every moment of the day intentional.

2. Self-Care Is Non-Negotiable

When life gets busy, self-care is usually the first thing to go. Ironically, it’s the one thing that keeps you functioning. When I met with Jodie right before starting my first semester, the first thing she asked me when I told her I would be working full time was what my plan was for self-care. Luckily, I have found that self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate:

• Walking from work to class instead of taking the bus helps me to clear my head

• Having a consistent sleep schedule

• Saying “no” to optional commitments (it’s ok if you just want to lay on the couch for a night!)

• Eating real meals instead of surviving on caffeine and adrenaline (which I will admit I’m working to get better at this – shoutout to my wonderful husband for making sure I stay fed!)

• Get the sweet treat!

Burnout is real, and when it hits you, it comes without warning. Protect your peace.

3. A Good Planner Will Save Your Life

This truly is the secret weapon. For me, if I don’t write it down, it’s not happening. Having a planner makes sure I never miss an assignment or deadline. A planner also helps me feel organized, which reduces stress. I use my planner to:

• Track weekly homework deadlines

• Plan ahead for heavy weeks

• Plan time with friends or for something fun!

The key is consistency. If it’s not written down, it doesn’t exist.
Working full time while going to grad school full time is intense, but it’s also been incredibly empowering once I found my rhythm. I’ve learned to prioritize, communicate, and manage my energy, all skills that will make me a stronger genetic counselor!

Finding Community in a New City - Sarah O'Connell

 

Finding Community in a New City

The first time I ever went to Pittsburgh was the day I moved into my new apartment. I’ve moved to different cities before, and just like in Pittsburgh, I didn’t know anyone. I made friends, got involved in the community, and established a new place to call home. Then for school I had to move away from all of that and start again. I was so excited to get into Pitt’s program, but I was also nervous to start from scratch all over again. Luckily, I wasn’t completely alone in this, I instantly had 11 new friends to do this with me, my cohort!

The day I moved into my apartment was also the day I met my new roommate and classmate, Taylor! Together, we started exploring our neighborhood, visiting the nearby farmer’s market, and figuring out the public transportation system (which was way easier than we expected!). That first week, we met our welcoming neighbors and kind landlords. Suddenly, this new city became a lot less scary.

As orientation and classes began, I was eager to get to know everyone. Before school, no one in my life really knew what genetic counseling was. I found that these friendships were especially meaningful as my classmates not only understood but also connected with the field. Quickly, we began making plans outside of class. Over time, we somehow established weekly or monthly traditions: trivia Tuesdays, study sessions, movie nights, craft nights, or sushi outings. Moving somewhere new can be intimidating, but it's a lot less scary when you have 11 new friends going through it with you!

Outside of School:

Connecting with my classmates was just the start of finding my community in Pittsburgh. I knew that I would need an outlet where I could participate in other activities and connect to people outside of academics. But how else do we find community? What else is there to get involved in? Here are some of the communities I have found in Pittsburgh:

City of Bridges Run Club

With over 500 members ranging from adults in their 20s to their 80s, this is the perfect way to become a part of a community of people with a similar interest. Almost every day of the week an organized run is held in different parts of the city. This pushed me to explore various parts of Pittsburgh I probably wouldn’t have seen otherwise and talk to so many new people. The club also held events like “Relays and Ritas,” fundraisers for local organizations like Cancer Bridges, rooftop yoga, free physical therapy, and Medal Mondays with free Moe’s!

 

After the winter, when the snow cleared away, the track season began. Every Monday the group met at the Schenley oval for a track workout. Running to our favorite songs, bringing snacks to devour afterwards, and watching the beautiful sunset over the city, Monday’s became my favorite day of the week.

Making friends takes time, but the warmth and encouragement from so many friendly faces kept me coming back. Before I knew it, I had a new friend group that motivated me to run my first marathon!

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

At the start of the marathon training season, a kickoff event was held that included a group run with tents full of several organizations runners could fundraise for. This is where I discovered the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! After learning more about CF and the incredible work the foundation does I felt passionate about joining the team. I signed up for the Breath Team and fundraised for CF throughout my training. The coaches, volunteers, and managers automatically made me feel like part of the team. They regularly checked in, offered support, and gave helpful advice for training and fundraising throughout the season. Each Wednesday, we met at the Cathedral of Learning (Cathy!) to walk 34 flights of stairs on repeat in preparation for the race. I found new ways to fundraise like March Madness, pizza fundraisers, and joining other races. On the day of the marathon I was struggling, the team not only cheered me on, but also came out and ran with me. I am so grateful to have found such a supportive community that I will continue to be a part of.

 

Other Activities:

If trivia or running are not your thing, that’s okay! There are so many ways to make a community in Pittsburgh! Here are some other opportunities my friends and classmates have gotten involved in:

●       Art festivals and music festivals

○       Northside music festival: https://www.northsidemusicfestival.com/

○       Jazz festival: https://pittsburghjazzfest.org/

○       Shadyside arts festival, Jam on walnut, and more: https://www.thinkshadyside.com/events-1

●       The University's intramural sports teams

○      https://www.imleagues.com/spa/intramural/d0682aa310d141a78e1d1b58ac087184/home 

●       Free confident city biking lessons

○       https://bikepgh.org/our-work/education/classes/

●       Free climbing once a month at Ascend’s Affinity Session for BIPOC and QFTW

○     https://www.ascendclimbing.com/programs/community/affinity-sessions

●       Free yoga in Schenley park every Thursday

○     https://3riversoutdoor.com/blogs/events/yoga-in-the-plaza?srsltid=AfmBOooAXW7xNAlI09ck6k4n5bT8z26WkWSZudCKZLGBv0DuI64d0B60

●       Free Tennis lessons

○       https://highlandparktennisclub.org/

●       City of Bridges Run Club

○       https://www.cityofbridgesrunclub.com/group-runs

●       Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Breath team):

○       https://breatheteam.cff.org/

●       Volunteering with one of the many local organizations in Pittsburgh!

Truthfully, moving can be hard and community takes time to build, but don’t let that stop you from putting yourself out there. I hope this inspires you to move somewhere new, talk to your neighbors, make new friends, get involved in local organizations, or go to an event you are interested in even if you are alone! No matter what you try next, you'll have your 11 new friends to support you!

My Journey as an International Student at Pitt - Shruti Bhansali

Moving across the world for graduate school can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this post, I share my experiences as an international student—from the first few weeks of adjustment to discovering resources, building community, and learning the importance of self-care along the way.

The First Few Weeks: Finding My Footing

When I first arrived, I leaned heavily on my family here in the U.S. to guide me through everyday things—how things worked, what to expect, and how to adjust. At the same time, I stayed closely connected with my family back in India, speaking to them every day. That connection gave me comfort and stability during those first overwhelming weeks.

Building Community Through Student Organizations

One of the best decisions I made was reaching out to other international students. Talking to people who had gone through the same experience made me feel less alone. At Pitt, there are student organizations for students from many different countries. These groups are wonderful for finding a sense of belonging and for celebrating our cultures together. Cultural events not only keep traditions alive but also help us feel a little more at home, even when we’re far away.

Self-Care on Campus

Graduate school can feel stressful at times, so I quickly realized the importance of self-care. Starting grad school has helped me realize that self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming. It can simply be an activity that takes your mind off worry or anxiety. For me, that means a few minutes of meditation, working out, or even going for a walk. Just spending a few minutes on self-care can help reduce stress, prevent burnout, and build resilience.

Pitt’s campus makes it easy to explore different ways to unwind—whether that’s painting sessions, using the gym, joining workout classes, swimming, or trying yoga and meditation. Personally, I’ve found meditation and exercise to be my best tools for managing stress and staying focused. My advice to every new student is to find at least one activity that helps you recharge. And if you ever need additional support, the university and the School of Public Health have counselors available to talk to.

Resources for International Students

For specific guidance, the Office of International Services (OIS) is an incredible resource. Whether it’s about travel, maintaining your student status, or preparing for future work opportunities, the OIS staff are always ready to help. They also organize events and provide guides to help international students better understand American culture, food, language, and daily life.

After three years at Pitt, I’ve come to appreciate the huge adjustment that comes with moving to a new country. Everything—from lifestyle and traditions to social norms—can feel different at first. Talking to people who have been through it before, staying connected with family, and leaning on campus resources all made my transition much smoother. The program leadership have also been very understanding and supportive towards me, which has made a big difference in feeling supported as a student.

Looking back, the transition was never easy, but with the right support systems and a willingness to embrace new experiences, it becomes not just manageable—but incredibly rewarding.

Electives for a GC Student - Think Outside the (Boards) Box! - Rina Mahoney

As an alumna of Pitt’s MPH in Public Health Genetics program, I was thrilled when I found out I had matched to Pitt’s Genetic Counseling program. Not only did I get to return to a school that felt like home, but I also knew that given the overlap in the two programs’ curricula, I would have some room in my schedule to take electives. Ultimately, while much of our program curriculum is devoted to teaching us the things we need to know to pass the boards and to succeed in clinic, there are many other aspects of being a functioning genetic counselor that electives can help to cultivate.

My hope is that any future Pitt GC student who comes in to the program with existing graduate credits can use this list as a jumping-off point when thinking about what electives they might like to take. Or, perhaps this list can provide some elective inspiration to prospective GC students who are looking to round out their undergraduate educations.

Introduction to Community Health – BCHS 2554

If you’re thinking about applying to the Pitt GC Program, odds are that you have at least a casual interest in public health. For me, the most crucial aspect of any public health initiative is productively engaging and respecting the community where the program will take place. This course emphasized practical strategies for building trustworthiness with potential community partners and encouraged thoughtful reflection on what makes the populations with whom we are interested in working unique. We also read about many past and present examples of community-specific, participatory interventions. My favorite example was Freedom House, the first ever modern Emergency Medical Service in this country, which was run by Black Pittsburgh residents. The book detailing the story of Freedom House, American Sirens by Kevin Hazzard, should be required reading for any aspiring healthcare or public health professional. (Plus, the writing is phenomenal.) As a future genetic counselor, there may be times where I seek to engage different patient populations or expand services in different areas, and this course gave me some of the tools to think about how best to go about those endeavors collaboratively.

Introduction to R – EPIDEM 2186

I will be the first person to admit that I have no idea how computers work. Therefore, I have always felt a not-insignificant level of dread when I have to use any statistical software to do class assignments or research tasks. I decided to challenge myself and take a class in R to try to mitigate that dread, and this class did actually help! The professor started out very slowly, and I never felt like I was in over my head. I learned about objects, functions, packages, data cleaning and management, and even how to easily create publication-ready tables and figures. The course was very hands-on, and we practiced the things we learned each week in real-time. Genetic counselors are often involved in research projects, so it is nice to have at least some working knowledge of how the statistical software works in the background. I still prefer counseling over coding, but I now feel much more prepared to do the latter.

Genetic Conditions & Public Health Programs – HUGEN 2056

As someone with an MPH in Public Health Genetics, this course spoke directly to my soul. It covered both current public health genetics initiatives as well as the details of the genetic conditions that these initiatives address. Such initiatives covered included newborn screening, pharmacogenetics programs, and state cancer control plans. These lectures provided insight on where the patients we see as genetic counselors might first interface with genetics and why these programs are vital. The main assignments in this course were long-form presentations on different genetic conditions targeted to audiences of varying backgrounds. After preparing and delivering these presentations, I now feel quite comfortable with the conditions on which I presented (ask me anything about Long QT Syndrome, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2, or Fabry Disease). I also feel more practiced at tailoring the information about a specific condition to a given audience. Genetic counselors share information not only with patients but also with other genetic counselors and other healthcare providers, so I felt that this practice in determining which pieces of information are most important to share and in delivering that information at the right level was invaluable. The presentations were also a great way to practice public speaking in a low-stakes environment, which is helpful in building confidence for the bigger presentations to come in my education and career.

Death & Dying – HHD 2023

Conversations that touch on death can be common in genetic counseling appointments, whether in talking to a patient about family members they have lost to cancer, discussing a person's pregnancy loss, or discussing how someone's genetic condition can increase the likelihood of an untimely death. I tend to get pretty emotional when talking about death, so I felt that it was important both to practice talking about death and to gain new perspectives on dying. This course covered many topics related to death, ranging from different cultures’ conceptualizations of death, death with dignity, and types of grief. Some of the most impactful assignments were those that encouraged us to reflect on our own relationships with death. We wrote our own obituaries and chronicled the significant losses we’ve experienced. These reflective assignments helped me think critically about what specific genetic counseling patient scenarios might bring up difficult feelings for me and open the door for countertransference. I know that the name of the course seems gloomy, but I really think the concepts covered will make me a better genetic counselor (and a better person). If you are interested in learning more, I highly recommend watching some of the videos on the YouTube channel Ask a Mortician. We watched these videos a lot in class, and I found them quite approachable.

Overall, I feel very fortunate to have had the ability to take some of these less-traditional courses in tandem with my genetic counseling classes. Each provided practical skills, new perspectives, and opportunities for reflection. When searching for an elective next semester, I encourage you to think creatively about how each of your options might help you develop in a nonconventional way!