The Peace of Wild Things: A Non-Exhaustive Exploration of Pittsburgh's Parks and Green Spaces - Alison Cercy

The Peace of Wild Things

Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

In my previous life, I worked for a land conservation non-profit. Even though my career has shifted, I maintain a deep-seated admiration of and belief in the value of green spaces. From a public health perspective (Pitt’s GC program is housed in the university’s school of Public Health), green spaces provide tangible and direct benefits to the health of local communities. These areas can act as carbon sinks, protect against erosion and other natural disasters, and provide habitat and food for endemic species of flora and fauna.

There is also proof that proximity to and time spent in nature can increase your mental health status. In a 2024 study published in Nature, spending time in greenspaces was linked to lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Pittsburgh is a moderately sized city, but has an incredible ratio of green spaces and parks for its population.

Self-care is a life-long pursuit of balance, but especially important in times of increased stress and responsibility, such as graduate school. Like Wendell Berry, I find time in nature to bring an always welcome perspective and sense of peace. Taking the time to do this allows me to be a better student, counselor, friend, and community member.

With that in mind, here is a (non-exhaustive) list of some of Pittsburgh’s finest parks and natural spaces.

o   Cathedral Lawn/Schenley Plaza  

§  Starting small, these are two green spaces directly on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus. Both the lawn directly around the Cathedral of Learning and the grass plaza across from the Cathedral and the Carnegie Library (a favorite study spot of mine) are very close to the GC classes. These are great spots to sit, read, eat lunch, or join in a game of volleyball (if that’s your thing, I lack the hand-eye coordination).

   

§  If you’ve forgotten to pack a lunch, the Schenley plaza has a few restaurants and an ice cream shop on the side, or you can grab a coffee from Yinz Coffee inside of the Carnegie library 

o  

 o Schenley park 

§  This park is one of Pittsburgh’s crown jewels. It’s located between Oakland and Squirrel Hill, and is just a short walk from campus over the bridge by the Carnegie Library.

§  Whatever your outdoor vice, Schenley probably has it covered. For running, walking, or biking, the park has miles of flat gravel and single-track trails that weave throughout the park. You can often spot deer on the trails or, if you’re lucky, you may get a glimpse of the owl family under the Schenley bridge.

§  The park also boasts multiple fields that are perfect for sitting, watching the clouds go by, reading, or napping. There is a complex with tennis and pickleball courts, a soccer field, track, and 1km gravel oval, as well as playgrounds, a pool (operational in the summer), a disc golf course, and an ice skating rink (in the winter)

§  Phipps Conservatory is also housed in Schenley park, and changes plant exhibitions every few months. Entrance is free with a pitt student ID

o   Frick park 

§  Frick Park is located between Squirrel Hill and the Point Breeze/Regent Square neighborhoods. This park has a baseball field, clay tennis courts, and playground on the Regent Square side of the park, but its main feature is its access to nature.

§   The park is situated on Fern Hollow creek, and boasts miles of trails. Beloved by mountain bikers, trail runners, and casual walkers alike, the trail system is such that you can enjoy anything from a short stroll to a long wander in the woods. In the winter, the bare trees allow good views and in the summer the foliage easily leads you to believe you’re on a hike far outside of the city.

§  There are also plenty of lovely spots to sit and read or watch the clouds go by and, if you’re lucky, you may even catch a performance of Shakespeare in the park in the summer!

o   

o   Highland park 

§  This park is located in the Highland Park neighborhood, between the Allegheny River and East Liberty, and right next to the zoo. There are plenty of walking trails, and the reservoir at the top of the park has a track around it for laps. For laps of another kind, the park has an Olympic size swimming pool that is a great place to cool off from the summer heat!

o   Mellon Park 

§  The smallest of the parks on this list, this is my most frequented. Mellon Park is located on fifth avenue between Shadyside and Point Breeze. There is a lovely walled garden at the top of the hill in the park, and plenty of greenspace and picnic tables to be enjoyed with a book or a picnic. If you visit on the right weekend, you might also catch the Makers Market at the adjacent Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media

Crisis Counseling for GC School: Diverse Paths to Building Psychosocial Skills - Taylor Salvigsen

When applying to GC programs, one common prerequisite or recommended component is crisis counseling experience. These experiences can help build foundational psychosocial skills, foster advocacy and resource awareness, and contribute to our personal growth. For many this may feel like an unfamiliar form of advocacy experience and perhaps uncomfortable at times, regardless of having lots of exposure and experience in this area or none at all (totally ok if the latter!). 

I personally put a lot of pressure on myself when exploring options to walk alongside others in hard moments because it felt like I didn’t know what I was doing (which was true at times) and let my own discomfort define what that could look like. This personal mindset really shifted when a mentor at an internship told me: “Advocacy is not something that can be taught, it’s something that must be lived”. 

That was a two-part lightbulb moment for me, because: 1. Counseling is not a solo journey- there are people to guide you and appropriate training in most cases! 2. I needed to recognize that all advocacy work is an opportunity to be teachable. Many of these skills are built through exposure and based on the unique experience someone has had that no preparation can predict. As I have gained experience in crisis counseling and am now in graduate school, where I can directly apply some of those skills and have a heightened sensitivity to others' lived experiences, I cannot emphasize enough how true that statement is. 

My journey before pursuing GC, consisted of involvement in respite care for children with intellectual and physical disabilities and working in on-campus peer counseling. After discovering GC as a career path, I intentionally sought out crisis counseling- specific opportunities, such as volunteering with Crisis Text Line. While the training was excellent and the experience invaluable, I never felt it was the right fit for me. Though it can feel guilt-inducing to acknowledge this about a volunteer experience, I believe it is important to connect with what personally speaks to us. We each have unique life stories that shape where we may find fulfillment and use our innate skills best. Eventually, I pivoted to facilitating peer support at a local grief center for children and their families. This environment allowed me to thrive and learn in ways that aligned with my passions, challenging me to grow that much more. 

A takeaway from my story would be that building psychosocial skills doesn’t have to look one specific way, and it can be specific to you. If you are currently pursuing or looking into experiences like these, you do not need multiple opportunities, but you should get involved in ways that are meaningful to you! This approach will not only make your journey more impactful but will also make your reflections on these experiences stand out in your GC application process. You’ll have a genuine, personal story to share. For example, my classmates pursued a variety of paths they were passionate about including: volunteering with the Trevor Project, volunteering at local domestic violence shelters, working with Covid-19 relief efforts, and helping at summer camps for individuals with genetic conditions- among others. All that to be said, the word “counseling” does not have to be in the name of what you choose to pursue to be growing psychosocial skillsets. There are countless opportunities out there that touch on empathy, listening skills, importance of body language etc., it’s not a one size fits all. 

On a final note, I strongly encourage approaching counseling and advocacy work as so much more than a pre-requisite. As with anything, an opportunity can often be what you make of it. For me it’s produced some of the most transformative moments in my education and personal life. It has truly only solidified my desire and equipped me to be in this field and I wish the same for you!

Grad School Study Tips & Favorite Study Spots in Pittsburgh - Claire Magill

 

Grad school is a challenge, there’s no doubt about it. Adjusting to the pace, depth, and application-based learning can take some time, but with the right study strategies and a supportive environment, you’ll find your rhythm before you know it!

Genetic counseling school emphasizes applying knowledge rather than simply memorizing facts. Since our work is so interactive, we need to develop skills, not just recall information. This is often different from undergraduate coursework, so it’s important to approach studying with a fresh perspective.

One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is that it’s okay to not know everything! You’re here to learn how to become a genetic counselor, there’s no expectation that you already know how to do that. Embracing discomfort and uncertainty is part of the process. Your faculty and cohort are there to support you, and asking questions is encouraged.

Another tip is to take advantage of the depth of knowledge that faculty have. Office hours are an amazing opportunity to get further clarification on topics you find challenging, and faculty are always willing to meet one-on-one for deeper discussions. The welcoming and supportive nature of the program makes all the difference as you navigate this learning curve.

The next tip is to lean on your cohort! One of my favorite aspects of Pitt’s genetic counseling program is the non-competitive collaborative environment fostered by both faculty and students. The support from classmates is invaluable, especially when it comes to studying. Group study sessions are a game-changer. Each person in the cohort brings unique perspectives, and teaching others is one of the best ways to reinforce your own understanding. It’s reassuring to know that everyone genuinely wants each other to succeed, it makes all the difference in the grad school experience.

Now that we’ve covered study strategies, let’s talk about where to study! Pittsburgh offers a variety of great spots, both on and off campus, to keep studying fresh and enjoyable.

On-Campus Study Spots:

Public Health Building: The genetic counseling program is housed in the School of Public Health and has great study spaces. The third floor Human Genetics department has a lounge which is perfect for working on projects and collaborating with classmates. My cohort and I do group work here as well as eat our lunch and hangout between classes! If you need a silent space, the designated quiet study room, affectionately nicknamed "quiet jail” is ideal for focused work. These are great study spots on campus between classes.

Cathedral of Learning: The Cathedral of Learning, also called Cathy by students, is the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere. The architecture inside gives major Hogwarts vibes, making it a fun study spot when you need a change of scenery to keep you going.

 

Off-Campus Study Spots:

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Just a short walk from the public health building, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Oakland is both beautiful and functional. With a variety of seating options, it’s a great place for solo or group study sessions. There are other locations throughout Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods which may be close to your apartment for weekend studying.

 

 

Delanie’s in Shadyside: One of my absolute favorite coffee shops for both drinks and the cozy study vibes! They have fantastic seasonal drinks, and the atmosphere is great for getting work done. 

One of the perks of living in a city is the endless number of coffee shops, libraries, and unique study spaces to explore. Trying out different spots keeps studying fresh, helps you discover new favorite places, and makes the process more enjoyable.

While studying in grad school may feel different from undergrad, you’ll find your groove. The material is relevant, engaging, and directly tied to your future career, making it all the more exciting to learn. I can’t wait to see how my own study habits and favorite spots evolve over the next year!

Do It Scared: Adjusting to Life in Grad School - Kathryn Mierzejewski

 

As a prospective student, one of the ways I gained exposure to the field of genetic counseling was by conducting informational interviews with genetic counselors in a variety of specialties and roles across the country. One of the questions I asked in all of these conversations was if the genetic counselor felt that their undergraduate education and other job experiences had prepared them for their graduate school experience. I heard a variety of responses. Some felt that they were adequately prepared. Others felt like they underwent a big leap into their grad program, rather than an ideal smooth transition.

I asked this question in particular because I had a deep-seated fear about adjusting to life in graduate school and wanted to hear more perspectives. I was applying right out of undergrad and did not have any full-time work experience, so I worried about seeming less professional than others. I didn’t get perfect grades in college, so I worried that I would not be able to keep up in class. I had not worked as a genetic counseling assistant, so I worried about having less knowledge about the field than others did. Imposter syndrome is a very real thing! I also felt nervous about moving to a new city all alone and making a life for myself in Pittsburgh. 

Looking back on those feelings a year later, I would love to tell myself that I did not get where I am today by accident. I have found adjusting to life in the Pitt GC program to be personally and professionally enriching, and challenging in good ways. My cohort has such a wide variety of lived experiences, which means they all give the best advice and tell the best stories. This includes myself– I have learned that I also bring a unique perspective to the table. While our classes certainly aren’t easy, I feel so connected to my purpose for being here every day. I am much closer to my graduate school classmates than I was in my undergraduate courses and have learned how valuable those personal connections can be for support on a daily basis. I’ve also really grown to value the confidence-building model that our faculty here at Pitt intentionally employ. Experiences such as simulated patients and observational clinic days have allowed me to gradually build up my knowledge before I enter my clinical rotations this summer. 

Adjusting to a new city and Pittsburgh itself has been such a fun adventure. For example, I felt so energized by the idea that anywhere I went to eat next could be my new all-time favorite restaurant, and that I had so many new museums to check out. Now that I’ve settled in I love having friends from my hometown and my college come to visit so I can share my new home with them. This city and its people have been so approachable, down-to-earth, and welcoming. I have been able to make time for my hobbies (even adopting new ones) and pursue volunteer opportunities in the city. I am, of course, now a Steelers fan. 

One of my favorite sayings that I think really applies to the adjustment into graduate school is “do it scared”. You might not feel entirely confident and every day may not be perfect, but the important part is showing up and doing it anyway. My life looks very different from how it did a year ago and changes of this magnitude are never easy, but they are certainly worthwhile. I am so glad to be where I am today!