Global Cultural Studies Alumna Chosen for PULSE Pittsburgh Fellowship Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Meet Casy Stelitano
Fellowship: Program Coordinator at Pittsburghers for Public Transit through PULSE
Degree earned: Bachelor of Arts in Global Cultural Studies, 2014
College activities: President of the Honors Student Organization, treasurer of the Global Cultural Studies Club and member of the Student Solidarity Organization
Scholarships from Point Park: Presidential Scholarship
Hometown: North Side and Shaler sections of Pittsburgh, Pa.
High school: Oakland Catholic High School
Now living in: Highland Park neighborhood of Pittsburgh
Hobbies/interests: Activism, human rights issues, social justice, music and writing
LinkedIn: Casy Stelitano
How did you land your fellowship with PULSE?
I originally found the fellowship through the Career Development Center's web pages. PULSE chose 32 fellows out of around 100 applicants. I knew instantly that PULSE was something I had to do. Most of my college career was filled with learning about injustices and inequities worldwide and PULSE felt like a way to dive in and do something. I feel really lucky to be in this fellowship program.
In what ways have your global cultural studies classes helped you in this position?
I think the critical thinking skills and eagerness to fight for social justice issues that I developed during my time as a global cultural studies major really helped me land this fellowship. The GCS professors teach you how to ask the hard questions, combat societal injustices and relate personal struggles to social issues. It can be all too easy for us to get caught up in our own lives and miss out on how interconnected we are with our struggles.
From the very first GCS class I took, I was hooked into a new way of thinking. This thinking isn't based on simply accepting the way the world is and works but challenging the thoughts and ideas that we take for granted. The GCS program teaches you to think independently, systematically and creatively. PULSE is designed to help make social change and progress in Pittsburgh a more tangible goal for young graduates through servant leadership. PULSE and my placement at Pittsburghers for Public Transit have challenged me to put theory into practice and find a way to make real change possible.
Discuss the many college activities you were involved with at Point Park and the impact they've had on you.
As a member of the Student Solidarity Organization and GCS Club, I sought to help make Point Park's campus a more transparent and equitable space. I learned a lot about the role activism plays in creating social change from the awesome students who run these clubs.
I also served as president for the Honors Student Organization. This position taught me a lot about being an effective leader, team member and a million other things. I wasn't interested in the position at first, but it truly became one of the most beneficial roles I played. As a student organization leader you learn to roll with the punches, pull off amazing last-minute events, and how to engage people of all different interests. I was very fortunate and grateful to have a great team of honors students and staff behind me who challenged me and supported me in many ways.
What's next for you after your fellowship?
I would like to continue with community organizing and activism. There is no better feeling than being in a room with committed volunteers who want nothing more than to make the world a better place - and aren't afraid to speak up and out about what matters most to them.
Do you have a favorite quote?
"Do I dare disturb the universe?" - T.S. Eliot, "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock"