#PittsburghMe: Meet Mya Pici, Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management Major from Florida Student Profile

Why did you choose Point Park University?

I chose Point Park when I was feeling very apprehensive about college. I wanted to go somewhere out of state (I'm from Florida) and my stepmother is a Point Park alumna. She told me about Point Park’s theatre atmosphere and I knew it was where I wanted to be. When I wasn't artistically admitted to COPA, I chose sports, arts, and entertainment management as my major. Since I’ve been here, it’s been clear that SAEM is the perfect major for me. 

How are you involved on campus?

I’ve recently discovered the value of on-campus involvement. Last year I was a resident educator for freshmen and the marketing coordinator for SAEM Club. This year I’m an office assistant for the Office of Student Life and a general member of SAEM Club. The involvement and hands-on experience that SAEM Club provides students with is invaluable. There are so many events that we are able to produce from start to finish as students, and to have that experience before graduating is extremely helpful. My classes have taught me a lot, but my involvement outside of the classroom has taught me things you can really only learn through experience.

Tell us about your radio shows on WPPJ Radio.

I’ve had a show on air for the past three semesters that I’ve been co-hosting with my best friend, Mya Burns. We’ve really been able to grow our show over time into a more mature and objective project than when it started out as just something to do. In addition to the exciting things we’re doing with our show this coming semester, I’ll be producing my own solo show, “deep dive,” as a project that explores how music shapes our lives. I’ll be focusing on which bands and artists have personally affected me from a young age until now. My goal is to expand the show by using a blog and encouraging people to analyze their own lives and how music may have shaped them.

You’re interning with a local theatre. How has Point Park prepared you for this experience?

I’ve interned with the Lamp Theatre Corporation the past two summers. I feel like I’ve known what this career was about my whole life, but the mandatory shadowing opportunity that I did with the operations manager of the Benedum Center prepared me a lot for this role. My marketing and sales classes have taught me so much that I actually use in the real world. I was challenged to plan an entire week of free programming for kids at the Lamp Theatre this summer - something we’ve never offered before. Because of Teresa Gregory’s Event Management class, I felt confident planning the events. 

What is your favorite study spot on campus?

My favorite study spot on campus is Point Perk. I really enjoy people watching and having a view of what’s happening Downtown so I always opt for a window seat. The atmosphere of the building is really calm to me. I find that when I sit there for a few hours, I’m able to get a ton of work done and still feel like I wasn’t hiding out all day. And the coffee helps too! 

What advice do you have for incoming students?

My greatest advice for incoming students is to ask questions. This school has so many people ready to help you and offer you things you didn’t even know existed. Something I lacked (and still do lack) is the courage to ask people for help or opportunities. Whether it’s a big or small question, ask your RE, ask your professor, ask your department chair, ask your academic advisor - just ask! There are so many opportunities waiting for you, but you have to be ready to find them.

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Text and photo by Rhianna Davis, senior business management major

More About: Downtown Pittsburgh, Rowland School of Business, WPPJ, internships, scholarships, sports, arts and entertainment management