Meet Anna Goforth, Biology Major and Soccer Player from the West Coast Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Meet Anna Goforth

Major: Biology, Chemistry minor
Expected graduation: Spring 2017
Hometown: Vancouver, Wash.
High school: Vancouver School of the Arts and Academics
Scholarships: Presidential, Athletic scholarship - soccer

Why did you choose Point Park University?

People always ask me how I ended up at Point Park when I am from the opposite side of the country. I initially applied to colleges as a photojournalism major and Point Park is one of the few schools in the country that offers that program. In my freshman year I wasn't happy in my major courses, so I decided to make a total switch and try something new. I stayed the summer following my freshman year to take chemistry classes, intern, work and feel out what I was interested in doing. After loving what I was learning over the summer, I officially changed my major to biology in my sophomore year.

What kinds of opportunities have you had through your major?

This summer I went to Peru for five weeks through an organization called Vive Peru. I was shadowing doctors in rural Peru and learned a lot about the culture and health system of another country. Everything was also in Spanish, a language I had never studied, making the program a total immersion. This experience confirmed my interest in the medical field and helped me discover an interest in languages. I'm taking Spanish this semester to improve my knowledge.

Who is your favorite professor and why?

I've been lucky to have some really amazing professors through my major. I'm often astounded by the level of care they have for their students and for our learning. My favorite professor is Dr. Laura Frost, who I'm fortunate enough to have as my adviser. Dr. Frost not only has an incredible depth of knowledge on the subjects she teaches, but she also has an infectious enthusiasm for the topics she presents. She has truly fostered my love of biology and the sciences.

Tell us about a favorite memory from your time at Point Park.

My participation in the women's soccer team during the last three years has been a highlight of my time at Point Park. Many of my favorite memories come from my time spent with my teammates in early morning practices, on the road traveling to and from places like Kentucky, or during games, like when we won our conference last year. I came to Point Park without any real soccer history and walked onto the team. I am really lucky to have coaches who encouraged and pushed me beyond what I thought I could do and teammates who believed in me more than I believed in myself.

What kinds of clubs and activities are you involved with on campus?

Aside from athletics, I am in my second year working for Student Life. Last year I was the Resident Educator for the fifth floor of Thayer Hall, the all-female floor, and I was one of the recipients of the Resident Educator of the Year award. This year I am an office assistant for the Office of Student Life, specializing in commuter resources.

How is Pittsburgh different from your hometown?

Sports pride here is so much more intense than back home. The weather here is also much more extreme than in Washington. In Pittsburgh the warm is a lot warmer and the cold is way colder. And snow! We don't get much snow at home. Whenever it snows a lot here I go outside and play.

There are so many awesome views of the city. Where is your favorite view and why?

My favorite view of the city is at PNC Park on the North Shore. You can't beat the baseball field with the river, the bridges and the beautiful skyline. Bonus points if it's during the Great Pierogi Race.

What advice would you give to incoming students?

They call me Gofo for a reason — I always tell people to Gofo it. I always think about what I would be like if I hadn't changed my major, hadn't played soccer, or hadn't come to school far away from home. The reality is, as with any change or challenge, it will be hard to adjust and it will push you to a new limit, but if it's something you really want, it will all work out. In my experience, you will surprise yourself (and your parents). I look back now and I'm proud of everything I was able to accomplish and it makes me less afraid to do something wild in the future.

Photo by Annalee Tomak, senior public relations and advertising major
Text by Maggie McCauley, senior broadcast reporting and public relations and advertising major

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