Junior Staff 2017Visiting campus this spring? Look out for these friendly faces when you arrive. They are eager to help you navigate Pitzer's campus!

Ask A Pitzer Student

Here at Pitzer, we understand that internet research can only get you so far. If you want to learn more about our campus, there’s truly no one better to ask than a current Pitzer student! Send us your questions about anything – from dining halls to diversity on campus to Pitzer’s most popular classes – and we’ll send you back our honest answers. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

 

Meet Lizzy Freedman, Class of 2018.

Hometown: Washington, D.C.

Major/Minor: Art and Media Studies

Extracurricular Activities: Photo Lab Assistant, ArtCo co-head, Advocates for Survivors of Sexual Assault, Woodshop Proctor

Favorite Pitzer Class: Art Since 1989

Favorite Pitzer Professor: Professor Laura Harris. Kooky, colorful, and absolutely brilliant at articulating the intersections of Literature and Post-Colonial Processing!

Fun Fact: I taught myself to knit off of YouTube.

Favorite Food: Chicken nuggets

Favorite Singer/Song: “Cars That Go Boom” by L’Trimm

Favorite Movie/TV Show: The Beginners

Why did you choose to attend Pitzer?

I came from a very different environment than Pitzer (the heart of Washington DC) and was totally fascinated by the unique experience I would have. I wanted to be challenged and grow and learn more about myself.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

I love spending time at the old study desks from my first-year residence hall. They have beautiful views of Mt. Baldy and remind me of all of the excitement of beginning my journey here at Pitzer.

What’s your favorite thing to do for fun on campus?

I love going to Art After Hours for live music, good food, and art!

What is your favorite Pitzer memory thus far?

I will never forget the first time I saw my friends feel emboldened enough to perform at Groove at the Grove for their first time.

What is one thing you would change about Pitzer?

Dining Hall hours! Our dining hall is too popular to cram so many people in for so short a time frame!

What’s something that all prospective students should know about Pitzer?

1 – It’s not that close to LA!
2 – There are a lot of awesome clubs to join, like Art Collective.
3 – Pitzer classes and professors are the best.

How can first-year students enjoy a smooth transition to Pitzer?

Be prepared and okay with challenging yourself and trying the so-called “unknown. Major parts of the Pitzer experience are playfulness, willingness to take risks, and trying things you never thought you would enjoy!

More questions for Lizzy? Email her here!

Meet Phil Brayley, Class of 2019.

Hometown: Lewiston, NY

Major/Minor: Sociology/Media Studies

Extracurricular Activities: Community Engagement Center, Indigenous Alliance, Huerta del Valle, Indigenous Peer Mentoring Program

Favorite Pitzer Class: Indigenous Movements

Favorite Pitzer Professor: Professor Tessa Hicks-Peterson. Tessa does amazing, community-based organizing and educates students on how to do work in collaboration with communities. She’s fun to talk to and open to help students understand the work they do and themselves in the context of their engagement. Every class I’ve taken with her has been really influential in the things I do now.

Fun Fact: I learned how to do beadwork from my mom. It’s an important piece of my culture that I hold onto greatly.

Favorite Food: Tacos

Favorite Singer/Song: “Summer Friends” by Chance the Rapper

Favorite Movie/TV Show: 8 Mile

Why did you choose to attend Pitzer?

I chose Pitzer because I wanted to major in Media Studies. I thought that the distance from LA would be a good way to become a member of the film industry and get a lot of experience in media production.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

The second floor of the Grove House is a really great place to work or catch up on sleep or just hang out with friends. There are a few rooms to hang in with couches and blankets for cooler days.

What’s your favorite thing to do for fun on campus?

My favorite thing to do is ride my bike around campus. It’s relaxing after sitting in class or in a study room doing homework.

What is your favorite Pitzer memory thus far?

One of my favorite on-campus memories is making pizza in a student-made pizza oven on the Mounds. My friend made dough and toppings and brought them to campus and we had a pizza-making party!

What is one thing you would change about Pitzer?

It seems like sometimes there is a disconnect between the staff and the administration. I’d change that and increase communication between the two bodies.

What’s something that all prospective students should know about Pitzer?

Students should know that Pitzer is an amazing place. It’s very different from other schools. I think the Core Values really define this place. It’s not just an institution – people care about the things they do and the work being done.

How can first-year students enjoy a smooth transition to Pitzer?

First-years should just leave their comfort zone. Take classes and join clubs that you wouldn’t normally do or feel completely comfortable in. I took a class that seemed way more advanced than I felt comfortable with my first semester and it’s impacted my whole college career. I made friends that I’ve only grown closer to since then because I challenged myself to do things differently.

More questions for Phil? Email him here!