University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Coast to Coast
2/25/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Feb. 25, 2010
University of Pittsburgh sophomore Melissa Bostwick talks about her choice to leave the west coast and her home state of California for the east coast and her new home in Pittsburgh.
The San Francisco, Calif. native and member of the Pitt tennis team talks about her first visit to the Steel City, getting acclimated to a new home and her love for avocados below.
What made you pick Pitt as opposed to a West Coast school?
[Melissa] I wanted to experience something different than home, and tennis gave me a lot of opportunities to do so. I looked at many different schools, but after visiting Pitt, I knew it was the right fit for me.
Do you think being an athlete as made a difference in getting acclimated to a new city? Why?
[Melissa] Being an athlete definitely made the transition to college much easier because I was always busy and never felt bored. But because I was so busy, it was sometimes difficult to get out and explore the city itself. But I’ve had a lot more opportunities to do that this year. So I’m growing to love the city more and more.
What’s the biggest cultural difference you’ve discovered since moving East?
[Melissa] So many things are different…from the food to music to fashion…it’s really hard to pick just one.
What’s the one thing you miss most about the Golden State?
[Melissa] I miss my family, the close connection I have with all of my friends, and the wide range of cultures my city has to offer. I especially miss having the option to put avocados on almost everything!
How does the three hour time difference affect how you keep in touch with your family and friends?
[Melissa] It can be difficult because I usually am sleeping by the time my friends and family want to talk, but we manage to make it work by calling each other earlier in the day.
What’s your favorite Pittsburghese phrase?
[Melissa] “Yinz guys gonna eat that chipped ham during that Stillers game n’at?” haha
What’s your favorite view of Pittsburgh? Why?
[Melissa] I love the drive from the airport back to campus and coming out of the Fort Pitt Tunnel. The view while crossing the bridge always gets me really excited to be back at school and it’s the first thing I remember from my first visit to Pitt.
What’s your favorite Pitt sport to cheer for?
[Melissa] Tennis of course! Next would probably be football then basketball.
What’s your most memorable moment so far at Pitt?
[Melissa] Beating Cincinnati during the Big East Championships last year. I was really proud of my teammates for working so hard and it was the perfect end to an amazing first year at Pitt.
What do Panthers dream of when they take a Panther snooze?
[Melissa] Only big dreams!
