Point Park POV: Education Major Amber Smith '28 Student Profile
Photo by Jacob White '29
Meet Amber Smith
- Major/Program
- Special Education
- Minor
-
Dance – Modern
- Graduation
- 2028
- College Activities
- Secretary of Future Educators of America, Member of the Ballroom DanceSport Club & Competition team
- Hometown
- Las Vegas, NV
- High School
- Las Vegas Academy of the Arts (Dance Major)
- Dream Job
- A performer in "The Lion King" on Broadway, while teaching students with special needs, and/or owning a dance studio that provides a safe space for dancers with special needs or struggle with anxiety or other issues that prohibit them from entering the traditional dance space.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Painting, drawing, crafting, watching rom-coms and rewatching the same comfort shows over and over again.
"I chose the School of Education at Point Park University because as soon as I came to visit, it felt like a second home. The faculty members seemed genuinely happy to develop future teachers. Not to mention, I get the opportunity to live in a city while attending a small school that makes me feel safe and welcome to pursue all that I choose."
Why did you choose Point Park’s School of Education?
I chose the School of Education at Point Park University because as soon as I came to visit, it felt like a second home. The faculty members seemed genuinely happy to develop future teachers. Not to mention, I get the opportunity to live in a city while attending a small school that makes me feel safe and welcome to pursue all that I choose.
Which faculty members and courses have had a significant impact on you?
Many, if not all, of the School of Education faculty members have been very inspirational and kind to me. If I had to choose just a few, I would have to say Dr. Kristin Misutka, Dr. Stanley Denton, Dr. Christal Edmunds, Dr. Richard Garris ... essentially the entire School of Education. However, those few I mentioned have been very supportive and encouraging towards all my various endeavors.
How are you involved in campus life?
On campus, I am involved in a few organizations, including being a Resident Educator (RE), a board member of the Future Educators of America (FEA) and the Ballroom DanceSport Club and competition team.
Being an RE, I have been able to meet a lot of new people and provide aid and comfort to my residents. Even if that's just through a simple smile while passing each other in the hallway or asking them how the sports seasons are going. I try my best to create a nice-looking, safe space for all my residents.
Being a part of FEA allows me to help create a fostering community of future educators who want to touch the hearts of young minds like I do. I also get to meet new people as well as learn from others, have fun and network.
Then, as a member of the Ballroom DanceSport Club, I have been able to explore, learn and perform a new dance style that I can later add to my resume. In addition to learning new styles of dance, I have been able to meet new people, compete and simply have fun.
@pointparku POV: You can chase Broadway dreams and change lives! ✨ Meet Amber Smith ’28 — special education major & modern dance minor building a future where every student belongs. 💛💚 Get her full Point Park POV at pointpark.edu! #PointParkU #PointParkUniversity #DowntownPittsburgh #PointParkPOV ♬ Circles - Instrumental - Post Malone
What real-world experiences have you had related to your major, and what impact has that had on you?
Thanks to the School of Education, I have had the opportunity to visit Conroy Education Center many times. Conroy is designed to facilitate and meet the needs of students who have life skills support, autistic support and multiple disability support needs. While being there, I've been able to learn about and interact with students with various disabilities and severity levels. The teachers and students there have truly warmed my heart, and continue to drive me towards my ultimate goal of being a dance educator for students with special needs, and providing access to the art of dance even in unconventional ways. Not only this, but I've learned more about things I could do not only for students with special needs but all students to help them better thrive within the sometimes scary classroom environment.
What’s the benefit of going to school in Downtown Pittsburgh?
Downtown Pittsburgh is like a small town within a large metropolitan city. There are constantly things going on in Downtown and the surrounding areas. Not only that, but we're able to simply hop on any bus to go pretty much anywhere in the city. Once I got the hang of it, the buses became easy to navigate, and I was able to get properly acclimated to the city-university life.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Just that I love Point Park! It was a perfect fit for me, allowing me to explore my various passions and ambitious endeavors. I have truly been able to make a second family here.