Alexandria Martinez is earning her Health Service Major-Certificate in Community Health Assessment at the University of Pittsburgh. She's originally from Teaneck, NJ, which is a 15-minute drive from New York City. She considers herself a city girl and loves exploring big cities. She loves music and enjoys discovering and listening to all genres of music. She believes music can be healing and is food for the soul. She's also an avid reader and like music, reads all types of books.

Julie Padak is a Human Resources Specialist for Partners For Quality, Inc. She’s been working for PFQ since November 2007. Julie earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Robert Morris University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources and Marketing and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management. Read her interview below to learn more about her experiences. 

In your work and travels, there is a good chance that you need to get your message out in one way or another. The problem that most people face is that there is simply more media out there today than most would-be listeners can even handle. From messages to advertisements, ideas and podcasts, commercials and even popups, the world is almost too full when it comes to messages and content. Individuals with a powerful message can’t just give up and quit.

Emily Kearns is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh dual-majoring in Communication and Business. She studied abroad in Florence, Italy in the spring of 2015 and developed a deep love for travel. Upon graduation in May, she hopes to find a career that incorporates her passions for photography, writing, and travelling.

Kelsey Williams graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science with an additional Certificate in the History and Philosophy of Medicine. 

The new exhibit, 30 Americans. One Nation. Thirty Experiences, at the Detroit Institute of Arts, runs until January 18, 2016. I highly recommend planning a trip to Detroit to see this.

Why? This exhibit is a powerful look at race, power, art, and culture...and there's more to it than you can imagine.

You're in the car listening to the SAME cloying, made-for-children CD aGAIN (oh, and your toddler insists on track 3 on repeat).

But wait! There's an escape! Help Matt Heaton fund his new album, Toddlerbilly Riot! in exchange for an infusion of clever songs that kids love... and adults do, too:

Born and raised in Plymouth, Michigan, Natalie Zazula enjoyed her collegiate years living in Pittsburgh. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (marketing) and a Bachelor of Arts (nonfiction English writing) from the University of Pittsburgh in August 2015. Her final 12 credits were earned while studying abroad in London, England! Read up on her interview below to learn more about her international experiences. 

Elissa Wollins is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in accounting. She spent an incredible semester in Prague, Czech Republic during the spring 2015 semester. Studying abroad forced her to get out of her comfort zone, allowed her to meet people from all over the world, and encouraged her to try things she never would have considered before. “If you study abroad, you’ll come home with a new outlook on life, a few more pairs of shoes, and endless stories about castles, cliff-diving, and what happened on the night tram.

One of the pure joys in life is music - listening, playing...and conducting? Yes! As you have seen, experienced (who doesn't conduct in the car?), and loved (at your local symphony orchestra), music gets into your blood, and you can't help but let it out.