Student Blogger: Abigail Dobry

2021 will be a year to remember. The Covid-19 pandemic is still surging around us, and it took hold of everyone's plans for the year and turned them upside down. In 2022, I am looking at the brighter side of life, with my head up high.

I failed to realize that one of the things I missed the most was theatre, and I still do because I have not been in a show in over year. It’s a tough situation but I am trying my best to look on the bright side. I wanted to share with you a few musical songs that are about starting fresh and are perfect pick me up songs when you need a little boost to your day. They certainly have helped me.

Two weekends ago was my fall break at the University of Pittsburgh. I decided to spend my long weekend travelling back home to Maryland to see my family and friends. I caught up with friends in person, spent some time with my family, attended the Maryland Renaissance Festival and stopped by my old high school during a rehearsal for their upcoming musical.

Life goals often need much planning and preparation. Whether it’s saving up for house, going on vacation or simply, scheduling your everyday life, it does not hurt to be prepared and ready for whatever may come your way. I find that it can create less problems down the road and even if things to go astray, I can plan to fix them.

One week I have been at Pitt. Only one and it has been filled to the absolute brim with opportunities. I have met so many people, learned about all sorts of clubs and organizations at Pitt and I have never felt more a part of a community then I have recently. All the students around me feel the exact same way. Though we dread normal schoolwork, exams, and the like, we have had incredible opportunities to let our strengths shine in many ways.

Choosing classes for college is always difficult experience. I was able to start the process all the way back in March to be able to take the classes I want this fall. And with more in person classes than last year, I am ecstatic to learn as many new things as I can. So, with that, these are 3 out of my 5 classes that I am most excited to take.

Though I will miss my Maryland friends and family dearly, I am so ecstatic to be back at Pitt. I haven't stopped thinking about it since I chose to stay home last spring. Though I try not to get my hopes to high in case of another lockdown or something of the sort, I cannot help myself in preparing for one of the greatest academic years of my life. I wish all college sophomores luck in there studies this year, and frankly, anyone else as well. We deserve it.

A few months ago, my mom and I decided that we were going to fly out to Las Vegas, Nevada and then drive to Cedar City, Utah where my older sister is currently living while she is employed and the Utah Shakespeare Festival this summer stitching costumes and assisting wardrobe.

Though new fresh takes on movies can be uplifting and eye opening in terms of theme or message, there are some stories that I believe should never be remade. The possibility of remakes ruining classics is something to think about as the movie industry struggles to find new plot lines for people to enjoy for many years to come.

Drive-in movie theaters. Iconic attractions of American history. What used to be immensely popular and packed full destinations, have now seen a decline in ticket sales and audience members.

As the first warm days of summer start, and I feel the excitement for possible beach days, picnics, and the like, I realize that sometimes the presence of boredom still surrounds me. I have found a lost hobby that has cured my boredom but still allows for relaxing alone time and an escape to another world. That hobby is reading.

I have listed a few of my favorite songs from musicals to add to your summertime playlist. They are perfect for car rides, beach trips or just lazy days by the pool. They are the perfect addition to the incredible Summer of Fun ahead of us.

Playbills are such an iconic piece of memorabilia that audience members receive when seeing a play or musical. These free souvenirs are a great way to look back and document all the shows you have seen, including where and when. Though Playbill does sell their own binders to collect the booklets, they are a little pricey. So, a few years ago I thought, “Why not make my own?” And I did!

The towering number of projects, papers and assignments can seem never-ending during the school year. Though it is difficult to avoid the struggles and anxiety around college assignments, I have learned many tips over the past school year that can make the process go much smoother, and especially when finals arrive.

Earlier this week, I was able to go to my first musical performance in over a year. Now that restrictions are slowly being lifted and things are starting to look up for the future of theatre all over the country, I have compiled a few of the next shows I want to see professionally.

I love writing, but I must find the happy work for myself, not anyone else. I want to inspire, create, and reimagine the world through my writing while integrating personal joy to make it all worth it.

Friday, March 13th, 2020. A date I will remember for the rest of my life.

As my second semester at the University of Pittsburgh carries on, I tend to reflect on what I have accomplished during these unprecedented times. Looking back to the start of the school year, I am astounded by the many things that have changed.

I would like to introduce you to some of the most influential musical song quotes that make me the person I am and still strive to be.