Meet Pia Wright, class of 2017. Pia shares how following her passions helped her finish her degree, how the professors in the Italian department inspired and encouraged her throughout her university journey, and why your studies don’t have to directly connect to your career to be valuable.
What were your major and minor? Why did you choose them?
I was an Italian major and a film studies minor. I struggled with what to study that would lead to a good career, and found I did best when I studied what I loved instead of what would lead to a better-paying job. I only finished my bachelor's degree because I made the decision to follow my passions.
What are you up to now?
I currently work in employee and labor relations. I found that the jobs I’ve been drawn to after college have nothing to do with my area of study in college, but having a degree is still important. I work with labor laws, union contracts, and university policy (working in the UC system) and I have found a similar excitement for this work that I found in my studies.
How did your experience at UC Davis prepare you for the next step in your professional journey?
My professors in college encouraged me. They showed me that they were passionate about their work, and wanted me to be passionate about what I do, too. They taught me how to be authentic, and that has made such a big difference in my career path.
What's your advice for someone considering your major?
Studying Italian was, for me, learning more about myself than the language. I learned how I learn, how I communicate, and how to find passion and joy in all the things I do.
What was your favorite part of your undergraduate program here?
The professors. They taught me just as much about life as they did about the material. They taught me how to look at my thinking and learning processes. This has been vital for my professional development and personal development.
What are you most proud of from your undergrad experience?
I had fun!
Do you have a professor or a class you want to shout out?
Professoressa Emerita Margherita Heyer-Caput. Margherita was such an inspiring influence for me and I wouldn't be the woman I am today without her guidance during my college years.