Pitt-Johnstown students learn about life after college [The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.]

Apr. 4—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Insurance agents, financial planners, bank managers, health coaches and more were on hand Wednesday at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown's first "Adulting 101: Mastering Life After Graduation" event.

"It's important for them to understand what they need to do (after graduation)," professor of accounting Cristina DeDiana said.

That's why she and UPJ employer relations specialist Kimberly Shook organized the event to help students prepare for post-college life.

"It's a big change out there," Shook said.

She and DeDiana agreed that many students may not be ready for all of the requirements of adult life, such as how to open a bank account or purchase vehicle insurance.

Leo Geis, a sophomore, said he thought the event was a good idea.

The dormitory resident assistant was escorting students to the "adulting" fair in the Student Union to help them get engaged with life on campus.

He said it's important to put this information on young adults' radars. so they can learn to be functional members of society.

Somerset Trust Co. branch Manager Rich Ola shared a similar thought.

Ola said if someone didn't enlighten people to this information, many may go through life not knowing anything about several subjects, such as how to build credit, invest in a certificate of deposit or open a savings account.

He and fellow branch Manager Danielle Alcorn were talking to students about those topics and more Wednesday.

"It's a great idea," Alcorn said of the event. "I think it's very beneficial to the kids."

Jayden Tull, a senior electrical engineering major, said he was thankful UPJ sponsored the event.

Tull said talking to the different professionals was cool and helpful.

He was one of dozens of students who made their way through the tables, chatting with the representatives and collecting information.

Participants also had a card stamped at each table that they turned in afterward for a chance at winning several prizes.

Pamphlets with QR codes that linked to wellness, financial, home economics and general resources — including helpful documents, videos and articles — were also handed out.

Surveying the crowd, Centennial Financial Group LLC certified financial planner Ethan Stewart said he appreciated the event.

Stewart noted his passion for education, especially regarding financial planning, and said he liked the idea of the "Adulting 101" fair because it helped to educate students on a variety of topics.

Becoming educated on these subjects is why UPJ sophomore Finnian Sieg attended the event.

"I want to learn to be self-sufficient," Sieg said.

One of his first stops was chatting with Joe Fortunato, managing partner of The Health Insurance Place.

Sieg said that was a good opportunity to learn what the health insurance industry offers.

Overall, he said he thought the event was beneficial.

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