As many of the learners from our Readiness Institute Summer Program know, our connection doesn’t just end after the summer. We continue to stay in touch with learners when they go back for their senior year, after they graduate high school, and beyond. We’ve been checking in with some of the young adults who were a part of program and have now graduated high school and are on to their next steps of adulthood.
Molly Figas
Where are you now?
I am studying public and professional writing as well as sport studies at the University of Pittsburgh. I am hoping to pursue a master’s degree in sports management to fulfill my dream of being a sports data analyst or sports agent. I am spending my weekends working at Kennywood, and Seven Springs in the wintertime. In between school and work, I am learning to speak Ukrainian to connect better with my family’s past.
What do you enjoy most about where you are now?
I am enjoying studying what interests me most and learning more about what I want to do in my career. I also am enjoying the freedom to learn what I am most passionate about, in and out of school. Lastly, I am enjoying practicing what I’ve learned of sports analysis while watching live hockey games.
How has your life changed since the Readiness Institute?
The Readiness Institute helped me to prepare for college in many ways, the most important being that they were able to provide me with many opportunities to find out what I wanted to do most. They helped to show me many different possibilities I did not know were once possible. Seeing so many different career paths helped to open my eyes to what career I wanted.
What’s one thing on your bucket list — personally or professionally — that you would like to check off in the next five years?
In the next five years I would love to gain some practice in the sports management industry. It is a very competitive industry, especially for a woman, so I am really hoping to have the opportunity to get experience. My dream is to work with the Pittsburgh Penguins on their scouting or analysis team. In the next five years, I would love to get some real-life experience in this field in order to help my résumé grow.
What advice or message do you have for your fellow Readiness Institute alums?
Consider every career path, do not box yourself in!