This past weekend, I spent time with family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It wasn’t just any visit, as my younger sister, Sami, was receiving a diploma from the University of Pittsburgh. A 4.5-hour drive we have made many times felt more sentimental this time for my other sister, Livi; my brother, Max; our mom; and I as we piled in the car to make the trip down the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

About 300-something miles later and five tunnels we’ve counted since 2018, when Sami first started at Pitt, lead us to Hotel Indigo, where we stayed for the weekend. South Oakland, where Sami lives, was packed all weekend long with long black gowns and seas of yellow and blue worn by proud parents, friends and family. A final stop at the corner store filled with Pitt gear was sentimental as Sami picked out her last pieces of embellished t-shirts and sweatpants. I even picked out a pair for myself.

We filled up at many of the go-to spots on campus as a victory lap for this foodie family. The Porch was a great lunch spot, followed by The Commoner, located in Kimpton Monaco, for dinner. The Commoner was accommodating and kind as we changed tables as a group of nine to ensure our handicapped grandmother was comfortable. My favorite meal of the weekend was Sunday evening after Sami’s flip of her tassel. We ate at the top of the Duquesne Incline at a restaurant called Le Monte. Our table for 12 by the window boasted a beautiful view of Pittsburgh, the Ohio River and, believe it or not, 18 bridges that we counted during dinner. I had French onion soup followed by a bone-in ribeye marinated in Cabernet Sauvignon.

One thing about my family is we know how to celebrate. It is so important for big events like this one, right down to the little achievements of everyday life. I have always been so grateful for our pride in one another and our affinity for a good celebration, meal and party. Even as we packed Sami’s apartment into the U-Haul, party poppers exploded with confetti over Sami as Livi and I brought fun to a grueling task.

I am so proud to share a city with Sami and Livi as they both graduate and move to Philadelphia this summer. Livi will graduate next, and I guarantee there will be another blog-worthy celebration coming your way. Congratulations to the class of 2022!

— Haley Fogarty, advertising manager