Student Profile: Haley Kumpf
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of the Chatham experience is the community. In such unprecedented times, I (Abigail Kneuss ‘23), have become increasingly grateful for this community and its members. In an effort to showcase just a few of these great people, I’ll be doing a series of student interviews in the coming weeks. These highlights are for students, about students, and by students. This week features Haley Kumpf ‘23.
I met Haley during orientation my first year and we quickly learned how much we had in common. She is now my roommate, one of my closest friends, and an orientation leader herself. Learn more about her, her advice as an orientation leader, and her favorite Pittsburgh spots below!
Haley Kumpf
Major: International Business with an English minor
Hometown: Carnegie, PA
Q: Why did you pick Chatham?
A: I liked how small the class sizes were. I really wanted to go to a school where I could have a connection with my professors and have them know me as a person, not just a name on the roster. I also love where Chatham is located. I love that I can walk to a ton of cute places in Pittsburgh. Additionally, I admire Chatham’s rich history of being an all women’s college in the past.
Q: What are you looking forward to this year?
A: I’m ready to take more in-depth classes as a Sophomore rather than the entry-level courses I took last year. I’m in American Writers which is an advanced English course and I’m really excited. Other than that, I’m happy to see my friends again and be back living in Pittsburgh.
Q: You just finished your time as an orientation leader, how was that?
A: It was really fun! I liked getting to know the other OL’s and hanging out. I loved showing the new students around and making them feel at home. Something new to orientation this year was a petting zoo which was so much fun! It was definitely a highlight for me and the new students.
Q: As an OL, what’s your advice to First Year students adjusting to life at Chatham?
A: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Give it time to find out where you’re supposed to be. It may seem like everyone around you is doing great, but that’s not necessarily the case. You’re never alone in how you’re feeling. This is a year to grow and it’s going to be uncomfortable at times because of that, but you just have to embrace it.
Q: Outside of your studies, what do you enjoy doing?
A: I like hanging out with my friends, traveling, hiking, and playing guitar. But my favorite thing to do is walking around Pittsburgh and discovering all of the cute places around here.
Q: How do you feel COVID-19 has impacted your learning experience thus far?
A: I feel like I really enjoy learning in the classroom, so it’s been a weird adjustment. It’s harder to hold myself accountable since I’m not physically in a classroom. I find that I am more nervous about missing an assignment. I check my email constantly now, but I’m sure I will adjust soon.
Q: Favorite spots to de-stress in the Burgh?
A: I really love cafés, so I’ll list my top 3!
Gepetto Cafe is a French breakfast place in Lawrenceville and it’s super cute and yummy.
De Fer Coffee & Tea is a great place in the Strip. They have board games, mixed drinks, coffee, tea, and fresh local cheese, which is my favorite!
Dobra Tea in Squirrel Hill is so fun. They are a tea house with every kind of tea you can think of. You sit and they serve you; it’s a unique experience that I would encourage everyone to do. I’m not sure how they are operating right now, however.
Know a current or future student that should be featured or would like to be featured yourself? Email us! We’re happy to hear your suggestions.