“Students of Philadelphia” showcases just a few of the many talented and creative students that inhabit our amazing city. In this mini series, we will introduce you to some of Philly’s young, talented and ambitious students.
Meet Joesph from Arcadia University:
Students of Philadelphia: Joseph Ferenchiak from Campus Philly on Vimeo.
Here’s a bit more about Joe, his music, and how he feels about Philadelphia!
Zipporah Dixon: Hey Joe! Would you mind introducing yourself to us?
Joseph Ferenchiak: My name is Joseph and I’m a fourth year International Business and Culture major with a double music and French minor here at Arcadia!
ZD: What was your first impression of Philadelphia?
JF: Well, technically the first time I came to Philadelphia, I was in the fifth grade and I saw all of Old City specifically. We visited all the must-see historical spots. When I was coming into college, my impression was through tourist’s eyes.
ZD: What do you think of it now?
JF: Right now Philly is kind of like a home city where I do my day-to-day activities, like work or hanging out with friends.
ZD: Where’s your getaway spot in the city?
JF: For me, my favorite neighborhoods are Center City and the Gayborhood. It just has that “city” feel to it, the Center City skyscrapers and the Gayborhood’s colonial charm.
ZD: Since you moved to Philadelphia, have you discovered something new about yourself?
JF: I was really awkward back in high school and since coming to college, I’ve really come out of my shell. Philadelphia has really helped with that since I was able to meet a bunch of new people and do a lot of stuff that I was not able to do before.
ZD: So you’re a pianist?
JF: I am, I’ve been playing for 15 years. I’ve also picked up singing a bit since I’ve come to school
ZD: Has Philadelphia influenced you with your artform in anyway?
JF: Well, Philadelphia has influenced it in a lot of ways through music events and concerts and just working with my professors at my school.
ZD: So we know about the Philly Cheesesteak scene, but where’s your favorite place in Philly to grab a bite to eat or have a cuppa Joe?
JF: My favorite place to go actually is this little coffee shop in Chestnut Hill, the Chestnut Hill Coffee Company. I go there every Tuesday to have my little cup of Joe (pun intended) and a pastry while I’m doing homework.
ZD: What’s your one piece of advice for those considering coming to Philly for school?
JF: Just do it! Philadelphia has a really good arts scene and it’s different from other cities. It has this very unique culture to it that you won’t find in say, New York City of Chicago. It’s very down-to-earth. If you’re looking for an at-ease city, where you can be your nice little hipster self, Philadelphia is just for you.
ZD: Thanks for sharing your Philly story, Joe. I’m headed out to lunch. Dare I get a cheesesteak?
JF: Whiz wit, Zipporah.
That was fun! Check back soon for our next featured Student of Philadelphia! And if you know someone who really embodies the qualities of our city, let us know. We definitely want to meet them and hear their Philly story.
