Meet Point Flagship Scholar Andreas Copes

The Point Flagship scholarship for LGBTQ students provides financial assistance, mentoring, leadership programming, and more, to help LGBTQ students attending 4-year colleges or graduate schools achieve their dreams. Learn more about the program and apply to join this year's class.

Why did you choose your major or program? 

Communication and Journalism Studies allows for a broader spectrum of classes than a traditional J-school curriculum. It was important for me to study a broad spectrum of subjects that would eventually combine journalism and advocacy work. I also see communication as a tool for social influence, which is particularly important in solution journalism. Additionally, Point Foundation connected me to the Director of Communication Studies at Temple University. Dr. Scott Gratson, an LGBTIQ+ advocate himself, had a big impact on my educational becoming.

What is a fun fact about you that few people know?

When I was a kid I used to interview people in my neighborhood and record them with my Fisher Price cassette player.

What is your favorite song and why?

My favorite song is Clean Bandit and Zara Larsson's "Symphony." It was the song I was listening to when I was living in Germany while my partner was living in the US. It ultimately became our wedding song.

What is your current favorite streaming binge and why?

Genera+ion on HBOmax. The show explores queer identities through the lens of Gen Z, and I love the idea that younger queer people now have access to shows like this when the only show I had as a kid was "Queer as Folk."

Also, the soundtrack is stunning.

What is your favorite hobby or activity you like to do in your free time?

I love being outside. I either run along the river, ride my bike through Pennsylvania, or read any book about Eleanor Roosevelt while sitting on a bench at the riverfront.

How have your identities (race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender) affected your college experience?

My college experience has helped me to explore my identities and to openly discuss some of them. I found the courage to openly discuss layers of my identity, such as disability or gender identity. I have learned that it is important to tell my story as an immigrant and non-traditional student to empower other students and people.

How do you practice self-care?

Do I? I am not really sure if I practice enough self-care, and it is something that I hope I will learn in the Point Foundation mentorship program.

How are you adjusting to the "new normal" as we're emerging from this pandemic? Do you have any tips for other students who are going back to college this semester?

The new college experience can be hard for some and beneficial for others. The biggest burden for me was that my home became my classroom 24/7. College in 2021 will certainly look different. A mix of hybrid, online, and in-person classes will break up the "at home" cycle many of us had to go through during the last year. Three words of advice? Planning is everything.

This post’s responses were submitted by Point Flagship Scholar Andreas Copes (He/They).

Andreas is currently studying Communication and Journalism Studies at Temple University. Read more about the Point Flagship Scholarship for LGBTQ students program here.