By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  We sat down to talk to some remarkable seniors before they left school and we’d like to a few of our students who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Lexie Pelchen:

Major: Communication

Minor: English

Certificates: Public Relations, Social Media

Hometown: Latrobe, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: When I was looking at colleges, I decided I would not visit any campus until I got an acceptance letter. I had a fear of going to visit a school and loving it and then finding out I did not get in. The first acceptance letter I received was from Behrend, so it was the first – and turned out to be the only – school I toured. When I visited, I felt so comfortable at Behrend; it felt like home. It was a very easy decision for me to make.

On finding the perfect major (for her): I started as a Creative Writing major, but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. My roommate was a Communication major and I always thought her homework and projects were interesting and fun. I met with Dr. Rod Troester, associate professor of speech communication, and ended up switching to Communication. My time in the writing program actually paid off as I was able to earn an English minor with just a couple more classes. It all turned out well and I’m happy with the decisions I made.

Proudest accomplishment: Chartering our Her Campus chapter. I’m so proud that I was able to start a club at Behrend, especially one that I’m so passionate about. I’m happy to know that when I graduate, I will be able to leave a part of myself at Behrend.

Campus involvement: I am a sister in Alpha Sigma Alpha and once served as the president of the Panhellenic Council. I’m currently the social media director for the Behrend Beacon, a member of Lambda Pi Eta honor society, and president of Her Campus.

Social media maven: I think I have a knack for social media communication. I joke that I’m getting my major in Instagram and my minor in Twitter, but it’s more than a hobby for me. I’ve devoted a lot of time into figuring out how social media works and how I can use it to reach mass audiences.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: For most of my life I was a pretty big homebody. My mindset now is the polar opposite!

Have degree, will travel I have a six-year plan that involves living in a new place every two years. First, I plan to move to New York City, then Boston, then Los Angeles. I don’t see myself settling in any town for a long time.

Advice for current students: Don’t sell yourself short in any aspect of your life; you’re capable of more than you could ever imagine. Also, it’s OK to not know what you want and to figure that out by ruling out the things you don’t want.

With gratitude: I have changed so much during my four short years here at Behrend. I’m so grateful for the opportunities that I have had here and happy with the direction my life is taking now.

After graduation, Lexie plans to move to New York City and find work at a fashion magazine or media company.