Penn State Behrend’s class of 2018 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. Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors 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 Brittni Merenick:

Major: Elementary and Early Childhood Education

Hometown: Warren, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: When I was growing up, I often came to Behrend for basketball camps and fell in love with the campus. Once I did an official college tour, I knew I wanted to attend Behrend.

On choosing her major: I love working with children. It may sound cliché, but I really want to make an impact on my students’ lives. I like that I get to teach my students something new every day. The great thing is that while I’m teaching them, I am also learning and growing professionally.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Earning a 4.0 GPA two semesters in a row while taking 15 credits and working sixteen-hour weeks. This was on top of field placements, trying to have a social life, and sleeping!

Campus involvement: I was a member of the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) and served as president of the club last year and as a representative on the regional Political Action Committee for Education. I also participated in the PennLake National Writing Project.

What you would be surprised to know about her: I have a fraternal twin sister, but most people say my younger sister and I look more like twins.

Advice for new students: Enjoy your college experience while you can because it is over quicker than you can imagine. Make new friends, and don’t be afraid to try new things.

After her graduation in May, Brittni hopes to find a teaching position in Pennsylvania. She plans to begin working on a graduate degree in the fall as well.