Category: School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Standout Seniors: Meet Trista Buskirk (Psychology)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Trista Buskirk copy

Today, we’d like you to meet Trista Buskirk.

Major: Psychology

Hometown:  Canton, Illinois

Scholarships: Donald R. Blair Scholarship, Class of 1922 Memorial Scholarship.

Awards: I received the President Walker Award, which is for first-year students who have completed 12 to 36 credits and earned a 4.0 cumulative grade-point average.

On choosing Behrend: Upon receiving an e-mail showcasing Behrend, I felt a strong calling to further look into the school. I went on a campus tour, where I ultimately made my decision to come to Behrend. During the visit, the tour guide and the atmosphere made it feel like home. The campus was not too big, but it wasn’t too small. It was perfect.

On choosing her major: I recognized in myself the need to understand others based on my own life experiences, and those experiences led me to choose psychology. Once I got more involved with the major, I was drawn to human behavior, specifically human rationality. It intrigues me to understand the reasons people make their decisions based on the facts and fiction surrounding them.

On spreading her wings: My proudest accomplishment at Behrend is my growth as a person. Moving away from home was terrifying to me at the beginning, but I am so glad I did it. Choosing Behrend provided me with the opportunity to blossom into the person I truly want to be.

Campus involvement: I was involved with Psi Chi, Psychology Club, and Circle K and served as an executive board member in each. I was one of the founding members of the Competitive Volleyball Club, a part of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and a Psychology Lab attendant.

Student research work: I worked alongside Dr. Lisa Jo Elliott, associate teaching professor of psychology, in the Lab for Usability and Interactive Systems as an app developer and researcher.

What makes her unique: Everyone is unique in their own way. To me, being unique does not equal standing out. A person’s strengths and uniqueness cannot always be seen just by looking at someone. I have learned that to understand someone, you cannot just look at the surface. You must dig a bit deeper. I have always been an observer; I observe as many people, places, and things as I can to begin to understand the bigger picture. I feel this dedication to understanding the world around me makes me unique.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: My age. Graduating from an esteemed university at the age of 19 is exciting. When people find out my age, they are usually shocked.

The world is her classroom: My passion is learning from every person I interact with. Everyone has knowledge to offer.

Advice for first-year students: Step out of your comfort zone. Life will throw you the tools you need to grow, but you never know who or what or when or where. Although terrifying sometimes, change is necessary for growth.

After her graduation in May, Trista plans to find work as a user experience developer or researcher.

“Unissued Diplomas” Exhibition Urges Viewers To Bear Witness

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager, Penn State Behrend

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Ivanna Obodzinska, 19, was the mother of twins and a Garden Design student at Polissia National University. She planned to be a landscape designer.

Serhii Molchanov, 19, was a student at the Ukrainian Leadership Academy who volunteered to fight for his country. While serving, he collected stories and photos for a book he hoped to write.

Oleksandra Borivska, 18, was an International Relations student at Vasyl Stus Donetsk National University. She dreamed of a diplomatic career, traveling the world, and seeing the Grand Canyon.

None of them achieved their goals. They were killed in Ukraine, including Obodzinska’s twins–victims of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Obodzinska, Molchanov, and Borivska are three of forty Ukrainian students whose stories and photos are highlighted in “Unissued Diplomas,” an exhibition in Penn State Behrend’s Lilley Library that honors the memory of Ukrainian students who will never graduate.

The exhibition is one of dozens installed at institutions worldwide to remind people about the ongoing war and the price Ukrainians are paying daily in their fight for freedom. The exhibits were erected on February 24, the second anniversary of the invasion, which has resulted in the deaths of an estimated 70,000 Ukrainians to date.

While no one would wish a real-world trauma experience to affect their students, the course instructor of PSYCH 442: Trauma and Resiliency, Dr. Melanie Hetzel-Riggin, director of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and a professor of psychology, saw “Unissued Diplomas” as an opportunity put lessons into practice.

Her class visited the exhibit last week.

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“We talk a lot about how important it is for those who study trauma to bear witness to horrible events,” Hetzel-Riggin said. “Hearing and seeing the impact, elevating victim voices, and keeping space for those people affected by it is at the core of what trauma-informed work is.”

Hetzel-Riggin said the exhibit was particularly moving for Behrend students as they could see parts of  themselves in the Ukrainian students featured.

“The subjects of the exhibition were about the same age and might have had similar hobbies or majors or dreams and aspirations,” she said. “It brings the lessons from the course from abstract theory to affecting real people.”

Dr. Lena Surzhko-Harned, an associate teaching professor of political science, associate director of Behrend’s Public Policy Initiative, and a Ukrainian native, worked with Lilley Library to present the exhibition.

“The Russian full-scale invasion is also a war on Ukraine’s future,” Surzhko-Harned said. “The lives of the young Ukrainians, their future, their hopes and dreams were turned upside down on February 24, 2022. Many young people are losing their lives at the front lines and many more are dying as civilians targeted by artillery and drone strikes. With this exhibit, I hope we can honor this brave generation and remember to live our own lives to the fullest because your entire world can change in a moment.”

The “Unissued Diplomas” exhibition is located on the first floor of Lilley Library and is accessible during library hours. The exhibit will run through the end May.

Learn more at unissueddiplomas.org.

Major Decisions

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By JoLayne Green, Contributing writer, Penn State Behrend

Graduate found confidence, voice when she landed in the right program for her

When Gabi Watson switched her major to English at Penn State Behrend, she finally found her path—and her voice. It just took a little courage for her to follow a passion that was there all along.

“I did every other possible major,” Watson said, with a chuckle.

An Erie native who graduated last semester, Watson started in Forensic Biology at University Park. She learned that a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) field wasn’t truly what she wanted. Her college journey led her to Behrend and included stops in the Division of Undergraduate Studies and the Political Science program.

“I finally realized I belonged in liberal arts,” she said. “I fell in love with the English program and the teachers in it.”

She also felt at home at Behrend.

“I love how close-knit the campus is and how beautiful Behrend is,” she said. “I got all four seasons here in my hometown where I got a great education and had a close relationship with teachers.”

Before landing in the English department, Watson did a little soul searching.

“I grew up reading. I knew I loved English, but I didn’t know if I loved literature,” she said. “I thought choosing English would mean I would just be reading a lot of poetry.”

Then Watson discovered how diverse a degree in English is.

“I didn’t know how many options there were in writing. I felt I was floating around in the English department until I took Writing for the Web,” she said. “I found out you can have a great career in something you are passionate about.”

While she concentrated on professional writing, it was creative writing classes that helped her find her own voice.

“I learned a lot about expressing emotion and how to transcribe my thoughts into words,” she said.

Watson’s budding confidence carried into extracurricular activities. Describing herself as an introvert, she was a junior before becoming involved in activities at Behrend such as the Lion Entertainment Board and an Alternative Spring Break service trip.

She grew from observer to participant to executive director of the Lion Entertainment Board, helping to advance the club from four members to more than thirty while developing event planning skills.

Watson credits her advisor, Dr. Massimo Verzella, associate professor of English, as well staff members in the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement (SLI) with putting her on a path to success.

“Dr. Verzella changed the trajectory of what I wanted to do in my life,” she said. “He educated me on possibilities I didn’t know existed. I don’t think I’d be as social or as well-rounded as I am now without his support and that of SLI staff members.”

In turn, she began mentoring other students.

“I learned I like leading a team and helping people find their passion, and wanted to help other students figure out what they were good at,” she said.

Watson’s success in leadership was recognized beyond campus when she was chosen to receive the 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Award, celebrating emerging women leaders in Erie.

Watson, who graduated in December 2023, envisions a career that involves writing, generating social media content, travel, event planning, and possibly work in diversity, equity, and inclusion. First, she is going to Walt Disney World for a six-month stint in the Disney College Program in Florida.

After that? Who knows, but she knows she won’t be a silent observer.

“You can be an introvert and still be a leader,” she said. “I never thought I could, but with the right support, I’ve been able to find my voice in writing and in leadership. Wherever I end up next, I know Behrend has given me a solid foundation to build on.”

‘Kosovo precedent’ complicated invasion of Ukraine, visiting scholar says

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 By Robb Frederick, Associate Director of News and Information,

Penn State Behrend

When Russia invaded Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin invoked the “Kosovo precedent,” a 78-day NATO air campaign over the former Yugoslavia. The attacks, launched on March 24, 1999, and led by the United States, forced Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic to withdraw from Kosovo, where more than 10,000 Kosovar Albanians had been killed.

NATO had acted without approval from the U.N. Security Council, where Russia, a longtime Serbian ally, could have vetoed any resolution. The member nations argued that the international community was obligated to intervene and end a humanitarian crisis.

Russia had a different perspective.

“Russia’s view was that NATO had attacked a sovereign country and taken its territory,” said Jiří Nykodým, a postgraduate researcher at Masaryk University in Brno, in the Czech Republic. “Then, when it suited them, they argued the opposite – that Kosovo set a precedent for interventions that do not involve the U.N. Security Council. Russia used that as a justification when they annexed Crimea, and again when they invaded Ukraine.”

Nykodým studied the Kosovo precedent during a five-month visit to Penn State Behrend, where he served as a visiting scholar. He came to the college to work with Lena Surzhko Harned, an associate teaching professor of political science and an expert on Ukraine and the politics of the post-Soviet space.

“Her insight was very unique,” he said. “She recommended several books, including texts that were written in Cyrillic.”

Jiri Nykodym

Jiří Nykodým

A paper written by the pair was published by the European Consortium of Political Research.

As they examined the Kosovo precedent, Nykodým and Surzhko Harned looked closely at how it intersects with a diplomatic principle known as “responsibility to protect.” That policy, adopted at the 2005 United Nations World Summit, gives the international community the right to intervene when a state fails to keep its residents safe. The measure was a direct response to the war in Kosovo and massacres in Rwanda and Srebrenica.

“When you combine the Kosovo precedent and the responsibility to protect, you see there are limits to international law,” Surzhko Harned said. “Russia has used the Kosovo precedent to obstruct and undermine the law. Basically, they say to the west, ‘You broke the rules first.’”

Russia has blocked efforts to enforce the responsibility to protect, vetoing U.N. resolutions meant to address state failures in Syria, Zimbabwe, Myanmar, Venezuela and Yemen. At the same time, Putin used the measure to justify military incursions into Georgia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, where he perceived a threat to Russian-speaking minority communities, alleging a genocide for which there was no evidence.

“Putin has been careful not to explicitly invoke the responsibility to protect,” Nykodým said. “He uses the same language, however. It allows him to operate in a grey zone, selectively applying aspects of international law that support his goals.”

The war in Ukraine raises the stakes for the international community, which will have to reassess its commitment to the responsibility to protect other nations, Nykodým said.

“The war makes this more relevant,” he said. “We are seeing the effects of the Kosovo precedent in real time, and at the cost of Ukraine’s sovereignty.”

Standout Seniors ’23: Meet Briona Bargerstock (Psychology)  

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world! We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Briona Bargerstock.   

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Major: Psychology

Hometown: Kittanning, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Bunton Waller Scholarship, Meads Scholarship, Phillips Trustees Scholarship, Todd Leadership Scholarship, Wright Leadership Scholarshipo, and the Chancellor Award Scholarship

On finding the right fit: When I was searching for a college, I had a hard time figuring out all the things you need to know to enter college. All my worries were quickly alleviated after I spoke with a representative for Penn State Behrend who was willing to work with me on the application process. When I visited and walked around the campus, I got an overwhelming feeling that this is where I belonged. Four years later, I can say that it is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

On choosing her major: I wanted to help individuals who could not help themselves and be a representative for people of color in mental health services.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My proudest accomplishment will be graduating from college! It is something that I never thought I would do. I am the oldest child in my family and being able to graduate and serve as a role model to my siblings means the world to me. I have worked very hard for my degree. I’ve grown and accomplished so much during these last four years. I am grateful for everyone who has helped me get to where I am.

Campus involvement: During my time at Behrend I was involved in Random Acts of Kindness, Penn State Behrend Dems, Psi Chi, Psychology Club, Association of Black Collegians, Behrend Leadership Scholars, Academic Integrity Student Representative, Humanities and Social Sciences Ambassador, and the Student Multicultural Advisory Recruitment Team, and I worked as a Reed Union Building Desk Information Attendant. I also was a staff writer for the Behrend Beacon newspaper.

Awards and recognition: I received the T. Reed Ferguson Award during my junior year for my leadership both in both academic and nonacademic settings; the Outstanding Psychology Student award; and the Excellence in Service Award that I received as vice president of Random Acts of Kindness for our project with the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Erie. We made cards for veterans so that they would not feel lonely on holidays and birthdays.

What makes her unique: I am a big sister and that translates into everything that I do. This has given me a love of helping others and comforting individuals who may need a shoulder to cry on. I have an immense sense of empathy for all individuals, and I carry that into both my social and professional life.

Finding her confidence: I think people would be surprised to know that I used to be really scared of public speaking. Through my time working at the Reed Union Building Information Desk and learning from my supervisor, Christa Morris, I was able to develop my public speaking skills. Now, I can talk to large groups of people, give speeches, and chat to potential students and their families at recruiting events. The irony is that something I was terrified of when I started college is something I now love to do.

Her passion: I am passionate about equality, and I implement that into everything that I do. I always try my absolute hardest to make everyone whom I work with feel included and accepted for who they are. I feel that too often certain groups are silenced, and I strive to make every individual feel heard. I know what it is like to not be heard, and that is why I have worked so hard to get where I am and be able to serve as representation for the next generation of students entering college.

Advice for first-year students: Calm down. Life will work out how it is supposed to work out. I spent way too long stressing about having everything perfect, only to realize later that you cannot live in the present if all you do is worry about the future. Live in the now and enjoy what is happening in your life every day. The future will work out exactly how it is supposed to in due time.

Parting words: I’m so grateful for all the things I’ve gained at Behrend, including phenomenal professors, best friends, love, confidence, and so much more.

Briona has been accepted to the Applied Clinical Psychology master’s program at Penn State Behrend. She will start in the fall.

Standout Seniors ’23: Meet Kendrick Imler (Communication)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world! We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Kendrick Imler.

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Major: Communication

Hometown: Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because of the smaller campus size. With fewer students in my classes, I have been able to make connections with my professors and peers. I don’t feel like I am just a number in any of the classes I have ever taken during my time at Behrend.

On choosing his major: I’ve always enjoyed talking to people and I wanted to go into broadcast journalism.

Master juggler: I’m proud to have made the Dean’s List the past four semesters while being involved in many different clubs and activities.

Campus involvement: I was a resident assistant for two years. I am a member of the Ultimate Frisbee Club and historian for the Lion Ambassadors Club, played percussion in the Behrend Pep Band, and was in three musical productions. I was also a Lion Scout and gave tours to prospective students and their families.

What makes him unique: I’m a very energetic person and I do my best to make people laugh and feel comfortable in any situation.

What you’d be surprised to know about him: I sang backup for Kenny Rogers when I was in high school.

His definition of living a good life: Waking up in the morning in a bed with a roof over your head and knowing that you have friends and family who love you.

Sports nut: I’m passionate about sports. I enjoy watching and playing all different sports.

Advice for first-year students: It is important to know that you are not alone in college. Every first-year student is in a new situation. Put yourself out there as much as possible. Join clubs and attend events. Talk to people and do everything you can fit into your schedule because you might as well make the most of your time at college!

Parting thoughts: Penn State Behrend has the best faculty and staff. They are not only helpful, but welcoming. When I first moved to Behrend, I was scared and nervous, but everyone made me feel welcome, and I am so grateful to have been accepted to Behrend. I have made friends and memories here that will last for the rest of my life.

After his graduation in May, Kendrick hopes to find work in media production.

Standout Seniors ’23: Meet Mallory Flesik (Psychology and Political Science)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet  Mallory Flesik.

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Majors: Dual majoring in Psychology and Political Science

Minor: Crime, Law, and Psychology

Hometown: Herminie, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Edmund L. Lada Memorial Trustee Scholarship; Penn State Behrend Chancellor’s Scholarship; Mel Chrostowski Scholarship; Edward P. and Barbara F. Junker Scholarship; Allyn and Alice Wright Leadership Scholarship.

Awards: Outstanding Political Science Award, Writing Award from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Zachary T. Irwin Humanitarian Award.

Family ties: I chose Behrend because my older brother went to Behrend, which allowed me to see the opportunity that the college offers. After going on my tour of the campus, I knew that Behrend was the right choice for me, especially after seeing how beautiful it is in the fall.

On choosing her major: I chose Political Science because I am passionate about equality and civil rights, and I want to make a difference in the criminal justice system. I added Psychology as a second major at the end of my sophomore year because I like studying the science behind the way people think. I also wanted to have two majors to diversify my experiences and education.

Campus involvement: I was president of College Democrats, president of Pi Sigma Alpha, vice president/social media coordinator/secretary of Planned Parenthood Generation Action, and vice president of the Behrend Political Society. I also was a resident assistant for two years, as well as a member of Behrend Leadership Scholars Psychology Club, and Psi Chi, and I have been involved in musical theater.

What makes her unique: I am driven to help individuals from all walks of life.

Her mission:  I am passionate about using my privilege to give a voice to those who are silenced or marginalized.

Advice for first-year students: Don’t think that you have to stay in the major you decided on when you applied or started at school. Be open to opportunity and to exploring what Penn State has to offer.

Parting thoughts: I would like to thank all my professors and others who have helped me get to where I am today. I would not be here without all that support!

After her graduation, Mallory plans to work for a year or so to gain some experience. Then, she would like to attend graduate school to major in forensic psychology.

 

Standout Seniors ’23: Meet Erin Mooney (ARTSA, DIGIT)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

Today we’d like you to meet Erin Mooney.

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Majors: Dual majoring in Arts Administration and Digital Media, Arts and Technology

Minor: French

Hometown: North East, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Erie Insurance Open Doors Scholarship, McCain Family Foundation Trustee Scholarship, Ethel and Irvin Kochel Scholarship for International Study, Jim and Lynn Levinson Memorial Scholarship for Behrend’s Educational Partnership Program, John K. Henne Endowment for Internal Study, Internal Scholarship, Addison Gibson Foundation, Nancy J. Anderson Trustee Scholarship, NTIP(IB)-Edu Abroad.

On choosing her major: I chose my majors because arts and media are things that I am passionate about.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Graduating with two majors. Despite the many difficulties life has thrown at me during my college career, I persevered and made it.

Farm to campus: I lived on a farm while attending school and did not have a lot of spare time for extracurricular activities.

What makes her unique: I think my mind works differently than most. I am very creative, and I like to apply that to whatever I am working on. It makes assignments and work more interesting when I can add some of my own twists.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I have quite a few health issues that cause me a lot of pain each day. From chronic illnesses to injuries from an accident, I have been through the wringer. However, I work hard to make each day worth the effort!

What constitutes a good life for her: Doing what brings you happiness and trying to share that joy with others.

Her passions: I love color theory and making art. Also, “world building,” everything from storytelling to character-building.

Advice for first-year students: There are a lot of college resources, from the commuter lounge to the Personal Counseling Center to the Learning Resource Center where you can get tutoring. If you are struggling with anything, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

After her graduation in May, Erin plans to look for work in a field that aligns with her majors.

Standout Seniors ’23: Meet Matt Strupczewski (Political Science and Marketing)

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Penn State Behrend’s class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Matt Strupczewski: 

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Majors: Dual majoring in Political Science and Marketing

Minor: Military Studies

Hometown: Erie

Scholarships: Merwin Trustee Matching Scholarship, Irving Kochel Leadership Scholarship, Penn State Academic Grant, Zachary T. Irwin Humanitarian Award

On choosing Behrend: I knew I had to put myself through school, so I was looking for the most cost-effective option. Behrend was by far the best value. It allowed me to live at home to save even more money and still earn a Penn State degree, which opens the door to many career and continuing education opportunities.

On choosing his major: I am intrigued by the world of politics and hope to run for office myself one day. Marketing came naturally to me as I have always been business-minded. Dual majoring allowed me to draw the two together. I believe if I can market a product, I can market myself, and vice versa.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Becoming president of the Student Government Association. This position has allowed me to do so much to improve services and activities, and even support faculty needs on our campus. The ability to make real change and help our community has been the most fulfilling opportunity I have been able to take part in.

Campus involvement: I’m a member of the Lion Ambassadors, Penn State Army ROTC, and College Republicans.

What makes him unique: I think I have a high level of charisma. When it comes to sales, management, and even leadership situations, I am able to work well with a lot of people. I think this will help me in my career and personal life, as it is an important social skill in today’s world.

What you’d be surprise to know about him: I am only 21, but I am married and have already bought my first house. This was all while I went to school, averaging about 25 credits per semester and working, too.

What makes a good life: Finding your sense of fulfillment. There is no one way to live a good life. For me, it is a happy medium of having a job I enjoy with a good work-life balance.

A future full of options: I often think of new ways to apply my skills but have a hard time narrowing down which one to pursue. Do I get a graduate degree? Make an early run for a local election? Continue furthering my career as a real estate agent? This year has been a very introspective year for me, as I have been doing a deeper dive into the question, “What is my why?”

Passionate about public service: I love finding a way to use my skills to help people. With the skills I have developed here at Behrend, especially with my Student Government Association experience, I can’t wait to become an elected official. No matter what level office they hold, elected officials have the power and ability to make their community a better place. Today, it feels that too many of our officials are more concerned with reelection or serving themselves than with working to make things better.

Advice for first-year students: My younger self would have suggested students work as much as they can outside of school, but I now feel it is important to find a healthy middle ground. Of course, prioritize school, but work and social time should also be included for your own mental health and enjoyment of life.

From graduation to service: I am currently in the National Guard and will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in May. I have learned a lot in the guard and appreciate how it has helped me develop and mature, personally.

After his graduation in May, Matt plans to continue serving in the National Guard while pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree at Behrend. In the future, he plans to run for political office.

Standout Seniors ’23: Meet Lydia Glenn (English)

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Penn State Behrend’s class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Lydia Glenn:

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Major: English

Minor: Biology

Hometown: Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania

Connecting at Behrend: I chose Behrend because of its small classes and its convenient location. I value relationships with professors, and Behrend’s size allows for more student-professor connections. The relationships with my professors have created several opportunities for me in furthering my education and career.

On choosing her major: I chose English with a focus in professional writing because I have a love of research and writing. Editing and writing, whether professionally or technically, are my areas of expertise, So I decided to utilize my skills and find a career that fits me.

Sharing her skills: One of my proudest accomplishments at Behrend was teaching Italian water polo players English. The players were taking part in a summer camp on campus, and it was such a rewarding experience. I was able to use my knowledge of the English language to teach them conversation and phrases for social settings.

Campus involvement: I am a Humanities and Social Sciences Ambassador, tutor at the LRC, and was news editor of the Behrend Beacon last year.

Interdisciplinary interests: One thing that makes me unique is my love of both the humanities and the sciences. I love English, writing, and reading literature, but I also love biology and the research that comes with it. My knowledge of both English and biology makes me a person who can type a grammatically and thematically accurate scientific paper.

She loves language and animals: People might be surprised to know that I own three ferrets. During my internship at the Erie Zoo, I fell in love with the ferrets. After that, I started rescuing them from local shelters. Of course, I started with just one, but then two more needed homes.

Her definition of living a good life: I think a good life is finding something you’re passionate about and turning it into a career. I also believe that everyone should strive to make the world a better place and should use their brains and individual skills for good. A good life is made of selfless acts.

What’s next: My highest priority for the next few years is to obtain a master’s degree and find a job in the field of publishing and/or writing.

What fires her up: I am passionate about reading and writing first and foremost. I am also passionate about certain political movements like women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental activism. I am also passionate about animals, and I urge everyone looking to own a pet to adopt from local shelters.

Advice for first year students: Go to counseling. I am a firm believer that everyone needs someone to talk to. Counseling at Penn State Behrend is free, so why not utilize their services while you are here?

After her graduation in May, Lydia plans to attend graduate school at Carnegie Mellon University.