Category: School of Humanities and Social Sciences

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.

Students Spend Spring Break in Washington, D.C.

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager

Office of Strategic Communication, Penn State Behrend

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Penn State Behrend students with U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr. at the Capitol Building in Washinton, D.C.

Political Science class gets a first-hand look at how U.S. government works

It’s one thing to study the U.S. government and how it operates in Washington, D.C. It’s another to experience it, walking the same halls that senators and congresspersons do, sitting in the same courtrooms where federal judges preside, and meeting with foreign ambassadors and lobbyists.

“After being taught in the classroom, actually seeing the historical locations in person gave me a whole new perspective,” said Justin Lopez-Beltran, a second-year student dual majoring in Political Science and Economics.

More than a dozen Penn State Behrend students enrolled in Dr. Robert Speel’s PLSC 177N Politics and Government of Washington, D.C., spent their spring break in our nation’s capital where they squeezed a lot into one week.

The group met with members of Congress and leaders of federal government agencies; received briefings from foreign embassies and international organizations; participated in seminars led by interest groups, political party officials, and consultants; and toured government offices and facilities. They visited monuments, memorials, museums, and Arlington National Cemetery, and met with many Penn State Behrend alumni who live and work in D.C.

Among the alumni in D.C. is U.S. Representative Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), a 2004 Political Science graduate, who serves on the House Rules Committee and invited the students to sit in on a committee meeting.

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Penn State Behrend students with U.S. Representative Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), a 2004 Political Science graduate (center in striped tie) in Washinton, D.C.

“This is not something the average person can do,” said Casey Mitolo, a fourth-year Political Science major. “He even gave a shout out to the class and Dr. Speel during the meeting. It was special.”

“My favorite part was visiting Capitol Hill and seeing all the politicians you admire and even some you might disagree with,” Lopez-Beltran said. “After taking multiple political science courses, it was fascinating to see politicians we have discussed and even argued about in the classroom.”

Classmate Nicklas Richar, a second-year Political Science major, agreed. “It was really cool to be inside the Capitol building and to see all the senators and representatives I’ve watched on TV and realize that they are real people doing an actual job.”

Mason Milliard, a third-year Political Science major, said he especially enjoyed meeting with Behrend alumnae Yuri Unno, director for international trade policy for Toyota, and Elizabeth Buck, deputy assistant director of the U.S. Marshals Service. “It was also really interesting to watch votes from the Senate and House galleries and sit in for a lecture at the Supreme Court,” he said.

Mitolo was surprised by the number of Behrend alumni in the capital. “It was extremely eye-opening to see all the doors that a Behrend Political Science degree can open,” he said. “We met alumni who work as political consultants, representatives, union leaders, and much more.”

The students interviewed for this story all agreed that the experience solidified their career choices.

“It was one of the most fascinating experiences of my life,” Richar said. “Every single place that we visited had a rich history and important part in how our government functions. It really inspired me to continue in my career path, and I learned that the potential for jobs in this field is endless.”

“This trip 100 percent solidified my career decision,” Lopez-Beltran said. “I learned that there are countless opportunities in D.C. and a wide variety of options from campaign work to legislative work to lobbying.”

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4 Takeaways

Things are not always what they seem: “I learned that, occasionally, lobbyists are the ones who have to rein in the legislators,” Milliard said. “It was surprising to hear that, from a lobbyist’s perspective, they sometimes must remind politicians that the ideas they are pushing are unrealistic. This contradicted a belief I had that politicians were the ones who had to curtail persistent ‘radical’ lobbyists.”

It’s more complicated than it seems. “I learned how many outside influences affect how lawmakers make legislation,” Richar said. “We learn in class about the types of legislation they create but not always about the work that goes into it or what causes lawmakers to think the way they do. Now, after meeting them, I have a much better understanding.”

Prepare for a workout.  “The trip was exhausting!” Mitolo said. “We walked more than ten miles one day, according to my Apple watch. But it was totally worth it.”

D.C. runs on youth. “One of the staff members that I spoke to privately made a joke about how the government is really run by a bunch of 20-year-olds, and it made me laugh because it was clear that there was an element of truth to it,” Lopez-Beltran said. “They were the ones rushing around delivering mail, moving legislation, setting up tours, and more.”

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Penn State Behrend students meet with some Behrend alumni who live and work in Washington, D.C.

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Standout Seniors ’23: Meet Skylar Lint (Elementary and Early Childhood Education)

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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 Skylar Lint:

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Major: Elementary and Early Childhood Education

Minor: Special Education

Hometown: Waterford, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Chancellor’s Scholarship, Council of Fellows Leadership Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: Behrend always felt like home to me. The first time I visited, I felt so safe. The Behrend community is like no other; everyone is so caring.

On choosing her major: I’ve always wanted to change the world, and I knew that teaching was one way I could do that. Teachers can have great impact.

A leader in the classroom and out: My proudest accomplishment has been maintaining a 3.5 cumulative GPA, as well as serving as the president of my sororityAlpha Sigma Alpha—for the past two years and holding an executive board position on Panhellenic Council for three years.

What makes her unique: Making people feel comfortable and heard. I am a compassionate and outgoing person.

What makes an A+ life: Being surrounded by people who you love. What better way to be happy than being with with those you adore the most?

Her next assignment: To get a teaching job so I can shape the minds of young children and open doors for them like my teachers did for me. I want to show children that learning is fun.

Advice for first-year students: Be adventurous and try new things. Join clubs where you can make new friends. Enjoy every moment. Four years goes faster than you think!

Lessons from the 100 Acre Wood: I love this quote from Winnie the Pooh: “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard?”  I feel very lucky to have gone to a college like Behrend that I am going to have a hard time leaving.

After her graduation in May, Skylar plans to work as an elementary school teacher.

Standout Seniors ’23: Meet Emily Clopp (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 Emily Clopp: 

Emily Clopp

Major: Psychology with a certificate in Child Development

Hometown: Canonsburg, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: John H. Devitt Scholarship

Finding a home at Behrend: I chose Behrend for many reasons. First, because I could earn a Penn State degree and the alumni base is massive. Behrend is also a beautiful campus and has a homey feel to it. Additionally, I wanted to play soccer, and I knew Behrend had a successful program with great coaches.

Why she chose her major: The brain has always fascinated me. I love its complexity. I knew majoring in psychology would give me the opportunity to learn more about the brain and the numerous disorders associated with it, as well as gain an understanding of why humans behave the way they do. It also provided a good foundation for graduate school, as a lot of the prerequisites are psychology courses like developmental psychology and abnormal psycholohy, both of which I loved.

Excelling on the field and in the classroom: From an academic standpoint, my proudest accomplishment has been maintaining a 4.0 grade point average while balancing work, school, social life, and soccer. From an athletic standpoint, my proudest moment would be winning the AMCC championship with my team in the 2021 season and competing in the NCAA tournament.

Campus involvement: Two-year captain of the women’s soccer team; group leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes; volunteer in the TOPS soccer program; member of Psi Chi honor society and the Psychology club.

Awards and recognitions: President’s Freshman award, Chi Alpha Sigma Athletic Honors Society, Academic All-Conference every soccer season, Dean’s List every semester, Scholarship/Leadership Award from the team (voted on by teammates).

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I transferred to Behrend after my first year of college at the University of Akron where I played Division I soccer. In high school, I was a member of Team USA for dance/baton twirling. We competed in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, where we won the World Championships. Finally, people would be surprised to know that I am very emotional and still tear up at most Disney movies, especially Monsters, Inc.

Passions at play: I am passionate about helping people. I especially love working with older adults and those with special needs, so I’m very excited about my future career. I also love soccer and hope to find an adult recreational league to play in.

Advice for first-year students: Be proactive and find a routine. Also, know that even when school get stressful and overwhelming, you will get through it. Finally, get involved as much as you can because having a support system makes college a lot easier.

Following her graduation in May, Emily plans to attend graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh to get a doctorate in occupational therapy. She hopes to specialize in neurology or work with those who have special needs.

Secret Lives of Faculty: Ricardo Estremera, home remodeler and Olympic-level athlete

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There’s so much more to Penn State Behrend’s faculty and staff members than what you see them doing on campus. In this occasional series, we take a look at some of the interesting, unconventional, and inspiring things that members of our Behrend community do in their free time. 

By Heather Cass
Publications Manager, Office of Strategic Communications, Penn State Behrend

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What’s an Olympic-level runner to do when he is injured and can’t work out and the entire country is taking a pandemic pause? How does a guy who runs sub-4-minute-miles survive being stuck at home for months?

He flips.

A house.

Trading in his racing flats for a tool belt, Ricardo Estremera, 36, assistant teaching professor of Spanish, and his wife, Sherez Mohamed, a professor of Spanish and linguistics at Mercyhurst University in Erie, invested in a fixer-upper and got to work.

“We figured it would keep me busy,” said Estremera, who was training for a spot on the Puerto Rico Olympic steeplechase team when Achille’s tendon issues forced a layoff.

The couple had their work cut out for them. The house, while solidly built, needed an entire interior overhaul.

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“The home was built in the 1890s, and I think cats have been peeing in it since 1891,” Mohamed wrote in a post on the Instagram page—The Professors Flip—that the couple started to document the progress of turning a $33,000 stinker into a sparkling, modern home on a tight budget.

Estremera approached the job with all the energy and enthusiasm he would have spent at the track, as did Mohamed who did her share of the remodeling, renovating, and restoration work, too.  Estremera learned his handyman skills as a reluctant teenage helper to his father, repairing things around their home in Puerto Rico.

“When you’re a kid, parents make you do things and you hate it, but you end up learning a lot,” he said. “I didn’t like having to help fix things back then, but I love it now. Going to Home Depot is a good day for me.”

As soon as they closed on the house, they began a to-the-studs overhaul and transformed it into a modern home with an open concept. (See  photos on Instagram. Click on the “Before and After” story.)

“The first house was an experiment to see if we could do it,” Estremera said. “We learned a lot. It’s amazing what you can figure out watching YouTube tutorials.”

Given the results, they decided to renovate another home – a duplex, which they are now renting out.

Being landlords wasn’t in the original plan for Estremera and Mohamed. It’s more of an altruistic endeavor than a business for them.

“We decided we wanted to provide beautiful, affordable housing for people in Erie,” he said. “The city has lots of old houses with charm that are not taken care of, and the landlords don’t seem to care. We do. We will take care of our properties and renters.”

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Behrend Blog caught up with Estremera after he wrapped up a morning workout (yes, he’s back in training) to learn more about his life off campus.

What are the things you’re looking for when you’re investing in a new property?

We are very patient and look for deals in neighborhoods that are in the sweet spot. For example, houses in one area of Erie might be $130,000, but if you go a few blocks in any direction, you can find them for $60-$70,000. We are looking for residential areas where we can find a bargain, fix it up, and improve the community.

We also look at what the home needs, especially if there are any big-ticket improvements needed, such as a roof, electric, furnace, chimney or foundation repairs. These things are not deal-breakers, but we need to factor that in and make sure the renovation will pay off.

How many properties have worked on?

Our first was the home we live in. Then, we did the duplex, and we just bought another house.

So, you don’t actually “flip” them?

No. We learned that it’s actually very hard to make money flipping houses. The more time you spend doing it, the less cost effective it is.

Do you do all the home renovation work yourselves?

Most of it, yes. I enjoy the challenge, and it’s cost-effective to do the work yourself. Neither of us love painting, but it’s expensive to hire someone to do it, so we paint to save that money for other things, such as electrical work.

What have you learned the hard way?

Old houses are not square.

What are your top tips for anyone who might want to do what you do?

Do your research, shop around, and negotiate. I do a lot of research when we are looking for a new property, contractor or appliances/materials. I know how much things should cost. We shop around, even when looking for a bank loan, and we negotiate. My wife is an expert negotiator.

Switching gears, how is the running going? Are you injury-free now?

I am injury-free now, but I have found that it’s hard to stay in shape over winter in Erie due to the lack of indoor facilities. A treadmill is fine for a regular run, but not when you’re doing fast-paced training and I cannot run hurdles until at least April, so I’m months behind my competition. My plan is to train for longer distance (half marathon) in the fall and winter, then slowly shift to track season.

What are you training for now?

My end goal in the 2023 season is to wear my Puerto Rican jersey at the Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC Games) and Pan American Games.  After the 2023 season, I will retire from track and field and compete in road races, like 5k, 10k, 21k and 42k.

Do you train with anyone?

I wish that I could. It’s hard to find partners who can run my pace. I do my hard workouts at a sub-4:00 to 4:30 (minutes per mile) pace. A recovery day is a 5:45 to 6:30 pace. I do volunteer with Behrend’s track-and-field team, though.

When did you start running?

I was about 15 or 16 years old when I started running seriously. Before that, I was a competitive swimmer. I hated it, though. I only did it because my brothers did, so we all went. When I started running, I knew that it would be my ticket to college.  (Editor’s note: It was not only his ticket to college, but to a spot on the Puerto Rico Olympic team in the steeplechase. Read more about that here).

What do you enjoy about running?

It’s relaxing and it’s my time to think. I get a lot of work done while I’m running. I like to teach and then run because it gives me time to reflect on what went right, what went wrong, and what I might change.

Switching gears again…Why should students consider a Spanish minor?  

A second language is an asset to any field or major and will make you stand out. In a global world, being bilingual is beneficial. It also gives you the full experience when traveling abroad. It will open the doors to another world!

You are a full-time faculty member, a husband, a member of the Puerto Rico Olympic team, a volunteer with the college’s track team, and a Ph.D. candidate who renovates homes in his spare time. What do you say to students who don’t turn in their assignments on time?

(Laughs). I say: Do you have a better excuse than I might to not get your work done? But seriously, I tell them they need a plan. Look at your calendar and fill it in with your No. 1 priorities and things that can’t move, such as classes. Then, find the gaps in your schedule to fit in other things—a workout, lunch, a date, meal prep, etc. Time management is key to success.

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Standout Seniors: Meet Jasmine Lewis (Psychology)

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Penn State Behrend’s class of 2022 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 several weeks, 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 Jasmine Lewis: 

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Major: Psychology

Certificates: Trauma Studies and Behavioral Health and Counseling Psychology

Hometown: Fairview, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Behrend Excellence Scholarship.

On choosing her major: I initially chose Psychology because I wanted to become a therapist.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: You might expect me to say something related to academics, but I would say that I am most proud about meeting so many wonderful people and taking advantage of experiences that have helped me grow exponentially as a person from when I arrived here four years ago.

Campus involvement: I was a member of the Student Government Association where I served as Secretary of Commuter Affairs and as an upper-class Senator. I was also a Welcome Week Guide for three years and a peer mentor in Belonging@Behrend and the college’s Behrend Excellent Student Transition Mentor Program.

What makes her unique: I love volunteering and am especially adept at being a “people-mover” and getting things organized for events. Also, I have my purple belt in Goju-Ryu karate.

Singing in the rain (and sun and clouds and…): I love to sing. If I could sing my way through life, I’d be the happiest woman on Earth.

Her definition of the good life: To me, living the good life means looking at every opportunity, setback, or hurdle in a positive light. There is always something good to be found in every situation, and I live my life looking for positive notes in the things I do.

What she’s passionate about: I am incredibly passionate about educating people on mental health and reducing the stigmas associated with it.

Advice for first-year students: The best thing I ever did was to look at the degree requirements for my major in my first year. I highly recommend working closely with your academic adviser and the amazing staff in the Academic and Career Planning Center to make sure you’re on track. Your “What If?” report is quite literally your best friend (aside from the schedule builder) when it comes to scheduling classes. Some classes I took ended up counting for two or three categories in my degree path. This tool saved me a lot of time and stress.

Jasmine has accepted a job with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Erie County, after her graduation in May. She also was accepted into the Disney College Program, which she will participate in from mid-July through February 2023.

Standout Seniors: Meet Chantel Rodriguez (Communication)

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Penn State Behrend’s class of 2022 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 several weeks, 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 Chantel Rodriguez. 

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Major: Communication

Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania

 Scholarships: Petersen Family Trustee Scholarship

On choosing Behrend: I had heard great things from alumni. My friends said Behrend changed their lives and gave them the option to do whatever they were genuinely passionate about in life. It took me awhile to be able to go to college as an adult, but choosing Behrend was the best decision I could have made. I’ve made lifelong relationships and connections.

On choosing her major: Originally, I was a Psychology major, but then I met Dr. Carrie Payne, assistant teaching professor of English, who thought I would be a perfect fit for the Communication program. Years later, I am grateful I switched because of the many opportunities I’ve had in that field, such as community involvement and creating inclusivity.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My proudest accomplishment at Behrend is that I still got involved with student clubs and organizations. With a family and a job and academics, it hasn’t been easy, but I make it a priority to involve myself on campus to connect with other students.

Campus involvement: I am a staff writer for the campus student newspaper, The Behrend Beacon, I participated in the Academic Integrity Committee as a student representative, and I earned the Dean’s List honor several times.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: When people meet me, they are always surprised to learn that I’m 27 years old, that I’m a mother of three girls, and that I’ve been married for nearly ten years now.

Advice for first-year students: My advice for the first-year and adult students would be to use the school resources as much as possible and make it a point to reach out for help when things feel like they are crashing down on you. There are lots of people who want to help you succeed.

She loves Erie: I plan to stay in Erie after I graduate. Erie is growing and changing every day, and I want to become more involved in the community and contribute to its revitalization.

Proud to be the first: I am proud to say that I am a Latina first-generation college graduate.

After her graduation in December, Chantel wants to work in public relations as an outreach coordinator for a nonprofit organization in Erie.

Standout Seniors: Meet Sierra Wells (Psychology)

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Penn State Behrend’s class of 2022 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 several weeks, 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 Sierra C. Wells: 

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Major: Psychology

Hometown: Jamestown, New York

On choosing Behrend: A few of my friends went to Behrend before me, and they had all positive things to say about the faculty and staff and the Psychology program. I am also a huge Penn State fan and knew I wanted to be a part of the Penn State community.

On choosing her major: I have always been intrigued by the psyche of others around me and am fascinated by human behavior. I wanted to study and learn much more about it.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Completing a research study on my own and presenting my findings at two conferences. I studied and examined how crime news in the media can affect college students’ fear of crime. This project helped me understand advanced research methods and apply psychology to my work.

Can’t stop her: I think that my passion and drive for the subject of psychology make me stand out. I am very motivated to achieve my goals and believe that nothing can stop me. I aspire to learn as much as I can and be as educated as possible so that I can set an example for those around me.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: My dream job is to work alongside the criminal justice system or the FBI to do in-depth research studies on incarcerated criminals.

Her definition of the good life: Being a part of something you love, whether it is a job, a sport, or a hobby.

On second loves: In addition to my passion for psychology, I am also an avid volleyball player and will always love the sport.

Advice for first-year students: Don’t get discouraged when you are having a bad week or feel overwhelmed with homework.  Keep your eye on your end goal. It will be worth it!

Parting gratitude: I’m thankful for Behrend and the staff and my peers who have helped me along the way. I’m especially grateful for Dr. Melanie Hetzel-Riggin, professor of psychology, for being one of my biggest supporters and a role model, as both a teacher and a woman.

After her graduation, Sierra plans to attend graduate school to obtain a master’s degree in clinical psychology.

Standout Seniors: Meet Matt Mathias (Communication)

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Penn State Behrend’s class of 2022 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 of 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 Matt Mathias: 

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Major: Communication with a certificate in Public Relations

Hometown: Jamestown, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I have received the Joseph and Isabel Prischak Trustee Scholarship and the Irvin Kochel Leadership Scholarship.

Why he chose Behrend: It was an hour from home and offered a wide variety of majors. I was unsure of what I wanted to do in college, so I liked having a lot of options. Also, who can deny the pedigree of a Penn State degree?

On choosing his major and changing plans: I changed my major a few times before deciding on Communication. It fits my skillset well and I have been able to continue with camera and video work that I’ve always enjoyed.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My proudest accomplishment at Behrend has been making the Dean’s List in back-to-back semesters in 2021. The start of my college career was rough. I hit a wall early on when I was unsure what direction to pursue. I was unmotivated and struggled mentally, and then COVID happened and that didn’t help. In the end, support at home and here at Behrend helped me get back on my feet, and I’m incredibly proud of where I am now.

Awards and recognition: Myron Jones Broadcasting Award.

Campus Involvement: I’ve written for the Behrend Beacon since the spring of 2021 and am currently the sports editor. I also am involved in BVZ Radio.

On leadership: During the summer of 2018, I was selected to attend the Penn State Summer Leadership Conference at University Park. It was one of the best learning experiences I’ve had at Penn State.

On conversation and music: I can talk to anyone. I think this may stem from the fact that I played piano for a local church from the time I was 12 years old. I was constantly surrounded by adults and expected to hold conversations with them at a young age. It helped me become confident in my speaking abilities and taught me how to make friends and how to listen to and learn from other people. I developed compassion and empathy for others that I think has served me well as a communicator.

What you’d be surprised to know about him: I worked as a page for the Pennsylvania State Senate in Harrisburg in 2011 and 2012. I am highly interested in government and how state and national government functions, not necessarily the politics behind it all, but everything else that goes into it.

Passion for service: I love helping people. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and validates the work that I do. Not only that, but I learn a lot about myself when helping others. I’m always trying to grow and be the best version of myself.

Advice for first-year students: It’s OK to not to know what you’re going to do for the rest of your life. I’m graduating in a few months, and I still have no idea where life might take me. Just have confidence in yourself and listen to your gut. Never doubt that the hard work you put in will pay off.

Parting thoughts: I’m thankful for all the Behrend faculty members who have guided me throughout my college career as well as the advisers who paved the way for me. I’m excited for the next chapter of my life.

Matt will graduate in June and plans to find a job in media production or in the communications/public relations field.