All my life, I've focused on what's next rather than live in the present. When I was in college, I couldn't wait to graduate and be a real adult. Now that I've been out of school for over a year, I've come to realize things don't happen as fast as one might prefer. I don't have that dream job yet and quite frankly, being an adult is overrated.
Here are some reasons why State College will always be calling out to me no matter where I am in the world:
1. There's no other place like it
You will never visit another college town quite like State College. Between experiencing winter for 75% of the school year or all the Nittany Lion memorabilia, you'll know when you've reached Happy Valley as you pass Beaver Stadium on the highway.
2. The campus & culture
In terms of school spirit, Penn State is unique. While I was never a hardcore football fan and I didn't "bleed blue and white," I would give anything to be back at a game on a brisk, fall Saturday afternoon drinking hot chocolate. You won't find another university where the students are as dedicated to what the school stands for.
Penn State's campus is another reason to visit and is popular among tourists. It has that Northeastern feeling to it. Whether you want to get a picture with the Lion Shrine or watch all the squirrels interacting with students, Penn State is probably one of the most fascinating places to attend school.
3. The bar scene
Someone get me a Cafe sour apple pitcher to help me write this. Stat.
Downtown has every bar you can think of. The nightlife during the school year, and even in the summer, is entertaining. The cheap alcohol prices and happy hours are unbeatable.
Once you turn 21 in Happy Valley, the world opens up to you. It becomes a ritual to go out with your friends to Cafe, or Mad Mex, or Local Whiskey and vent about everything going on in your life. Simpler times.
4. There's something for everyone
It's OK if you don't prefer going out to bars. Or watching football. Or anything related to the university, for that matter. There are numerous activities to get involved in.
Marathons like The Color Run or THON's 5K are held annually. THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, is a dance marathon held every February to benefit pediatric cancer. Arts Fest brings people from all around the world as well as alumni to relive their college years. Hiking at Mount Nittany is a classic bucket list activity. The Asian food scene is phenomenal for central Pennsylvania.
What I'm trying to say is, anything you can think of, State College probably has it - and more.
5. The relationships formed
I can't write or even think about Penn State without thinking about all of the amazing relationships I made. Upon entering the film major, I learned a lot about myself. Most importantly, we learned together, both about ourselves and each other.
None of us would be who we are without Penn State. For that, we will cherish it forever.
6. It's where I first experienced love
I didn't know what love was before Penn State, even though I thought I did. I believe that college is where you figure out what you like and what you want out of a relationship - at least that's the goal.
Love is compromise. Love is listening to each other's needs. Love is taking a cross-country road trip together and not getting sick of each other. Love is becoming better with each other.
For having the opportunity to experience all of this, I have Penn State to thank for that.
7. Starbucks
After graduation, I entered the barista chapter of my life (which is still going on, by the way). I know every partner will tell you their store is special, but my store was special.
Never before have I experienced a workplace where everyone works so well together and supports one another, both at work and off the clock. I'm not sure if I'll ever experience anything like that again, but I sure hope I do.
8. Pennsylvania will always be my home
It's where I was born. It's where I grew up to be the depressed teenager that eventually transitioned into the more confident and optimistic person that I am today. It's where I met most of my friends that I cherish in my life today.
That young boy traveling on his scooter in a rural Pennsylvania trailer park will always be a part of me.
9. It's where I found myself
This is kind of a repeat, but it's true. As much as I regret life decisions sometimes, all of the money was worth my experiences at Penn State.
I traveled to destinations I never would have imagined seeing in my lifetime. I met people who will be in my life forever. I came to terms with who I was, what I liked and gained a sense of what I want to do with my life.
All of that, I owe to living in State College for those two short but incredible years.
Don't take my word for it. Go experience Penn State for yourself. Have some Creamery ice cream for me while you're at it. My favorite is PSU Coffee Break.
