Going to college changes the way you look the world in the long run. While you might not realize you are being impacted day to day, when you look back on your days you see everything is different. It's different than when you started and although it might of been a tough run while it was happening, it's for the better in the end. Going to Penn State has impacted my life in ridiculous amounts of ways and I'm only beginning my upperclassman career.

Penn State has taught me how to stand tall in my beliefs. No matter what anyone says, it's important that if you have a stance and a believe to not let it waiver for anyone. I chose to come to Penn State amidst the Jerry Sandusky scandal and I do not regret it for one second. Jerry Sandusky was a terrible man and I nor anyone else who wears blue and white proudly is not an advocate for this man—my school is more than that scandal. After choosing to go to Penn State I got various comments saying "why would you chose to go to a school with a sandal looming over it?" and for one second I never regretted it. Being a junior and several years out from the scandal I still get the same question and my answer evolves every time, getting better and better. I stand tall in my choice to get a higher education at one of the best schools in Pennsylvania if not the entire nation. I stand tall in my choice to get the best possible life after college with my education obtained from Penn State. I stand tall in all of this, and going to school here has only made that choice more concrete.

Penn State has taught me my self worth. Everyone in this institution has built my self worth and continued it every day. From the professors, to the students, the administrators and athletics, I never doubt for two seconds I'm right where I need to be. The people Penn State has brought me is truly unrivaled. Without such strong individuals by my side I don't know where I would be in life. People say going to a school of 45,000 students you get lost in the crowd but that could not be more untrue for Penn State. The students here make the campus as small as possible and can truly be called home.

Penn State has taught me to smile more and worry less. Penn State has taught me to believe in the idea that I am better every day and achieving the most is possible. Penn State has taught me to never give up, because failure isn't an option. Penn State has taught me to try harder in everything you want because there is no fault in trying. Penn State has taught me if you don't succeed that's fine, but try again. Penn State has taught me someone will always be better than you at something, but that doesn't mean you can't be the best at one point as well. Penn State has taught me to be proud of who I am, where I'm from and my Penn State education. Penn State has my heart.