I can honestly tell you that I have never talked to someone who attends, or attended Penn State, and did not like it. Although this fact does not surprise me at all, I figured it would be appropriate to expand on why this theme seems to exist amongst all Penn Staters.
1. Since a large majority of Nittany Lions are from outside Philly or Pittsburgh, businesses have gotten smart, and have done their best to bring a little bit of home to State College. The latest addition is the new Primanti Brothers, which Pittsburgh natives have been swarming to ever since its opening.
2. Need I say THON?! I kid you not when I say that it is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, supporting kids suffering from pediatric cancer and their families through the Four Diamonds Fund. JoePa was most certainly correct when he said, "When they say, 'We Are Penn State,' this is what they are talking about." For The Kids.
3. Do you like to sing? Do you like to play football, baseball, lacrosse or any sport at all? Have you always had a deep desire to learn how to play Quidditch? Do you care about the sustainability? Do you like volunteering? Do you like to write? Great news: if you have any interests at all, chances are, you can explore and pursue them at Penn State.
4. The great recession. I've spoken of it before, and I'm speaking of it again. However, Penn Staters don't even have to think about it. They don't even have to worry about attaining a job post-graduation, because they have so many tools at Penn State: career fairs, the Alumni Association, the Nittany Lion Fund, etc. Indeed, it is the #1 school for networking.
5. The people. Wow. I have met the most amazing people here at Penn State. I have met people who make me laugh, people who instantly understand me, people who push me to be better, and people who challenge me. I've met people who care about the world, and who have a depth and complexity that seems to be growing extinct these days. On a separate note, I leave my backpack at a table every day while I get my lunch, and have never had a theft problem (although I have had many a fracket stolen. Girls need to calm down). Nonetheless, people at Penn State are simply good, genuine people.
6. The nightlife. It needed to be said. Did you have a long day or week of classes? Do you feel like you need to unwind? Great news: no matter the day of the week, there is always something to do at night in Happy Valley.
Person who doesn't go to Penn State: "What do you even do at Penn State? It's in the middle of nowhere!"
Penn Stater: Wouldn't you like to know?!
7. Are you an adrenaline junky? Cliff jumping and sky diving opportunities are nearby.
8. The athletic teams are all amazing, making every game of every sport entertaining to watch. However -- sorry guys -- sometimes the tailgate is better than the game itself.
9. The world comes to us. We may be in the middle of nowhere, but we have had Kanye West, Jay-Z, Jason Aldean, Diplo, etc. We don't need to be in the city to have access to good music. Not only that, but orchestras, dance companies, ballet companies and even Broadway shows on tour venture out to State College.
10. We Are. We really are one big family. Once a Penn Stater, always a Penn Stater. We raise Penn State children, half of us are related to a Penn State alum, and we truly are everywhere. It is comforting knowing that no matter where I end up, I can find someone from Penn State to keep me company.
