£The Behrend Beacon Friday, August 27, 2004 Welcome and welcome back Two sophmores tell tales of first year at Behrend, encourage club involvment A letter to commuters By Deanna Sieberkrob contributing writer The new school year is starting and you de cided to live ofT-campus. So what if you don’t live in the dorm rooms. You can still get the full college experience other ways by getting involved in on-campus student activities. With more than 80 clubs and organizations you are bound to find one or two that could possibly interest you. Being an active student on campus will defi nitely sharpen your social skills. By finding a group that interests you, you will set yourself up to meet new people with common interests that you might not get to meet living off-campus. Clubs are also a great way to just relax and take time out of your day. You can do what you like without worrying about classes or getting work done. You can also hang out with your club members and waste time between classes so you will not have to go home and then come back later. Getting involved on campus also gives you the opportunity to open your eyes to new op portunities and “broaden your horizons”. Find ing and participating in groups you think that you might enjoy could make you rethink your intended major and possibly switch it. You may just be exposed to something else that you may like more. Joining an organization and playing an ac tive role in it is also a great resume builder. Companies always like to see different organi zations on a resume. It shows that you got an entire education and not just a degree from the school. It displays a sense of well roundedness by showing that you participated and took ac tion on your campus. As a commuter, it is very important that you get involved here at Penn State. Participating outside of the classroom is an essential part of getting an education and also helps you in “get ting the full college experience” with out living on campus. Need Something To Do? Spend some time wttk The Behrens Beacon Staff Open House Sunday 4-5 p.m. in the Beacon Offices (follow our signs) Stick ground afterward for the first meeting and get a chance to writer before anyone else. CONTACT US Newsroom: 898-6488 Fax: 898-6019 E-mail: behrcolls@aol.com Our offices are located downstairs In the Reed Union Building. A Penn State Erie Student Publication A letter to on-campus students By Deepti Sonni contributing writer Coming to Penn State Behrend has been one of the best decisions of my life. I remember that day I first moved onto the Behrend campus very vividly, even though it was a year ago. Coming from Atlanta, Erie was a big change for me. 1 had never lived away from home, and being an only child, I had no idea what the col lege life was going to be like. I remember move in day. All the students were there with their parents, moving into their new jniel J. ;asiewski / The Behrend Beacon One lonely car sneaks past the entrance sign, Thursday, a day before orientation. A campus population boom begins this weekend when more than 350 first-year students fill the dorms. First-year commuter students will check in Saturday, adding 300 additional students to the population. Brenda Starr, ACCT 06 "I transferee! from another local college and I could still live at home. Behrend has a pheonomenal business program compared to my previous college." K.J. Margraff, COMMU 07 "It's six hours from home and there are lots of friends here." home for the next year. I remember seeing their anxious and nervous faces along with excitement for what the year would bring ahead. During orientation, I met so many first-year stu dents who were going through the same things that I was. 1 met many resident assistants who were willing to help and always there with a lis tening ear. Faculty members were understand ing, compassionate and eager to teach. Before I knew it, Penn State Erie became my home. A few weeks after school began, I ran for a freshman senator seat in the Student Government Association, which is a governing organization of Penn State Erie. I had been student council Pam Sumah, INT B 05 "I wanted a Penn State degree without the University Park atmo sphere, where people actually know your name and have one on one time with your teachers." 7roSd\ ( TRIP J Orientation 2004 president in high school, and I thought that it would be a way for me to meet many new people and have a voice. To my surprise, I won the election and along the way met many people who shared many great qualities such as dedication and motivation. Shortly, thereafter. 1 became involved with the Multicultural Council as well as the Asian Student Organization, which was a great way for me to learn about diverse cultures as well as appreciate differences. Being in this organi zation gave me so much insight, as I helped or ganize events and saw many people come to gether. Afterwards, 1 became co-chair of SGA’s gov- ernmental affairs, which allowed me to be the liaison between the government and students. I helped organize "The Rally at the Rotunda” a University-wide gathering of Penn State stu dents at the capitol in Harrisburg. I then worked with Behrend’s committee for THON, Penn State University's 24-hour dance marathon which raises funds for children with cancer. This was a great cause and created such memo rable moments. Along with these great clubs and organiza tions, I made sure to maintain my grades and do the best 1 could. Then, during the spring of 2004, I won the outstanding first year student award. This was a very honoring award that came very unexpectedly but definitely made ends meet. Throughout the journey of my first year at college, I made friendships and relationships that 1 will cherish forever. Remember to make the most of these four years because they will become the most remarkable times of your lives. Remember that hard work definitely pays off. 1 now know that Penn State Eric was the right choice for me, and 1 hope that you will also cher ish your time here. With so many clubs, orga nizations and interest groups, I hope that you also will become involved in the campus, as well as share as many joys that 1 have. Ying Ang, 810 05 "It's a Penn State Campus that is small enough so 1 can use the lab here and the classes are just the right size." Jenn Haight, ELISH 03 "It was far enough away from home, but still close. And it has my major and I can complete it here." Vol. LII No. 1
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