teacher of the year This year the teacher of the year is Dr. Frankel; and it's easy to see why! When I walked into Dr. Frankel's office, there was, unlike the other professors' offices: six or seven stu dents "hanging out". The atomosphere was light, and the students and Dr. Frankel were laughing and joking together. Dr. Frankel and I start ed the interview with a few background questions. I found out that he had at tended school at McGill in Montreal. He later received his doctorate from Michigan State University. In college, he usually earned A's and B's with a few C's (only two to be exact). Dr. Frankel says that he decided to teach at Penn State Hazleton because it was the first job that was offered to him. Says Dr. Frankel, "When you come straight from graduate school, you take what comes your way." Fortunately, Dr. Frankel liked his job, and decided to keep teaching here. Dr. Frankel wasn't sur prised when his name was announced at the semi-formal awards banquet. It seems he received a free pass, plus rumors from some reli able sources were passed his way. As for how he feels about the award, Dr. Frankel thinks that even though it is a vote from the people who count--the students, it isn't accur ate in judging the quality of his teaching. As a mat ter of fact, Dr. Frankel feels that his winning of the award is luck. He just happens to know the right people. In any. case, con grats, Dr. Frankel, and keep up the good work! THE FRESHMAN EXPERIENCE cont. from pg. 1 Although there wire countless numbers of parties and bashes on and off campus this year (particularly on Wed. nights), many of the sur veyed freshmen felt this wasn't enough. On week ends, particularly during the football season, this campus is what you might call a "suitcase campus", in that many students go home, or to University Park, to cheer the football team on, or to visit friends and relatives. This leaves few to stay and party on the weekends. Many of the surveyed freshman complained of having "nothing to do". While there was a skew of activities planned by such organizations as: RHC, SUB, SGA, etc., the turnout to these activities was disappoin tingly slim. Maybe the students were studying--no, they themselves said that they didn't have to study nearly as much as they'd expected. Many of these same surveyed regretted not having participated more in clubs and activities. Of course, it is difficult to join in a club or organization your first year, when all is new, and you really aren't sure you can handle it. One of the surveyed freshman, however, felt quite the opposite. This freshman, upon arriving, thought that college was going to be boring. He/ She was pleasantly suprised in that there actually was something to do most of the time. Says this profound philosopher: "If you look for excitement, you can find it. You have to be a leader in getting what you want--not a follower, Perhaps he/she, unlike the majority surveyed, was the most accurate in his assertion that, in other words, college, like life itself, is what you make of it. When asked what suggestions could be offered to incoming freshmen in the fall, I received a gamut of responses. While many spoke sentimentally of invaluable friendships and other relationships made this year, others offered practical suggestions. Some suggestions for incoming freshmen: 1) Try not to schedule 8:00 classes! 2) Don't drink too much! 3) Don't forget the macaroni and cheese! 4) Spend your money wisely, it goes too quickly! 5) Don't skip classes, i will get you in the end; manage time wisely. 6) Sign up for clubs, sports, and try to be outgoing. Says one freshman wisely, "Don't trust anyone until you get to know them." I can personally support this assertion through my own experience in college. The college campus is not a haven, where all are protected under the almighty arm of authority. Like in the real world, one must be careful of whom he trusts. We are, after all, supposed to be adults by the time we reach college, so we should be able to take care of ourselves. Says another, "Have fun, meet a lot of new people, budget your time, and make sure that classes come first. After all, you're here for an education." I guess that says it all. The underlying reason we are all here is to receive that education, and at all costs, we must strive to achieve just that. All in all, this year has been one of the best in my life; and, according to the survey, most other freshmen feel the same way. Of course there have been trials and tribulations throughout the year, but I think that we can chalk those up to learning. We learn from our mistakes, and while for some they may be plentiful, perhaps it is those who will be blessed by the wisdom to overcome them. For myself, I suggest to all incoming freshmen not to be frightened or intimidated by college. Attempt to do only of what you know you are capable and what is best for you; regardless of what others say. Stand up for your rights to learn, be happy, and succeed. -Wendy Katherine Y. Ctunc Collegian Staff Editor - in - Chief Robert Hagenbuch "Bushman" Assistant Editors Gina Donofrio Andrea Salerno Photography Mark Dickey Staff Stacey Bagley Wendy Chung Debbie Goodrich Bethann Longenecke Julie Meckley Dan Vanderheiden Layout Gina Donofrio Bethann Longenec Andrea Salerno Dan Vanderheiden Special Thanks- Kristen Chafee 1 4. r, , 4 31: 4 L11 I +46 0 u 4- 1 4.0 !BM