December 7, 2004 The Lion's Eye Pye on Campus Page 7 ‘Angel’ helped By JENNIFER RUFO Lion’s Eye Managing Editor JLR397@psu.edu Care Bears, crocheting, tattoos and strength all make up the spitfire personality of Courtney Pantella, a 22 year-old informational sciences and technology development major at Penn State Delco. Diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 5 and liv- ing mostly on her own, Pantella has had her work cut out for her in life. She commutes almost an hour each way from Cherry Hill, N.J., Monday through Friday to get to classes on time. And she's been doing it for almost four years while being a full-time student. Despite her hardships, there has been a "ray of sunshine" for her through it all. Pantella considers Madison, her 3-year-old sis- ter, to be the most rewarding aspect of her life. "She is a big part of my life and I am a big part of her life," said Pantella lovingly of Madison. "When Maddy came, this void filled that I never knew was there." She said that taking care of her sister has helped refine her maternal instincts because she has always had the need to take care of everyone and everything around her. When the two get together, mostly on week- ends, they spend their time going to the park, . reading, watching movies and cooking. Madison's favorite movies star the Care Bears and Pantella has made sure that Madison has every Care Bear toy known to man. "My Grandma made a porcelain Care Bear col- lection," Pantella said, explaining that Madison has it proudly displayed in her room. The most influential person in Pantella's life has been her grandfather, with his persistence through whatever life decided to throw his way. "He was a man of many things and great accomplishments," said Pantella. "He's been - through the depression and the war." Her grandfather gave her strength, courage and determination to get through anything thrown in her way. "He was a man of few words, but had a power- ~ ful impact on anyone's life," she said. Pantella's grandfather also wanted her to get a college degree, so he set up bonds for her to make her way through college. get her act together Photo by Jennifer Rufo Courtney Pantella stays all smiles despite commuting two hours to school every day. Her little sister, Madison, 3, keeps her motivated to continue. Sadly, he passed away a few years ago. “He was my inspiration and my foundation for knowledge," she said. The example Pantella's grandfather had set has paid off. Pantella will graduate in May 2005. When Pantella does get time to herself, she spends it wisely. She likes to read, write, crochet, knit and cross-stitch. Horror and adventure movies please her the most. And, in order to regroup at the end of a long, busy day, Pantella relaxes by taking a shower, sit- ting down and gathering her thoughts. In addition to her many talents, Pantella also has seven piercings and six tattoos. The most meaningful tattoo is on her lower back. She had it done when Madison was 1. It is of Madison's birth flower, the honeysuckle and has a halo. Pantella explains the halo is for Madison because "she's my angel." te Cm
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