CENTER SPREAD i== The Lion’s Eye Vol. 111, Issue II. Penn State Brandywine Media, Pennsylvania October 14th, 2009 Replicating Reality Under Ronika Money to be the Influence Honored by Jill Biden By Jenn Knowlton - Lion's Eye Campus News Editor By Jennifer Santangelo - Lions Eye Campus News Editor jak5450@psu.edu On September 29th, 2009 Penn State Brandywine hosted a DUI Simulator event in order to “educate the Brandywine community on the risks of alcohol use espe- cially as it relates to driving under the influence,” as stated by Coordinator of Student Services, Ronika Money. From 10am until 4pm, students had the opportunity to see themselves and others driving hypothetically under the influence. The simulator allowed students to simulate drinking and driving , get into accidents, kill people and receive their own injuries after an accident. In order to “ride” the simulator, you had to choose how many drinks a student had, their gender, pick one of the thirty-one different scenarios, location while drunk driving, how long they had been drinking, age and : a person’s body type. Joe Morgan and Brian Francis were kind enough to do so for all of students who partici- pated that Tuesday. The car in which students were seated was hooked up to a computer- controlled road using sensors and actuators. Goggles were worn which created a virtual reality. The simulator had not only simulated drunk driving on normal nights, but it also created scenarios of the most extreme of conditions such as raining, snowing or icy roads. Students found it extremely hard to stay on the road, let alone not hit a pass- ing car or pedestrians. From my own experience using the simulator, I hit two cars, couldn’t stay on the right side of the road, and ended up jms1084@psu.edu One of Penn State Brandywine’s own will be honored on October 16, 2009 at the Hotel DuPont. Ms. Ronika Money, Coordinator of Student Services, is being honored by the Vice President’s wife Jill Biden. Mrs. Biden is a keynote speaker for Delaware Futures, a college preparatory program. Ms. Money participated in this pro- gram from the time she was in eighth grade right up until graduating from Newark High School. “Delaware Futures was started by the mayor of Wilmington in conjunction with two churches” explains Ronika; “It was established for students with economic hardship but academic potential.” The criteria for qualifying for this program included a yearly income of just $18,000 for a family of three. “This is below poverty level” she notes. Without Delaware Futures, many participants would never see the inside of a college classroom. Delaware Futures is not just about encouraging teenagers to attend college. Teens involved in the program are taken camp- ing, canoeing, white water rafting and to other activities that inner city children would not ordinar- ily enjoy. “These trips are meant to expand their horizons” says Ronika, but “there is a service component as well,” she adds. In return, participants are encouraged to give back with projects such as building a wildlife sanctuary; “we challenge ourselves to be service leaders.” Mentoring, tutoring and scholarship assistance are just a few of the benefits of being involved in the program. Being connected with others that share a common background is another. “This became a home for many Wig nie froonipes. Onc of my ~° Ronika Money sits at her desk in the of us,” Ronika explains. Delaware Futures has twelve partnering Bisnds ving ale used ihe Shwlor ind Willd tno pe rtons, Student Life Office of the Commons schools Through this partnership Ronika was able to obtain a which, it rontVivss vould sone him toil fahaniiclde A Building. She will be honored by the vice partial scholarip for four years cnding Delaware State Uni- person could lose their license, be fined or even go fo jail as president's wife on October 16th, 2009. versity. Besides meeting the faci) criteria, one must adhere to consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol. The simulator is completely safe for students to use and has been shown to students worldwide. The patent pending program allowed students to understand the consequences of their actions before making the mistake of drinking under the influence of alcohol. Always remember, don’t drink and drive. - Photo courtesy of Jen Santengelo. strict academic guidelines also, in order to be a recipient of a scholarship. Ronika’s long road to success finally brought her to Penn State ten months ago. Coach Jim Gastner offers, “she does everything Matt Shupp and I can’t do!” Some of Ronika’s duties include but are not limited to: FTCAP orienta- tion, peer education, organizing clubs, student leadership, updating the website, communications, and major event planning such as Convocation and Spring Fling. She does all of this in addition to supervising the AmeriCorps Campus Vista. When asked how she pulls this off she says with a smile, “There is never a dull moment. Every day brings a new set of things.... although I would love to concentrate on just one or two. I am [being] six people in one person.” The luncheon to honor Ronika will be the first of its kind. This is their first time recognizing “their alumni,” she notes. Ronika admits to being “nervous but excited.” In addition to the advisory board of Delaware Futures, attendees include many noteworthy politicians and, of course, Jill Biden. When Ronika’s mother found out Mrs. Biden would be awarding her daughter, she told Ronika “I got to get a new dress!” “My mom was fifteen when she had me,” shares Ronika. “It’s her moment too. Hopefully she can inspire’ someone else.” Penn State Brandywine is proud to see Ronika Money hon- ored for her hard-earned accomplishments and dedication. The DUI Simulator was set-up in the Commons’ courtyard. Students could engage in the virtual real- ity simulator and experience what it would be like to be drunk on the road. Photo courtesy of Jenn Knowlton.
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