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A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to do an interview for the EMS magazine. The article features undergraduate students who are ‘engaged scholars’ in the college of Earth and Mineral Sciences. While I have heard the term ‘engaged scholarship’ before I wasn’t really familiar with what it actually meant. Basically, engaged scholarship is a loose term used to describe out of classroom learning experiences. Students who are engaged in projects in real world businesses, or in the community or who have the opportunity to somehow extend their classroom learning. In my undergraduate career thus far, I have intentionally pursued activities and experiences outside the classroom that have contributed to my career and personal development, not to mention, my leadership development. It was nice to have the chance to discuss and reflect on the combined effect of these experiences on my undergraduate education.

Having two internships with ConocoPhillips, participating in the CAUSE course and travelling to New Zealand to learn about alternative energy, exploring the Grand Canyon, Boston, New York, and Puerto Rico with the PLA, being an officer for the Society of Petroleum Engineers, a mentor for the Career Development Program, and doing research with graduate students at the Energy Institute, all of these experiences have enabled me to build my reputation and success before even graduating from Penn State. They have shaped my career goals, contributed to my in class learning perspective and knowledge, and have made me a more confident individual. I’ve been able to do so many things that I otherwise would not have been able to do. The only way to prepare yourself for the world outside of college is to take your learning outside the classroom. Out of classroom experiences also allow for prime networking opportunities. Many of the close relationships I’ve developed, have stemmed from travel, club, and internship experiences. My advice to undergraduates just starting at Penn State would be to get involved outside of the classroom because the lessons you learn in those moments may be more valuable than the ones made in the classroom.