I can hardly believe it. Two weeks from today I will be driving home from Happy Valley as a Penn State alum. Despite taking my parents all around campus for graduation pictures yesterday, the upcoming “farewell” has yet to fully sink in. From the Lion Shrine, to Old Main, the Business Building, the WE ARE statue, and the Berkey Creamery, there is no shortage of iconic landmarks to document these past four years. Penn State has become my home, and is perhaps the reason I cannot yet fathom a departure.
As I waited in the (1.5+ hour) line for pictures at the Nittany Lion shrine, I had ample time to reflect on the past four years while snapping a few “artsy” pictures of my own, such as the one below. Given the countless memories and experiences of my Penn State journey, I find it quite difficult to fully express the way I am feeling. Perhaps my choice of ice cream flavor at the Penn State creamery says it best – Bittersweet Mint. While it is sad to close this coveted chapter, this is concurrently an exciting time of celebration.
One of the hardest parts about leaving is saying goodbye to the many people who accompanied me on this journey. Their support, knowledge, and friendship over these past four years have been instrumental toward my growth, maturity, and overall happiness. For this reason, I would like to dedicate this final blog to each and every one of the individuals who have helped shape my Penn State experience. There are simply not enough words to fully express my gratitude, so I will begin with a picture in hopes that I’ll be a thousand words closer (as the saying goes).
“Hats Off”
“Hats Off” to the graduates, my peers. We made it! Thank you for your camaraderie, your friendship, and your intelligence. From the class discussions, to the group projects, to the evenings at Kildare’s, I couldn’t ask for a better support system. Thanks to you, I have obtained new perspectives, challenged my way of thinking, and been inspired on my academic and leadership journey. My deepest congratulations on reaching this milestone, and wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.
“Hats Off” to Dr. Novack. I will never forget my first meeting with you on March 11, 2013. On that day, the Supply Chain door opened. There was no turning back. From teaching me the fundamentals of supply chain to advising my honors thesis, I simply would not be where I am today without your instruction, mentorship, and advice. Thanks to you and the Distinguished Honors Faculty program, my logistics background has roots extending far beyond the Business Building, and into the facilities of Amazon, Wal-Mart, Wegmans, and REI. As such, you have facilitated my holistic supply chain education and furthered my academic and professional development.
“Hats Off” to ALL of my professors, advisors, and mentors. The knowledge you conferred has equipped me with a comprehensive education and confidence to enter the cross-functional domain of supply chain. Your care for students and passion for your respective profession is both humbling and inspiring. Thank you for your time, instruction, and commitments to this great university.
“Hats Off” to my beloved friends. Through thick and thin, and even amidst our habitually hectic schedules, we’ve stuck by each other’s sides. From football games, to Pollock dinners, to Creamery fixes, to climbing Mount Nittany, to volleyball matches, to THON, to Macklemore, to glittery paw prints, to carving pumpkins, to Ugly Christmas sweater dinners, to homecoming parades, to feeding camels on Old Main, there’s no shortage of timeless memories. Not sure what I’ll do without the routine “Kiwi tonight?” text. Guess you’ll have to come visit me in AZ. [Ice cream on me!]
“Hats Off” to Mom, Dad, and Tor. In these years of perpetual change and transition, you have unceasingly graced me with your presence, love, and support. From late night phone calls, to care packages, to football tailgates, to moving in and out of dorms/apartments on 12 different occasions (yes, 12), I am not sure how I can ever repay you. You have kept me sane, and encouraged me to reach my fullest potential. Whether near or from afar, thank you for accompanying me on every step of the journey. [Now please follow me another 2,124 miles West].
“Hats Off” to Melissa Doberstein, Lisa Breon, Dean Brady, President Erickson, President Barron, Maddie Rossman, and Whitney Hinze for all of your hard work and guidance throughout my time in the Academy. Your efforts toward planning and executing stimulating class discussions, distinguished speakers, class trips, and countless other enriching opportunities have not gone unnoticed.
Last, but certainly not least…
“Hats Off” to Ed & Helen Hintz. I am forever grateful for your vision and founding of the Presidential Leadership Academy. This Academy has fostered my maturity and growth as a Penn State student in more ways than I could have ever imagined. Your commitment, generosity, and humility are truly exemplary and most sincerely appreciated.
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