Black History Month: Diversity Circle Series

In honor of Black History Month, the Multicultural Students Association and IDEA sponsored an event to bring students together to expand awareness on social justice issues.

Students participated in discussions and activities to facilitate better diversity and inclusion in their community and personal life.

There were three different sessions, each of which students participated in various acitivites to bring awareness to these every day issues people face such as socio-economic status, ability status, gender, race, religion, and sexual orientation.

The first set of dicsussions and activites were about “Our Identities. Who am I?” The second session investigated acts of racism and discrimination, and the final session was about learning from others.

Students focused mainly on the respect of others while also learning about different identities and what they mean to everyone.

When I attended as an observer, I got to hear many different thoughts and opinions and left with a lot more knowledge than I came with. I also felt uneasy when certain groups were being stereotyped against.

Professor Carol Evans led these events, with the help of professor Ginett Pineda at the second series. They did a wonderful job organizing and carrying out the activities.

I think it’s extremely important for students to engage in activities like this with fellow classmates. We need to come together to expand awareness on these issues, and it can start right here in our small community.

When I asked the question, “what is the most important thing we hope students learned from these series was?” I got the response,

“I would like students to consider perspectives, and opinions beyond those they’ve already formed or were shaped in early life by family and friends. I want them to realize that people’s experiences while navigating life are different and in many ways are shaped by race and stereotypes.” 

Students participated in role play activities such as “Speed Hating” where a scenario would be acted out, and then there was a discussion about how it should’ve been handled correctly.

They also did an activity with “targets” and “non targets” where common insults and stereotypes about certain groups were read aloud. If you were part of a certain group, you were asked to step out front. This gave students a sense of what it feels like to be on both sides.

When asked how it felt to be in the “target area” and “non target area,” students explained that they felt bad looking at the people while these horrible things were being said about them. They also said that sometimes they aren’t sure if they belong in certain categories.

A final activity required students to switch from different stations, defining terms like sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, socio-economic status, and ability status.

Students expressed that it wasn’t as easy as they thought to define these words, and that they hear these words all the time, but don’t really think about what they mean.

When students were asked to discuss the key take away points & important messages, they said:

“Stand up for people, be respectful, there’s no excuse.”

“Don’t be a Karen.”

“Hold each other accountable.”

“Put yourself in others’ shoes”

“Mind your own business and have the courage to say something.”

“The most important thing I learned was that identities make everyone unique and they should be appreciated and honored rather than criticized, whether or not we are proud of our identities.” -Anonymous

If you missed Fayette’s first round of Diversity Circles and are interested in the upcoming series, mark your calendars for April 6th and April 20th. These series will be held in the athletic conference room in the community center.

Benefits To A Small Campus like Penn State Fayette

Penn State Fayette, like many branch campuses in our commonwealth and other commuter campuses, has so many benefits that you don’t get at a larger university.

I know critics would say that students who choose a smaller college are missing out on the “college experience,” but I would disagree—and I’ll talk more about how you can still get that experience down below.

Here are the benefits to attending a smaller university like Penn State Fayette:
  • Saving $$$

    For most of us, when choosing a college, money is a huge factor in determining where we will continue our education. You personally have to make a choice about how much debt you want to be in after college. Do some research and figure out what you think is the best for you. Looking back, I’m glad I chose to attend a smaller college that saved me thousands and thousands of dollars. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have time to be paying back student loans for thirty years. (I’m joking, but I’m actually serious.)

  • Professors know you by name & you aren’t just a number

    When you attend a small campus like Fayette, your professors will quickly learn your name and who you are. They even attend sporting events to support their students. The quality of having one-on-one interactions with professors is excellent. Unlike larger universities, a smaller campus gives you the opportunity to engage in class discussions and ask questions. Also, your work will be evaluated more carefully by instructors, and they’ll be able to provide you with more insight on your work and your growth and progress. The professors here have helped me with more than just the things done in their classroom, and I’m blessed to be able to take many life lessons with me when I graduate.

  • There are many opportunities to get involved

    A smaller campus gives students the opportunity to get involved and devote their time to more than one activity. For example, I was able to play three different sports in my time here, while still managing a job, all of my classes, and a social life. It was challenging at times, but so rewarding at the end. Plus, athletes at this level are playing because they’re competitive and simply love the sport they’re in. Take advantage of your younger days and the chances you have to be a member of an organized team and keeping your body in proper shape. If you’re not an athlete, there are many clubs and organizations to become a part of!

  • You personally know a lot more people/family atmosphere

    Okay, this one is my favorite thing about my college experience because of my extroverted personality and desire to meet new people. I often sit back and think about the incredible friendships and different relationships that college brought me. What I’ve learned from this campus is that we all have each others’ backs. My teammates, roommates, professors, coaches, and other friends here are special to me. It truly feels like one big family when I’m at campus, my apartment, or in the gym competing in a sport. I truly believe people when they say the people you meet in college will be there for a lifetime.

  • Easier to focus on education

    Not having the distractions of being in a small enclosed dorm room, or the peer pressure of partying more than you should be, makes it a lot easier to get your school work done. You also don’t have to wake up super early to walk thirty minutes to class or catch the bus.

  • Still get a Penn State degree

    This is one that everyone should understand and consider. When you go to a Penn State branch campus, your degree will say “The Pennsylvania State University” and not “Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus” or “Penn State Hazelton,” for example. This is huge when applying for a job and gives you a boost over competitors. Saving thousands of dollars, as I mentioned above, and still getting a Penn State degree is a win-win situation.

  • Still get parents’ home cooked meals

    Off-campus housing is offered to students at Penn State Fayette, but more than 80% of students commute to campus. Taking this route, again, saves you money, but also allows you to still be a “kid” to an extent. One problem most college students have is eating correctly, or even at all some days. When you live at home, you have some leeway with responsibilities and your parents will more than likely make sure you’re fed.

  • Commons apartments much better than a dorm

    If you’re like me, you might feel that you’re simply not built to live in a small enclosed area with another person, use community bathrooms, and have no privacy. That isn’t a problem at the Commons because each resident gets their own bedroom as well as sharing a bathroom with one other person. Most dorms only offer a microwave to students, but at the apartments Fayette students reside in, there is a full-sized refrigerator, stove, oven, and microwave with a full-sized, furnished kitchen. The living room and bedrooms are also furnished.

Now let’s talk about what you can do to get more of a “college experience” while attending a smaller campus.
1.) Attend sporting events at State College

My friends and I attended a football game at Beaver Stadium, and it was one of my favorite memories during college. The atmosphere and energy made this experience so thrilling. It felt amazing to be surrounded by thousands and thousands of other members of the Penn State community. My friends and I made a weekend trip out of this and did some shopping, stopped at the creamery, and met new people. I’ve also attended Penn State Women’s Volleyball games, and Men’s & Women’s Basketball is next on my list. 10/10 experience. Every Penn Stater should visit the main campus at least once!

2.) Visit friends at other colleges

I’ve had the chance to see several other universities because I kept in touch and made plans with friends that attend different schools. It’s interesting to see the differences in each college and to experience a different environment sometimes.

3.) Sign up for clubs & attend guest speaker events, etc.

Being involved on campus makes you feel like you’re a part of something much bigger. And, a lot of people at a larger university don’t have as much opportunity to get involved in as many things as those of us at a smaller university do.

4.) Find a balance for school work & fun

If you attend a smaller university, you may think that the only thing you’re there for is your classes. Don’t stress yourself out too much over your school work, and be sure to find time to hang out with your friends and the important people in your life. If you commute to campus, make friends with people who live at the Commons. You’ll meet some really cool people and get a feel for the off-campus living lifestyle.

The experience you get at a smaller university may be different from that of a larger university, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get the college experience. It is all about what you make it.

If you’re looking for a community based experience with tons of opportunities, Penn State Fayette may be the right spot for you.

 

Remembering Trevor Thomas With Random Acts of Kindness

Trevor Thomas…The one that made every person in the room laugh hysterically and never skipped a chance to give someone a compliment or lift a hand to help.

”Be somebody that makes everybody feel like somebody” is a quote used in this Washington Post article that perfectly explained the type of person that Trevor was.

I vividly remember meeting Trevor for the very first time at a bonfire during the first week of school my freshman year. I immediately knew we would get along super well because our personalities were so similar and he was just simply the type of person I like to be around.

What I didn’t know at the time was how much of an impact he would have on my life. 

The group of friends that we had freshman year share a bond that is unbreakable because of Trevor being the light that brought us all together. The memories made this year are unmatched, and I always find myself reminiscing on these moments.

To share a few specific moments, Trevor lived in the apartment above my roomates and I, and he would always come down to borrow our hairdryer or to get help putting his contacts in. I laugh when I say, I don’t think he ever figured that one out.

Sundays consisted of watching football as a group and sometimes even playing a game outside in the parking lot at the commons.

And let’s not forget about the interesting foods that Trevor ate like graham crackers in a bowl of milk or the little ice cream cups with chocolate milk poured over it.

Or the time he pranked me at Dunkin’ by telling me to order a “French Niller.”

The list of memories could go on..

I miss him dearly.

I wanted to start something to honor Trevor, something that was special to him and could be continued each year. I remember a story his mother told me about the time Trevor was three years old in Philadelphia and saw a homeless man in the streets for the first time. He immediately wanted to give his blanket to this man. This was just the start of Trevor’s kind and compassionate heart to all.

Trevor’s mother, Brenda Thomas has inspired me to make something good out of something bad as she has been doing for strangers ever since the loss of her son. She makes sure each recipient receives a random acts of kindness card. Her strength, support, and encouragement is admirable.

The Thomas family has become a huge part of my life, and after being around them, it is clear to see where Trevor got his kind heart and goofy personality from. I am deeply grateful to call them close friends.

After making a few phone calls, I reached Campus Police Officer Russell and we immediately came up with a plan to make something happen. Chad Long donated ten drawstring bags to be filled with donations that were given by students and faculty on campus as well as others as the flyer circulated the internet.

It felt amazing to get the entire campus involved in this random acts of kindness, and even outsiders from Trevor’s hometown. I know Trevor is proud and smiling in Heaven.

His parents expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in making this a success. We even had several bags full of leftover items that were donated to City Mission of Fayette County.

The bags were handed out on December 13th by myself, Trevor’s parents, and Officer Russell to homeless people in the streets of Uniontown. We wanted to be present and physically hand the bags out to these people for our first time doing this.

After walking some distance on train tracks in search of people, we came across a tent, but unfortunately nobody was there at the moment, so we left two bags. We then found two gentlemen on Main Street in Uniontown, one of which played the guitar and kindly played us a song.

The face to face encounters and interactions we had with these people made this experience more real and humbling.

The appreciation of these people that received the bags and the people in charge at City Mission where the extra items were donated was heartwarming.

I personally want to thank Trevor’s parents, Officer Russell, Chad Long, my peers, and anyone that donated or shared the flyer for making the first random act of kindness to honor Trevor at Penn State Fayette a huge success.

I still have a few bags that were saved to be personally handed out. If anyone knows of someone in need, please reach out to me via email. (cmc7073@psu.edu)

Let’s continue to spread love and kindness to all in the new year 🙂

Best Study Spots On & Off Campus

Studying can be tedious and difficult, but you know it’s something you have to do. With finals week right here, it can be the most stressful time of the year as the holidays are approaching and everyone just wants the semester to end. If you live at the commons, or even if you don’t, you know there can be so many distractions. Finding the right environment to study in will lead to less procrastination. Typically, I don’t like studying in my room, but if I have to, I make sure I have a constructive set up so my studying is effective. I’ll probably get called a nerd for saying this, but I think studying can be made fun!

I’ve compiled a list of my favorite places to study on and off campus that will keep you feeling focused and productive.
  • The Student Success Center
    • This is where I spent a lot of time during my freshman year. I found myself getting a lot of work done here even if I only spent an hour studying. There are several tables and even computers to borrow if needed. You can even grab a snack from the vending machines located on the bottom floor of the Williams building. Brandy Burke is also there to help you, and she is the sweetest woman who will help with anything! I’ve also found that having friends come with me to study, even if they’re doing something completely different helps me to stay focused and motivated. This is a convenient spot to gather with friends to study.
  • The Library
    • I personally only utilized the library once or twice, but I wish I would’ve used it more. It’s a very open and welcoming environment, and there are tables, couches, and comfortable chairs to sit in. It is a perfect place to go for people who get distracted easily and are seeking a quiet place to study. The library will have extended hours from December 9 to December 15 from 8:00 a.m, to 8:00 p.m. Check it out and let me know what you think of it!
  • Panera Bread
    • Panera is at the very top of my list for the best study spots. The environment is super relaxing and cozy, and there are many other people in there doing work as well. I normally grab a bagel and a refreshing drink before I start my work. Here, I find myself to be very motivated and focused while studying or completing any type of work. Free Wi-Fi is available and there are plenty of outlets to plug your laptop in. It truly makes me feel like an adult, and it’s kinda fun!
  • Eberly Computer Lab
    • The computer lab is great for students who need to use the computers or print something. The IT folks are excellent at answering questions and helping fix any computer issues. There’s normally a good bit of people in there, but as I said earlier, I tend to get more work done when I’m on campus rather than at my apartment. If you like working amongst other students, this might be a good fit for you.
  • The Student Lounge
    • The student lounge might not be a good fit for some to study because of the noise, but if you can complete work and study while others are around, this might work for you. When I study here, I usually put headphones in and just work on something simple.
  • Starbucks
    • Starbucks has a very welcoming environment with tons of spots to sit and study at. And you can get your favorite drink to sip on during your studies. My go to drink is the Iced Matcha Tea Latte with coconut milk. 🙂
  • Community Center
    • This is my favorite spot on campus to be at because I’m an athlete. I normally grab some food from the cafe and then sit at a table and study while I’m eating. If you don’t like being around too many people, there are smaller rooms here that you can go to.
  • Outdoor Tables/Benches
    • When the weather is nice, studying in nature is relaxing and enjoyable to me. My professors have even held some classes outdoors, and it felt so good to get some fresh air and learn.
  • Biomedical building
    • I’ve only ever been in the biomedical building my freshman year for one class, but all of my peers that are nursing students spend a lot of time studying here.
  • Yum Yum’s Bagel Cafe
    • This cafe is one of my favorites in Uniontown. Similar to Panera, I enjoy getting food and coffee before I start studying. The natural lighting and relaxed atmosphere make this a great location to study at.

I think one of the most important things for effective studying is to find what works for you. Before you even search for a study spot, narrow down some possible spots by being honest with yourself about distractions and your method of learning. It all starts with location and comfort. Find what works best for you and create a routine. It’s important to always remember the end goal, success!! 🙂

If you have any favorite study spots, I would love to hear them in the comments below!

To Everything, A Season: Reflecting on 4 Years of Fayette Volleyball

“All good things must come to an end” is the quote that stuck to me when beginning to write this post. I had to pause and collect myself for a minute.

Looking back at my past four years of Fayette Volleyball, I get emotional and cheerful. It’s bittersweet. If you’re an athlete, I think this video below will make you feel some type of way.

My senior teammates and I were heartbroken when making this video on the bus ride home after our final game of the season and final game ever after we lost to Penn State Mont Alto in the first round of conference playoffs. Especially because this was the first time Fayette Volleyball has been on the losing side of the spectrum in my four years as a player.

When I look back on my four years as a member of this team, there are numerous achievements and moments I could talk about, and I’ll get to that. But first, I wanted to talk about the biggest lesson I’ve learned from volleyball this year (and last year because of covid) and that was to never take anything for granted. Although my senior season didn’t go as we had hoped for, I still believe there are lessons learned in every situation and outcome. Of course I was devastated, heartbroken, and emotional for days and weeks after our loss, but my outlook changed after I heard the tragic news of a player from Penn State York’s volleyball team passing away on her way to practice during the time of playoffs.

I thought to myself, yeah we lost a very important game that ended our season, but this team lost an actual life. Our loss couldn’t even compare to their loss. I couldn’t begin to imagine losing one of my teammates, let alone having to continue to compete in games in the next few days after this. That situation changed my entire outlook on us losing. Even though we lost the game, we didn’t lose a player, and we got to come home with our full team.

Ok, enough with the sad stuff. I want to reflect on the accomplishments and memories Fayette Volleyball and myself has made. This season, we had a very young team and had a select few players that have had court time in the previous years. We were a talented and special group of girls, but just couldn’t seem to find our groove against certain teams. One accomplishment we made as a team this year was being the only team in our conference to beat the number one seed which was Penn State Mont Alto.

This year was very different because we didn’t travel as much, and that meant we didn’t have as many overnight trips as usual which is where the bonding and unforgettable memories are made. I was fortunate enough to experience this in years past with the team. Missing out on an entire season last year due to covid affected me personally and the team.

Personally, I watched myself grow and develop as a player and leader on and off the court over the years. This year I was named captain alongside two amazing players, Pasepa Buwawa and Kristina Aeschbacher. I was also given the libero jersey which meant a lot to me as I always looked up to players like Chanel Porter and Machaela Hall who wore the libero jersey in prior seasons. At the end of the season, I was awarded the John Fritz Sportsmanship Award by the PSUAC Volleyball Conference.

During my time at Fayette, I’ve also been a member of the Women’s Basketball and Softball teams, but nothing has been the same as Fayette Volleyball. We are all truly sisters and family here. There wasn’t one day that I dreaded going to practice. I was actually always extremely excited about practice as this was my escape and outlet to all of the outside things going on in my life. Plus, the sport of volleyball is pure enjoyment for me. It’s super thrilling to get that perfect pass, set, and then kill as a team. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. And I think all of my teammates can say the same.

I want to talk about a few things that we have done as a team that make Fayette Volleyball so special and memorable. Our coaches Samantha Swetz and Janelle Cooper introduced us to something called “big and little sisters” where an upperclassman is paired with and underclassman and serves kind of as a mentor to them. I loved this idea, and I still keep in close contact with my “big sister” from freshman year, Morgan Pytlak. She became one of my closest friends and still is. My “little sister” this year, Kamden Miller has become one of my best friends as well. I truly consider the whole team to be my sisters.

We also did something called “Secret Sisters,” which is exactly what it sounds like. At the beginning of each season, we would write our names on a piece of paper with a list of a few different things we like consisting of things like candy, snacks, drinks, etc. Then, we put them into a bucket and each pulled a name out to be our secret sister for the season. Before every home game, you would buy your secret sister a small gift or leave a word of encouragement in their locker. Then, at the end of the season, we would reveal our secret sisters. This was something we all looked forward to doing each year.

Here is a video from my sophomore year of my secret sister revealing who they were to me.

On top of that, we also had something called the “Let Go Bucket.” This was an opportunity for players to write down something that has been bothering them or something they are struggling with that they need to let go of as soon as they walk into the doors of the gym before practice. This was so they can have a solid practice and not have their minds elsewhere. We would crumble the pieces of paper up, and they were never read by anyone. At the end of the season, they were disposed of.

I know this post is lengthy, but I haven’t even gotten to the fun stuff yet.

Keep reading to hear about and see pictures from Fayette Volleyball’s biggest victories and memories.

Rewinding to my freshman and sophomore years, Fayette Volleyball made numerous achievements. My freshman year of 2018, our team’s overall record was 23-9. We were named PSUAC Conference Champions which were held at State College and made a huge run in the National Tournament held at Virginia Beach. Penn State University Women’s Volleyball Coach, Russ Rose even handed our medals to us individually. We ended up placing third at Nationals which was huge for us as the previous season’s team consisted of only nine players. This was an extremely successful building year for Fayette Volleyball.

My sophomore year, our overall record was 30-3, and we were named PSUAC Conference Champions again, but this time we were also named USCAA National Champions! I can’t even begin to explain those moments and feelings, so I’m just going to share them in images below.

We also had the honor to be recognized at one of Penn State University Volleyball’s home games. This was such an amazing feeling as we walked onto the court and heard the crowd proudly cheer for us.

I’ll forever cherish the memories I have made with my teammates and best friends on and off the court. Volleyball awarded me the opportunity to experience things that most college students don’t get to. From the sweat and blood on the court, to the long bus rides, tears, team dinners, overnight trips, holiday gift exchanges, banquets, and the list could go on, there isn’t any other way I would’ve wanted to spend my last four years at Penn State Fayette. Even though this chapter of my life has closed, I know that I will hold the memories and friendships in my heart forever.

To everything, there is a season.

Advice I Would Give To My Freshman Self

If you’re a freshman, or even an underclassman in general, this one is for you!

I’m sure at some point in our lives prior to college we’ve all heard people older than us telling us the dos and dont’s of college. Especially the most famous line, “You don’t want to have any regrets.”

I’m sorry to break it to you, but this statement is very accurate and true. Trust me, I’ve been there. It’s very hard as a freshman who is trying to transition from the high school atmosphere to something completely new and different. Granted, I attended college almost in my backyard at a commuter campus so things weren’t as challenging, but I still had to adjust and quickly learn to be an adult that lives on her own and makes her own choices and decisions.

We all just want to have a smooth and exciting college experience. Don’t make it more challenging than it has to be, and push yourself to your full potential. You’d be surprised at how quickly some things in your life can change if you make the effort!

Here are 10 pieces of advice I would give to my freshman self:
  • Always keep a planner to write out any and all assignments and keep track of due dates.
      • I always did this because I’ve always been a real organized person when it comes to school, but this is just one thing that made my life easier and helped me keep track of everything so I was sure not to miss an assignment or important meeting/event. It also feels extremely rewarding to cross things off after completed.
  • Don’t get into the habit of skipping class.
      • I was guilty of this one sometimes for certain classes. When you do it once, it’s much easier to tell yourself that it is alright to skip again. I know we as college students have a lot on our plates and are juggling many different things at once, but I promise in the end you save yourself a lot of stress. And afterall, you’re paying for your classes and education, so make it count.
  • Take advantage of all the different resources offered on campus.
      • Tutoring, study sessions, advisers, professors, and other students here are all free resources available to students on campus, and these people want to help you. There’s also fitness facilities to work out at if you’re a gym junkie or want to simply start running on the treadmill. Also, stay engaged and get involved as much as you can whether it is attending a sporting event, a public speaker event, or even when free stuff is offered and raffled off. You never know the people you could meet and the connections you can make. I regret not getting involved on campus more in clubs and various activities in my previous years. I always made the excuse that I didn’t have enough time, but I realized that time management and priorities are very important to college students. Now, I’m having one of my best years because I am engaged and doing things I love on campus.
  • Stay healthy and eat right.
      • It’s extremely important to get enough sleep and rest and to feed your body the proper nutrition. All of the rumors about “college” food is true. Try to stay away from the frozen microwave dinners and junk food as much as you can. Our campus’ cafe offers tons of healthy food options for decent prices! Some things that have helped me stay healthy during college is exercising, taking my vitamins, and learning more about cooking. It’s fun and rewarding to cook yourself a nice healthy meal 🙂
  • Don’t stress about the plan and your future.
      • This one is probably my biggest piece of advice that means a lot to me. When I first came to college, I had all intentions of pursuing a PTA degree, but before my first day of classes my freshman year, I changed that and was undecided. It wasn’t until mid sophomore year that I realized I wanted to pursue a degree in Corporate Communications. Before that, my interests and ideas were all over the place. And they still are! Your interests and path will change as you grow as a person. I’ve always been an individual that thought I had to have everything together and know exactly what I want and where I’m going to go. That is simply not true. Take the classes that interest you, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. We all have a purpose for our lives and I am a firm believer in timing. It will all happen how and when it is supposed to!
  • Don’t fall into peer pressure.
      • Stay true to yourself and your beliefs. Most of us are guilty of falling into peer pressure, and that it ok, but the important part is to learn from it. Be open minded about who your friends are. Not everyone around you has your best interest at heart. Have friends that share similar beliefs and values as you and remember quality over quantity.
  • Don’t sweat the small stuff.
      • I’ve been a perfectionist most of my life, which led me to be a procrastinator in some areas. One of my favorite professors on campus, Mr. Landy really opened my eyes to this one. I’ll never forget our conversations and advice he gave me. Let’s be honest, if you fail an exam or miss an assignment, it is not the end of the world. In five years, or even a month from now you won’t look back and remember these things. Life goes on, and you stress yourself out even more worrying about things that are out of your control or in the past. Just aim to have a better tomorrow 🙂
  • Reach out for help when you need it.
      • Some of us don’t like to ask for help, myself included. But over the years I have learned that we can all learn something from each other. That’s why we’re all unique. How boring would it be if every human on this earth were the same!? Do not feel ashamed to ask people of authority, your parents, or even your peers for help. We’re all just college students trying to make it through. I personally am always available to help you to the best of my ability or to lead you in the right direction to someone who can help.
  • Communication is key!
      • I may be a little biased to this one, since it is my major, but it’s very true. If you’re going to miss class for any reason, reach out to your professors. They’re more inclined to allow make up points for missed work when they see students trying. If you have questions about an assignment, email your professors or see them during their office hours. If you get to know your professors and they get to know you, I’m sure one day if you need a letter of recommendation they would write you one. They can’t do that if they don’t really know you.
  • Remember that college goes by fast.
      • I thought my four years of high school went by fast, but it really feels like I blinked and my college career is coming to an end. I have mixed feelings about this one and really wish I could go back and relive some of these moments. These years go by incredibly fast even though some days it felt like it was never going to end. Remember that there will be good and bad days, but always make sure to have fun and enjoy these moments!
Malcom X once said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

 

 

University Laureate Shara McCallum Visits Penn State Fayette

Penn State Fayette welcomed the Penn State Laureate Shara McCallum to campus during common hour on Wednesday November 3, 2021.

The Penn State Laureate is an honor given to a full-time faculty member every year to bring visibility to the arts and humanities, Penn State, and to honor the nominee’s work and things they have accomplished. The faculty member spends their time off visiting all of the commonwealth campuses reading from their works.

Shara McCallum is originally from Jamaica and is a poet and the author of six books. Her poems and essays have been published in journals, anthologies, and textbooks throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe. and Israel. During her visit at Fayette, she read excerpts from her latest novel called No Ruined Stone. 

In my opinion, the event was wonderful, and there was a great turnout between faculty/staff and students. After reading her biography and excerpts from her work prior to the event, I immediately knew that she was a genuine and amazing human being. My thoughts were proven correct after listening to her speak and read from her novel titled No Ruined Stone. 

I had the chance to speak with her after the event, and I asked her some questions regarding herself, her work, and her experiences.

Q & A

What do your numerous achievements and awards personally mean to you?

“The awards mean more in terms of what opportunities they afford me than the awards themselves.”

McCallum stated that she is interested in what she can do when given such a platform. She stated that she is grateful for her opportunities and happy to speak about something that she believes in and means a lot to her.

What are you learning while visiting the different campuses?

“The commonwealth campuses function like liberal arts colleges more than the one I teach at. It is really a pleasure to come to places where I’m having these personal interactions with students, faculty, and sometimes even the chancellor.”

She noted the fact that Dr. Patrick personally came up to her, and at other campuses sometimes this hasn’t happened even though they attended the event.

“If we choose to keep any part of what is behind us, we must take all of it,” Natasha Trethewey… What does this quote used in your work mean to you?

“One answer I would give is Natasha Trethewey writes also about being mixed race, about racial identity in the United States, and about the history of race in the United States, and I think what she is talking about in that moment of a poem is something that I share in terms of needing to look fully at the history that has made us, even the most difficult parts of it.”

McCallum said that all of these categories require courage to do so, and she is really inspired by Trethewey’s work as she writes with honesty and courage that she finds to be admirable.

Do you ever hear from your readers? If so, what do they say?

McCallum often hears from her readers, especially when she gives a talk or reading because some of these individuals have already read her work.

“It is so humbling and heart warming because I write so much out of things that seem for me so deeply personal.”

She shared with me that the excerpt that I had read prior to the event is one that people read and she hears about a lot.

How did your past experiences shape you into who you are today?

McCallum responded by saying that she would focus this question on one part which is that being a reader lead her to becoming a writer.

What is your favorite piece you’ve written?

“I think honestly, whatever I write next is soon going to be my favorite.”

Do you have any writing advice to give me?

“Think about how you want to sound on the page, meaning cultivate a writing voice, and who you are speaking to.”

Another piece of advice she gave me was to read plenty of other people’s work that is similar to the style I am interested in. I chuckled and told her, “Oh that’s all I do.”

What pushed/motivated you to write No Ruined Stone, the novel that you read from today?

McCallum said she wanted to imagine a world in which the past was played out that could’ve lead to the present we live in now.

“There was so much research and time involved.”

 

Learn more about Shara McCallum here.

 

Penn State Fayette at Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit

Students at Penn State Fayette attended the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit in Pittsburgh on November 2, 2021. We also stopped at Burgatory before arriving at the exhibit (meal included) all for $10.

When I first heard of the event on campus, I was super excited because I myself do not have artistic talents like this, but I am always fascinated by the artworks of others, especially in a museum or unique gallery display. If you’re adventurous like me and like seeing cool things at barely no cost to you, these are the kind of events for you.

Although I lack artistic talents and abilities, I’ve always been a fan of Vincent Van Gogh from the time I was introduced to his work. But, I honestly never paid much attention to the detail that goes into his work or how many paintings he had for that matter. Again, probably because I never had an interest or passion in arts of this form growing up. But wow was I amazed seeing his artwork in an immersive way like this!

The paintings were displayed in a large room through a computer system with the artwork surrounding the audience on all sides. There was even music playing in the background which added to the overall mood of the event. The mood was very relaxed and I noticed some people sitting or laying down with their partners just enjoying the art being displayed around them. Literally around them. I could tell that this was something that they value or may do often. I felt calm during the show and was surrounded by people with the same goal of trying to experience part of one of the most prominent artists.

Not to mention, there was even a gift shop area with tons of different merchandise and things like posters, hats, water bottles, key chains, and bags with some of Van Gogh’s most famous designs. This was the only part of the trip that required your own spending money. I know most of us like getting souvenirs at places like this, myself included. I bought a keychain with probably the most well known painting design, Starry Night.

I surely enjoyed the exhibit with my peers and would be interested in doing something like this again. As a side note, this exhibit reminded me of one of my favorite museums and experiences which is the wax museum called Madame Tussauds New York in New York City. If you’re attending the New York trip with the school on November 20, this is definitely something I recommend seeing!

It’s always nice to get out of my apartment at the commons and do something exciting and experience something new. Plus, my art professor is giving bonus points to anyone who attended the trip. This was a win-win for me. Talk to your professors, maybe they’ll be up to offering some bonus points for future events as the end of the semester is approaching 🙂

If you’re interested in Fayette’s upcoming events, check out the Fall 2021 Student Activities Calendar here!

Penn State Fayette’s first Trunk or Treat

Penn State Fayette held its first Trunk or Treat on October 24, 2021.

Penn State Fayette welcomed members of the community to campus on October 24, 2021 for our first ever Trunk or Treat. Student led organzations, faculty, and police officers decorated their trunks with various themes and handed out candy with a smile.

I myself participated in the event and thought it turned out very well. The creativity and uniqueness to every trunk made the event special. Seeing the kids dressed up in their costumes brought back memories from my childhood, and it was nice to come together as a campus and community to have an event like this. Campus Officer, Russell expressed that he couldn’t thank everyone who participated enough and wants to continue this event in the future years.

Some of the different types of trunks are shown in the above images. There was even a contest for the best decorated trunk and idea. The Christian Club won first place with a Noah’s Ark theme, followed by Brandy from the Student Success Center with a Scooby Doo theme.

I highly recommend to all of my classmates and peers to get involved on campus and attend different events that are offered to us. It is a great resume builder, and we also pay tuition, so why not take advantage of the exciting events to gain an even better college experience. Some of them even have the chance to win gift cards and who doesn’t love free stuff!?

A Pumpkin Carving Contest, Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Trip, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream Production are all coming up soon! All free or at a low cost!

Spoken Word Artist Carlos Gomez Event

Penn State Fayette held an event during common hour on September 21 for students and faculty featuring spoken word artist Carlos Gomez.
Keep reading to learn more about my first ever poetry performance experience and be sure to check out the campus calendar for upcoming events.

Spoken word artist Carlos Gomez did an outstanding job performing on campus on September 21 to students and faculty. This was my first experience like this, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I quickly learned that spoken word refers to the oral poetic performance with the main focus on the poem as well as the artist’s captivating qualities. 

Gomez did an excellent job at engaging the audience from the beginning and keeping everyone engaged throughout the entire performance. Before performing each poem, he asked the audience questions about the topics he was about to perform on. These were all various topics that most people can relate to like love and social identity. Not only was this artist a form of entertainment, but a teacher and encourager as well. I believe that every person that attended this performance left with some type of advice. He also challenged us to tell the people that we love and appreciate how much they mean to us.

He performed three pieces called Girl I Saw, Above the Speed Limit, and Where Are You Really From?. I paid close attention to his diction and syntax, and I noticed repetition, synonyms, metaphors, and personification throughout his different pieces. I found that Gomez chose to perform on things that he is passionate about, and it really showed through his tone, which I believe is most important. The pieces were back and forth dialogue with plenty of hand motions, change in tone, raising and lowering his voice, and speeding up and slowing down. All of these things came together to tell a story, and it was truly a great experience. 

Gomez also referenced several famous people, which makes his work more interesting to his audience. Active listening, body language, and eye contact are all crucial parts of the performance and can be powerful in achieving the main message or goal of each piece. Gomez was successful in doing this and even commended the audience for our participation. 

Since this was my first time attending a poetry performance like this, I was just trying to take it all in and learn what spoken word is all about. This is definitely something I would be interested in attending again, especially at a larger venue. After this performance, I did a little bit of research on spoken words and learned that there are many different genres and elements of spoken word poetry. I would like to hear a performance with rap elements as this style would intrigue me more. I think spoken word poetry is an interesting form of poetry allowing for much creativity. It is a unique way to tell a story and put your talents to use. As I mentioned above, Gomez kept the audience entertained and engaged at all times, and he created a welcoming environment from the start of his performance.