Getting Involved in My Community

I’ve always been involved on campus in numerous clubs, but my experience in Reality Check at Behrend really stands out. I participated in numerous community service projects, and went to Houston, Texas for a mission trip. I also volunteered on my own time at a local no-kill animal shelter in Erie, PA.

I believe that volunteer work and being active in not only one’s community, but other communities, is very important to developing as a well-rounded individual. I was able to experience situations that I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise with this funding, and I am forever grateful for that.

As a dual Marketing and Business Economics major, I have learned many concepts, theories, and equations in the classroom. However, in order to understand how those work in the real world, one must experience it. I believe that it is important to understand that theories and concepts are just that, and that they do not always correlate to reality. In economics, we learn much about incentives and behavior patterns of citizens that correlate with policies. It is important to understand that there is not a math equation that can determine the actions of people after a policy implication, which is what I have been able to apply to my engagement experience in the community.

I have been able to meet so many amazing people. It has reinstated that my path in Marketing and Business Economics is right for me. I someday want to help my community by providing jobs, economic growth, opportunity, and prosperity. With a background in Economics and Marketing (being able to relate and see what motivates behavior), I hope to gain the skills and knowledge to help my community, and other communities on a higher level.