We love to learn from our alumni and for this week, the Global Alumni Engagement blog is featuring one of Penn State’s outstanding exchange study abroad alumnus, Damian Seikel ’18.
Damian Seikel came from Darmstadt, Germany and studied abroad at Penn State Harrisburg as an exchange student for the fall semester of 2018. Currently Damian is pursuing his master’s degree while managing a farm with his parents in Darmstadt. As our exchanging study abroad alumnus, Damian is proud to be a Penn Stater. He recalled that one day in Germany, as he was wearing a Penn State shirt, someone across the street shouted, “We Are” and he shouted back “Penn State.”
What made you choose the studying abroad program to Penn State?
Damian: In the year 2018, I felt wanderlust and wanted to go to America. The university of applied sciences Darmstadt has cooperation with universities abroad. One of which is Penn State Harrisburg and Penn State fitted my interests best.
What skills did you develop while you studying abroad at Penn State?
Damian: There are many skills I was able to develop during my stay in Harrisburg during the exchange semester. The most valuable skills I developed were the social- and people-skills. As an exchange student you need to get involved in a new environment. You get to know many new people, make lots of new friends, and learn how to work in a new system and adapt it. Traveling overseas is the best you could do to develop your personality and skills.
How did you solve problems as you studied abroad at Penn State?
Damian: Problems were easy to solve due to the helpful attitude the professors and employees maintain. Anytime you are confused or need help with anything you can just go and ask someone. Penn Staters are nice, friendly and helpful.
What’s one thing that Penn State alumni can do to support today’s students? For example, with the upcoming GivingTuesday from November 15 to November 30 at Penn State (https://sites.psu.edu/globalalumni/2021/10/20/giving-tuesday/), what would you say to donors and alumni who may invest in supporting our students, especially the Penn State Global’s Education Abroad Fund for GivingTuesday?
Damian: I think the best way to support today’s students is by connecting with them and to encourage the exchange between alumni and current students. Anyone who supports the students whether by connecting with them, offering help, donating, going to events with students, or organizing them, etc. is a blessing. I am very thankful for any help!
Tell us about a Penn State moment that you carry with you now as a professional in Germany.
Damian: I remember the introduction/orientation week at Penn State as one of the nicest weeks. One day we went to Hershey Park. 30 students were paid for and allowed to come, yet 33 students showed up. Another three tickets have cost around $ 100. We communicated the situation and with the consent of all 33 students we managed to collect $ 3 from each, so everyone could come with. I learned that if you communicate a problem with your fellow humans there are easy ways to fix problems together and get everyone involved in the solution.
Tell us a bit of your current life, such as your family and community engagement.
Damian: Besides being a student I also have three other, maybe exceptional fields of activity. My parents have a farm in a rural area where I am a farmer and beekeeper. We got 8 horses, 9 cashmere goats and 2 beehives. We recently organized a trip for children from Darmstadt. 20 kids came to the farm. We showed them around, explained the animals, collected fruits and they were able to rise the horses. Furthermore, I have a construction project, building a wooden hut and I got a startup working on long range antenna communication.
What makes you proud to be a Penn Stater?
Damian: I am proud to be a Penn Stater because of the Penn State community. I am still in touch with my friends from Harrisburg. A funny moment happened, when I came back to Germany from the US. I wore a Penn State shirt walking down a road. On the other side of the street some guy shouted “WE ARE” and I shouted back “PENN STATE”.
What are your two pieces of advices to our current students at Penn State?
Damian: The most important thing anyone could do is getting in touch with people, to connect and engage in social clubs and meetings. Listen to others opinion and learn new things. It is fulfilling to be engaged. The second advice I could give is to be brave. Stand to your beliefs and maintain honest and open communication with others.