My name is Lauren Goodyear and I’m a junior public relations and psychology double major, and am involved in lots of clubs and organizations on campus. I’m mainly involved with The Penn State Thespians and No Refund Theatre. I am also a writer for Her Campus Penn State. I’ve been really involved with THON the past few years, and also love football games in the fall.

I’m from New Jersey so I didn’t really grow up with an extensive knowledge about Penn State. I always knew it was a big school with lots of energy, but didn’t know if it would be the right choice for me.

I was predominantly looking at small schools, but a friend of mine told me that Penn State had rolling admission. So, I sent in my application in late September, without too much thought.

Once I visited in October though, everything changed.

It was a gorgeous day and I was taken aback at the size of the school, but also at how small it still managed to feel. I didn’t feel like I had entered some crazily big impersonal place. I was surprised at all the grassy areas and quads and beautiful buildings. I felt very welcomed.

The amount of school spirit took me by surprise as well. From that first tour, we were encouraged to shout the “We Are” chant. I was embarrassed in the beginning, but now I say it all the time at football games or pep rallies or events and feel the pride behind it.

After almost six months of going back and forth about where to go to school, I had pretty much decided on Fordham in New York City. With just a few days before May 1, I went to submit my deposit to Fordham, but something just didn’t feel right. Out of nowhere, I felt like I needed to change my mind and make the decision to go to Penn State.

Even though it took me so long to make the decision, I have never felt so sure of what I ended up choosing. Penn State has given me so many different homes, and I know it can do the same for any of you!