By Beth Robinson, MBA Class of 2015

This past weekend, WMBA celebrated fall with our annual hayride and bonfire. For those of you who have never experienced it, fall at Penn State is spectacular. Not only are the mountains and trees surrounding campus stunning, but some beloved fall traditions return in full force. The WMBA Hayride and Bonfire allows MBAs to escape studying and appreciate some fall fun.

Of course, many international students are experiencing these fall traditions for the first time. It is always interesting trying to explain why anyone would want to ride around in a wagon full of hay or roast marshmallows over a campfire. However crazy it seems, everyone always has a good time with these American traditions.

This year we were lucky to work with Nittany Mountain Trail Rides, who took us out on a hayride pulled by a tractor through some beautiful scenery. Once we got to our bonfire site, we were treated to food, apple cider, and s’mores. Nittany Mountain Trail Rides also provided us some live folk music at the bonfire.

It was great to take some time off right before finals to talk and socialize with one another. We were reminded again that taking the time to relax, enjoy life, and form relationships with other students is as crucial to the Smeal MBA experience as any classroom lecture. As a second year, I know I will be missing the annual hayride this time next year!