Our time together this summer has almost come to an end. This summer was filled with many great things, memories, friendships made, and learning curveballs thrown our way. Through it all, I do not regret coming here during the summer, through the good times and bad, learning how to become a college student, living away from home for the first time, and doing things that I have come to love. I would do anything to go back to move-in day, where I was sitting in my room watching the Stanley Cup Finals with anyone who walked by. 

These past six weeks have been indescribable, to say the least. I have learned more about myself than I ever thought possible. I am able to properly read a textbook, I know where to go when I have a paper that can be revised, I discovered the diversity of the campus, and I even visited my professor for office hours. 

I got in the groove of a college life in a small college town, I have somewhat learned to properly time manage work and social life, and I have successfully given myself a fresh start to my life, one that I feel was absolutely necessary. I now feel somewhat like an adult; I have the independence that I have longed for the majority of my life, I have a place on my own (with the exception of a roommate), and I am now beginning to lay the groundwork for my adult life. 

I hope that every future Penn State Student at least considers taking the summer semester because of all of the things that it sets you up for. You get to the end of it, and you have friends, an idea of what college will be, and all of that has happened in a relaxed environment. I know that I will forever cherish this time of my life. 

For the last time, thank you for embarking on this journey.

A selfie that Professor Nichols took of us after our meeting

Last Thursday, I went to Professor Nichols’s Office Hour session after class. In this session, we talked about my most recent exam, my future, better study habits, and potential connections for me to start my career. I enjoyed talking with Professor Nichols because she offered me a lot of insight on topics that I definitely needed them in. It was much better to do this one-on-one rather than in class because we discussed things that pertained to me specifically and maybe not the entire class.

Professor Nichols gave me suggestions on bettering my study habits (which I REALLY needed), and I have since tried them–they’ve worked. we talked about how cell phones and other devices are terrible to have around because it only acts as a distraction rather than a tool. I also told her that I refuse to study in my room anymore because I am too comfortable with my environment. I also feel that anyone’s room is far too full with potential distractions. I am a firm believer that your room is the last place that anyone should be studying. Since visiting Professor Nichols’s office hours, it is fair for me to say that my studying habits have gotten better, and I am more comfortable with knowing the material that is being referenced.

Another thing that we discussed was my future after college and potential connections I should have. I am very grateful to have had this discussion with Professor Nichols and I look forward to possibly continuing it down the road with her. We talked about the path I am headed down and where I could end up. If you did not already know, my dream is to be a sportscaster for the NHL. Now given that may not happen, I have other options being a Communications major, but at this point in time, that is where I plan to end up. Professor Nichols gave me some connections to contact for advice, mentorships, and maybe even potential internships.

My experience meeting with Professor Nichols was one of my favorites on campus so far. I hope to have maybe gained a friend in Professor Nichols, for she is already one of the most intelligent people I know who has plenty of knowledge to share to all.

The Learning Center is located in the Bouke Building right next to the HUB

I recently took a trip to the Penn State Learning Center located in the Bouke Building to get a research paper reviewed. Overall, this experience was wonderful and I am so glad that we as students have this tool to utilize throughout our stay here at Penn State. All you have to do is schedule an appointment on Starfish and meet up with your advisor at the scheduled time in the Learning Center.

I found this helpful because there is another student looking at whatever material it is that you take to them. I am always open to a second opinion when it comes to my work, so I enjoyed the constructive criticism I received while I visited. My advisor also acted as a partner for my work in the sense that she helped me search for even more sources that I ended up using to strengthen my argument further.

On top of strengthening my argument, I was also attempting to teach myself APA style writing because I would like to expand my horizons further than just the MLA Format. My advisor worked with me to tweak what I had already done in terms of formatting the paper, and by the time I left, there was nothing left for me to have formatted.

I will definitely be taking lots of my papers (and even things that I want to be published) to the Learning Center throughout my time at Penn State. This is a luxury that I feel every student should take advantage of. Why not get a second opinion on a paper that you are currently working on? It could supply you with better evidence, or your advisor could even spot something you didn’t see or offer a piece of information that you may not have considered. The Learning Center is the perfect place to get your work checked before you submit your final edition in to your professors.