Tips for Living on a Student Budget

The new school year is right around the corner, and hopefully you are excited as me both to be back in State College and for the cooler, crisper days of fall.  Exciting changes are about to be upon us (new friends, new classes, new football season, so many new things), so friends, we better prepare ourselves!  Whether you are living on campus this year, commuting, or living in an apartment, college has a whole new set of expenses than you are probably used to, so it is important to be prepared and have a plan for your money.   Here are some helpful hints as you begin to think through living as a college student

1. Set a budget: Before you start your classes, set a budget for yourself for the year.  The money “in” should be more than the money “out.”  Use a simple formula of “money in” (i.e job, savings, allowance) minus “money out” per week must be greater than zero. Categorize your expenses to help you track where you will spend your money.  Categories could include eating out, entertainment (i.e concert tickets), school supplies, and clothing purchases.
2. Use your online banking tools: If you do not already know, learn how to log into your online banking service. Be diligent about tracking how much money you are actually spending. It is one thing to set a budget, it’s another to actually follow it!
3. Buy used:  Consider purchasing textbooks online from Amazon or similar sites.    Expensive, well made, large ticket items such as rainboots or winter coats can be found slightly worn online or at a second-hand store for half the cost of the new item. For example, last year I bought a $100 pair of rainboots slightly used for $40. They should last me at least 5 years!
4. Use your meal plan: If you are living on campus, your meal plan is food that is already paid for.  Try to save you “downtown, eating out” money for a fun meal with friends rather than spending it on take out during the week.
5. Take advantage of available free resources: Before you pony up big $$$ for private review sessions downtown and note packets (which occasionally are a good option), be sure to extinguish all of the available help that comes FREE with your tuition money on campus.  Check out https://pennstatelearning.psu.edu/ or ask your professors about available resources for their class.
6. Make wise choices about student credit cards: Credit card companies will bombard you with applications to apply to their student card.  Before you apply for a credit card, be sure to discuss the options with a parent or another person who has experience with credit.  What can seem like free money now will cost you A LOT in the future.

So all in all, be smart with your money! As someone way wiser than me once said, “live as a student NOW, so in the future you do not have to.” Most importantly however, remember that the things you learn and memories you make at Penn State are priceless (so cliché, but so true!).  Good luck and enjoy every second of your time as a Penn State Student!

Rachel Schartner is a super-senior in Chemical Engineering and a mentor for WEPO'13! To read more about Rachel visit her WEPO Profile: http://raindancer45.wix.com/ladyengineers#!rachel-schartner/c32f

The Mentor

You will be told numerous times during WEPO about the importance of finding a mentor. I truly didn’t understand the significance until my internship this summer. Then I realized that I had many mentors in my life and that they all played a vital roll in it.

Mentors are people that will guide you and give you advice along the way. They are important in both academics and in life. Maybe you considered your parents mentors while growing up. They taught you how to ride a bike, set the dinner table and how to properly answer your house phone… “hello you’ve reached the BLANK family, BLANK speaking…” you get the point. Well this year you are going to have to learn to do many NEW things. You are going to want to find a mentor, one that can help you to succeed with your goals here at Penn State. The people you surround yourself and look to for guidance will be a true measure of your level of success!

Remember, you are not by any means adhered to the mentor you are given for WEPO. You may also find that you have many mentors in your life for all the different parts. And lastly, there are good AND bad mentors.

What to look for in a good mentor:

1. Approachable! – Never feel like you are bothering them or asking them a “stupid” question.
2. That they LISTEN and not just HEAR you! – There is a huge difference between these two things. A listener will take what you have said and act upon it. 
3. That they admit their mistakes! – No one is perfect. I always try to look for people who know how to correct the mistakes they have made. That means I know they are always looking for improvement in themselves and the people around them. 
4. Encouragement! – Sometimes they know just the right things to help you get back on your bike. 
5. Honesty! – And sometimes they have to let you know that the tire on your bike is flat.

Since everyone has different approaches to finding mentors in their life, I would suggest brainstorming things that you look for in a mentor and how these qualities will help you succeed in with your goals.

Kara Slocum is a junior in Civil Engineering and a Mentor for WEPO'13.  To read more about Kara visit her WEPO Profile: http://raindancer45.wix.com/ladyengineers#!kara-slocum/cqtn

Welcome back WEPO Alumni!

Hello WEPO-teers!

My name is Divya Mehta and I will be your Resource Innovations Lead during WEPO’13! Now some of you may be wondering... what is that? Well… it is exactly what it sounds like... I am your resource to innovation! In other words, I am here to connect you with some of the best and brightest Penn State Women Engineers you’ll meet. More than fifty Penn State alumni from all over the country are coming specially to meet YOU… and guess what... they WERE you at one point. They can’t wait to share their advice and experiences during the “Leaders of Tomorrow” dinner! Anyway, I figured I’d take the time to introduce you to at least a couple. Who knows… you may be lucky enough to have one of them at your table!

Name  Christina Webber

Major: Bioengineering

Class: 2012

Favorite Creamery Ice Cream: Lion S'mores

Favorite Restaurant in State College: Green Bowl

Favorite WEP(O) Memory/Event & Why:  Girl Scout Saturdays!!!  I loved getting to connect with future engineers and inspire them while they inspired me :-)

Advice for incoming Class: Get involved!  Go out of your comfort zone a bit and try things on campus that you wouldn't "normally" do, you never know, you may end up finding a new passion!

Name: Kati Shea

Major: Mechanical Engineer

Class: 2013

Favorite Creamery Ice Cream: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Favorite Restaurant in State College: Mamma Mia’s

Favorite WEP(O) Memory/Event & Why: The last WEP meeting I attended before graduation.  It was my favorite because it was the first time I introduced myself as a mechanical engineer.  The feeling that you get saying that you are an engineer makes everything worthwhile.

Advice for incoming Class: Stay true to yourself.  College is a time to really learn yourself and find out who you are.  Therefore, it is great to try something different and experience something new but in the end you have to make sure that you enjoy it and that you are happy.

Name: Nicole Sclafani

Major: Chem E

Class: 2006

Favorite Creamery Ice Cream: Pistachio

Favorite Restaurant in State College: Faccia Luna

Favorite WEP(O) Memory/Event & Why: Spirit Night! We had the best song! 

Advice for incoming Class: Get involved in something! Penn State can be a little overwhelming at first, but if you find some way to make it your own, it's easier to adjust. 

Name: Julie Behr

Major: ME & BIOE

Class: 2013

Favorite Creamery Ice Cream: Cherry Cheesecake

Favorite Restaurant in State College: The Tavern ( / Chipotle, obviously)

Favorite WEP(O) Memory/Event & Why:  Watching the 2011 Rover Skit as Lead Rover!  They set a precedent that was so much better than it had ever been before and I cried like a total weirdo because I was so incredibly proud.

Advice for incoming Class: Don't be afraid to try new things.  This is your time to explore and branch out, and it'll never be easier to do than at the very start of your college career.  If there's something you think you might be interested in participating in, go for it -- pretty much nothing is binding and you can always stop later on if you decide you've taken on too much, but you may regret it later on if you don't even try it out.  Also, never forget that this entire network of women is here for you, and is eager and enthusiastic to help you out in any way you may need it -- alumni included!  You are a Penn Stater now, and that's a badge of honor you should wear proudly, that ties you to a community that genuinely wants to see you succeed.  Congratulations and welcome!  We Are!

Name: Joanna Mayers

Major: Computer Science

Class: 2005

Favorite Creamery Ice Cream: apple cobbler crunch

Favorite Restaurant in State College: The Diner for grilled stickies at midnight!

Favorite WEP(O) Memory/Event & Why: I was a rover for WEPO 2002. That year we had an outdoor boxed picnic lunch but only had one trash can for 100 people to dispose of their trash. A fellow rover and I stayed behind to bag all of the trash that had been piled up around the can and spent the afternoon fighting off bees. it was a miracle when we finished with no bee stings after an hour in the bee swarm until all the trash was collected. A rover has no limit as to what they will do for their WEPOteers!

Advice for incoming Class: Every Penn State engineer knows how to work hard and keep their eye on the prize.  But don't forget to have fun, too! Plan relaxing things in your week to keep the stress down.

Name: Claire (Venturino) Lawson

Major: Industrial Engineering + Masters of Engineering Management

Class: 2007, 2013

Favorite Creamery Ice Cream: Peanut Butter Cup

Favorite Restaurant in State College: The Deli

Favorite WEP(O) Memory/Event & Why:  2004 Rover Skit: WEP-Olympics!

Advice for incoming Class:  Get involved - especially with WEP!  Make the most of the resources available to you and join study groups.  Know that it's ok not to always have perfect grades.  And most importantly - don't forget to have some fun!! 

Name: Sarah Schopman

Major: Bioengineering

Class: 2013

Favorite Creamery Ice Cream: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Favorite Restaurant in State College: Waffle Shop

Favorite WEP(O) Memory/Event & Why:  My first WEPO.   Because I met so many inspiring women, and my best friends!

Advice for incoming Class: Don't ever be afraid to try anything new, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way!  Don't say you're going to "save it for later", because later, something bigger and better will be there for you.

 

Name: Terri Creech

Major: Industrial Engineering

Class: 2012

Favorite Creamery Ice Cream: Monster Mash!

Favorite Restaurant in State College: Cozi Thai

Favorite WEP(O) Memory/Event & Why: My favorite WEPO memory is being the Emcee for the Career Dinner at WEPO 2012. It was great to see all of the WEPOteers networking with each other and with corporate representatives. I really enjoyed facilitating a panel of exceptional WEP Alum as they answered questions from the audience. Every year this event is a great way to acclimate the fresh(wo)men and help them become more comfortable with the career side of college.

Advice for incoming Class: Take (calculated) risks. Some of the most beneficial things I did in college were when I went outside of my comfort zone. Throughout your time here, you'll be presented with more opportunities than you can take. Your mentors and friends will be able to help you sort through your choices and be confident with your decisions.

Name: Anne McAndrew

Major: Chemical Engineering

Class: 2012

Favorite Creamery Ice Cream: WPSU Coffee Break

Favorite Restaurant in State College: Mario’s Italian Restaurant

Favorite WEP(O) Memory/Event & Why:  Being a mentor for WEPO 2010, and then hosting one of WEPO mentees for summer 2013 as an intern for DuPont!  This really represented the importance of networking and forming relationships through WEPO, and also made me so proud to see one of my mentees shine so brightly!  (Also, seeing one of my co-mentor’s mentees rock this year as the Resource Innovations lead!)

Name: Kristina Fong

Major: Civil Engineering (focus on Structures)

Class: 2007

Favorite Creamery Ice Cream: Alumni Swirl

Favorite Restaurant in State College: Irving’s

Favorite WEP(O) Memory/Event & Why: Broomball; As a WEPO participant, I never played broomball before and did not know what to expect.  I’m not a very sports oriented person but my competitive side did come out. It was a great way to meet other participants and future classmates and not to mention, have a LOT of fun. 

Advice for incoming Class: Get involved in a club that interests you.  It’s a great way to meet people and will give you leadership experience.

Name: Meghan Fisher

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Class: 2012

Favorite Creamery Ice Cream: Peanut Butter Swirl (are there other flavors??)

Favorite Restaurant in State College: Cozy Thai……nom nom nom

Favorite WEP(O) Memory/Event & Why: Transforming The Sound of Music’s “Do, Re, Mi” into a glorious WEPO themed musical snack because it was such a beautifully harmonic rendition that everyone was rendered speechless with calm tears afterwards… or it was just fun, you can pick. #WEPO2011

Advice for incoming Class: Study hard and do well in your classes but remember that it’s not the moments spent studying that you will tell stories about. Spend the time to take risks and go on adventures as those are the moments you will truly remember.

Name:  Kasha Kultys

Major:   Mechanical Engineering

Class:  2011

Favorite Creamery Ice Cream: Chocolate

Favorite Restaurant in State College: Otto’s!

Favorite WEP(O) Memory/Event & Why: My last WEPO in 2010 as Lead Rover, seeing all the planning and preparation come together one last time and working right alongside the lifelong friends that I had made at my very first WEPO in 2006.

Advice for incoming Class: 

Keep the bigger picture in mind/keep your eyes on the goal (Graduation!) – one or two (or more) mistakes or failed tests won’t matter much in the long run and we’ve all been in your shoes!

Stay positive!

Be curious

Work hard, but enjoy your time and save time for yourself!

Divya Mehta is a senior in Industrial Engineering and the Resource Innovations Lead for WEPO'13!  To read more about Divya visit her WEPO Profile: http://raindancer45.wix.com/ladyengineers#!divya-mehta/ccpb

Battling Homesickness

Home Sickness

Everyone adjusts to college differently, depending on your personality, the relationships you have at home, your proximity to home, and how you plan on staying in touch, the transition can flow effortlessly or be a bit more of a challenge.

From the moment you leave your driveway, you are going to be caught up in a whirlwind of excitement. Between unpacking and setting up your dorm, meeting your roommate, and then running off to the start of WEPO, you aren’t going to have time to wrap your head around the fact that this is the beginning of a whole new chapter for you. As you say your goodbyes there will be tears, my mom was crying, my sister was crying, and my Dad was trying to keep himself together muttering “all good things to come”. Throughout WEPO the excitement and activity levels will be running high, it will fill all of your waking hours, and leave you sleeping like a rock at night. At the end of the week you will have made new friends, mastered new skills, and have a great story to tell everyone back home.

How to Stay In Touch Back Home

With all of today’s technology, there are numerous ways to keep in contact with all of your loved ones back home

• Facebook/Twitter
• Skype
• Blogging
• Text messages
• Phone calls

For me I had a group text message that was constantly being updated by both my sister and my parents so we kept in touch if only briefly almost every day. I also had a group message for all of my girlfriends back home so we could stay in touch as well. I also started blogging so all of my aunts and uncles, and teachers could see their little girl all grown up *sniff*sniff*. The ball is always in your court if you want to reach out and talk to someone back home. In the beginning I would call home whenever something major happened, the first day of class, I joined a new club, or something really funny happened.  I blogged about my classes, and the friends that I had met, the events I did with my clubs, and the football games that I went too.

When it Strikes….

It might happen within the month, around fall break, at the end of the semester, or not until the spring; it might start out small or rush at you all at once, but eventually you might realize that you might be homesick. No it doesn’t mean you’re weak, or un-prepared, or not ready for college, it simply means that you have people that care about you, and you care about down the road/across the country/on another continent.

For most people visiting is always an option, busses run from State College every weekend with students headed home, you won’t be the first or the last one to buy a ticket. Parents are welcome on campus for more than just Parents’ Weekend, they can come visit for the day, or for a weekend. There are always things going on for them to do with you, and make sure you pick your favorite restaurant when they come. Football games are a great way to see friends and family from home. What better way to say hello, catch up, and have them bring you that pair of pants you can’t believe you left at home.

For those weekends they can’t come up for a visit, I will risk saying that your mom or dad, aunts or uncles, brother or sisters, even your dog, would love to hear your voice over the phone, or see your face over Skype.  It hit me as I was headed back to Penn State after Thanksgiving how much I missed my family. I started Skyping my parents every Sunday night, and make plans for my sisters to come up and spend the weekend with me.

Don’t let homesickness cripple you, stay busy, go out and join a club/sorority/THON org, make friends, everyone back home will want to hear what you’ve been up too, they want you to make the most of the time you have here. The best advice I can give you is not hold it in, make sure you have that friend nearby to talk to, a roommate, classmate, teammate, rover, mentor, pick up the phone and call home, buy a bus ticket, because that hour on the phone or weekend away can make your college experience that much more enjoyable. WE ARE…..PENN STATE, and everyone here wants you to enjoy being here.

Gina Valerio is a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering and a Rover for WEPO'13.  To read more about Gina visit her WEPO Profile: http://raindancer45.wix.com/ladyengineers#!gina-valerio/c1zo2

Office Hours

Hey ladies!

I know with it being summer, the last thing you want to think about is class and studying. I have a really great tip as to how to get the most out of your classes and that way is attending OFFICE HOURS. When I first started my freshman year, I had never really heard of office hours and therefore never went.  My second semester freshman year, I was struggling through a math class and my professor encouraged me to meet him after class for his office hours. I figured why not, it couldn't hurt. So I went, and I got the one-on-one learning that I was needing for that class. Soon, I started noticing I was getting better grades and understanding more and more. Ever since then, I go to office hours like it's my job. I have learned so much more by attending office hours than I ever would by simply attending class.

Throughout the rest of my Penn State career, I have sworn by office hours.  Most of my professors see how much effort I put into their class by asking questions and just going over simple things in office hours, and as a result my grades have benefited. Even if I bombed a test (or two) my professors were willing to make sure I passed if I put the effort in and came in after to try and learn from my mistakes. If you put the effort into a class, most professors will double that effort to help you learn.

Office hours aren't for everyone, I know many people who don't think they benefit from going, but you will never know if they help if you don't go at least a few times. Even if it's to show them your homework before you hand it in to make sure you're understanding it correctly, just try it!

After reading this, I hope you all will take the time to try office hours. I can promise you that it will not hurt! The key word for all of this is EFFORT. If you put effort into a class and that effort shows through to your professor, you'll do just fine.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Rachel Phares

Rachel Phares is a senior in Computer Science and a Mentor for WEPO'13.  To read more about Rachel visit her WEPO Profile:  http://raindancer45.wix.com/ladyengineers#!rachel-phares/c1o2y

Getting Involved on Campus

“It’s fun to have fun, but you’ve got to know how” –The Cat in the Hat

So far in my college experience, the best thing I’ve done is get involved with clubs and organizations. While managing meetings and events for these clubs/orgs has been difficult, it’s something that has helped me make friends, gain better study habits, and stay in touch with the part of me that isn’t all about science and math. That’s why, even though managing multiple commitments isn’t easy, I’m not telling yo

u to not be involved; I’m telling you to put yourself out there and join clubs, but to do it in a smart way. 

Be able to say NO.

When you enter the involvement fair this semester, be prepared to be bombarded with groups telling you all about their clubs and why you should join. If you’re like me, you don’t like to disappoint people. The first and biggest mistake I made was telling every club that “maybe” I would join, and giving them my email. Before you write down your contact info, WAIT!! No matter how much those recruiters promise you they aren’t going to spam your email, they will. If you’re unsure of whether or not you want to be involved, write down a secondary email address to get some more information. If you definitely want to join, it’s best to give your PSU email address. That way you will always see important emails in a timely manner. Here’s the part I had a hard time with: if you DON’T want to join AT ALL… then don’t! Don’t give them your PSU or any email address if you don’t want to. It’s okay to not be interested in a club.

Choose wisely what leadership positions you want to take.

There is no bigger commitment than being the President of this club or the Secretary for that club. Coming out of high school, I couldn’t count on both hands how many leadership positions I had, but those obligations take on a whole new meaning in college. It’s not easy to attend a 2-day event when you have an Orgo exam the day after. Unfortunately, I’ve been there. Last year I was a THON dancer. It was undoubtedly the best experience I’ve ever had in my entire life! …but I’ll never forget all the times I had my physics book with me, so I could study for 10 minutes if I arrived at meetings early, or the times I simply couldn’t attend meetings because I had to study for a calc exam. It’s definitely possible to take on some big commitments like that, but if you find that you’re having difficulty managing two leadership positions, don’t take on a third.

Be involved in engineering/science clubs AND other clubs that you enjoy.

When it comes to being involved in engineering clubs, you’re already getting a great start! WEPO is just the beginning to a program that you can be involved in for the rest of your college career! It will build your confidence, provide you with great networking opportunities, help you make friends in your field, and teach you important lessons to boost your success during college and after. Many of these useful qualities are characteristic of other major-related clubs too, so it’s important to take advantage of those resources and build your network. It’s also important, however to let your other interests thrive. There are clubs and organizations for just about everything, so if your hobby is drinking tea, belly dancing, or flying planes, you can meet up with people who have that same hobby, and then drink tea, belly dance, or fly planes with them…seriously, those are actual clubs at Penn State!

While getting good grades is important, college is about learning, both inside the classroom and out. You’re going to learn what you like and what you don’t like. You’ll figure out what things help to ease the stress of classes, and you’ll learn how to fit those de-stressors into your schedule. Overall, in college, you’re going to learn who you are, so put yourself out there, join clubs, and make friends. It might be difficult, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be better at time management, you’ll have friends to study with and friends to belly dance with, and you’ll start to learn all of the things that I mentioned without even realizing you’re learning.

I really hope you join some great clubs/orgs this year (I suggest THON!) , and I can’t wait to meet you NEXT MONTH!!!  WEPO ’13 can’t come fast enough!!!

Danielle Roethlein is a junior in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering and a Mentor for WEPO'13.  To read more about Danielle visit her WEPO Profile: http://raindancer45.wix.com/ladyengineers#!danielle-roethlein/c3b1

Getting Involved in Undergraduate Research

As an incoming freshman at WEPO, I remember being in awe of all of the upperclass(wo)men engineers. It seemed like every time a member of the leadership team stood up to introduce herself, she rattled off an infinitely long list of activities she was involved in and engineering experiences she had.  I remember thinking to myself that I’d never be able to do all of those things.  Low and behold, I am now entering my junior year as a mechanical engineer, and I’m proud to say that I have done a lot of those things, and you can too! 

I would like to take the time to tell you a little about one of the engineering experiences that I am involved with at Penn State: undergraduate research.   I currently work in the Engineering Design and Optimization Group Lab (EDOG for short) in the Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department.  The project I am working on involves the optimization of thermal ablation probe tips to be used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. 

          

When I came to Penn State, I had no intention of ever getting involved in research, but at the end of my freshman year an opportunity arose, and I jumped on it.  I figured it would be a great opportunity for me to gain a little insight into the wide world of research, even if it was something I wasn’t fully interested in.   Looking back, I am very happy that I made that decision and that I was given the opportunity to get involved.   As you begin your career as an engineering student, I’d like you to keep this in mind.  I think getting involved in research is something everyone should try, because it truly is a great learning experience!

 As a freshman, it is sometimes a little difficult (although not impossible!) to get an internship or co-op.  Research, however, is something that you can easily get involved with in order to quickly acquire some quality engineering experience which will look great on your resume.  As freshmen women, you will have the opportunity to apply to the WISER program (Women in Science and Engineering Research), which will allow you to get some research experience for an entire semester. 

There are also a handful of research fellowships you can apply for if you look hard enough.  For example, the MNE Department offers the Shuman Fellowship for Mechanical Engineering students and the Westinghouse-Toshiba fellowship for Nuclear Engineering students.  It is through this program that I applied and acquired my research position.

Finally, don’t be afraid to approach a professor and ask about the research that they do!  If you are interested in a project that they are working on, simply ask if they have room for an undergraduate research assistant in their lab! Most likely, the answer will be yes!

I highly recommend getting involved in undergraduate research because it is a great way to gain experience.  Not only that, but it allows you to explore your options as an engineer and get exposure to the many opportunities available to you.  I am so happy that I decided to become involved with research, and I honestly think you will be too!

Katie Ciccaglione is a junior in Biomedical Engineering and the Assistant Professional Development Lead for WEPO'13.  

Embrace Freshman Year

Let me just start off my blog by saying that I am extremely jealous of all of you. I wish I was in your shoes...picking out new bed spreads, creating my first semester schedule, and experiencing move-in day for the first time. Freshman year was the best year of my life. And even though I’m only going to be a sophomore, I am convinced it’s the best year of college simply because you have the freedom to explore. At first, this freedom can be quite overwhelming because high school makes many decisions for you. However, college takes that whole mentality and flips it upside down. Suddenly, you are on your own and you call all the shots. You can literally be whoever you want. This realization didn’t hit me until about the second week of classes, and then it came crashing down on me like a ton of bricks. Suddenly, I was asking questions such as: What in the world am I doing with my life? Why did I decide to be an engineer again? What do I want to spend my free-time doing? Who do I want my friends to be? Do I actually like lasagna or did I just eat it my whole life because my mom forced me to? The initial shock was followed by a few stress-induced tears, but I made a commitment to myself to embrace freshman year. I decided I didn’t need to know all the answers my second week of school, but I would take my freshman year to explore...explore Penn State and explore myself.

Last summer, as a high school graduate, I never could have predicted the outcome of my freshman year in college, but it was ten times better than I imagined. So here is my advice to you incoming freshman:

1. Don’t judge anything before you try it. I found that things I thought would be perfect for me ended up being duds and the things I was skeptical about ended up being some of the most memorable experiences of my life. This includes people as well. High school is full of stereotypes, but make it your goal in college to drop the stereotypes and be friends with all different types of people. Diversity is the spice of life!
2. Don’t get discouraged. Moving away from home is hard, meeting new people is hard, physics is HARD! But don’t give up :) Keep everything in perspective and remember your end goal. It is easy to throw in the towel when you’re studying into the late hours of the night for your Physics 211 final. If it was easy then everyone would do it. And why would you want to be like everyone else?
3. Stay healthy physically, emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, and socially. Basically, make sure you are a well-rounded individual. If you stay in the library for days on end without coming up for air, you won’t be happy. Similarly, if you spend all day sleeping and chilling in East Commons, you will fail out of Penn State (also an unhappy situation). Make sure you are staying active, sleeping, eating healthy, taking time to relax, and investing in relationships. In addition, don’t give up things that “make you you.” If church was a big part of your life at home, investigate the different student fellowship opportunities on-campus and in the state college area. If you live for Tuesday night Pretty Little Liar sessions like I do, make sure you take time out of your day for that.

Penn State is an amazing place, and I truly believe there is a niche here for everyone. Make the most of every opportunity presented to you and remember to your embrace freshman year. See you all in 3 weeks! Wooooo!

Kelly Gagnon is a sophomore in Industrial Engineering and a Rover for WEPO'13.  To read more about Kelly visit her WEPO Profile: http://raindancer45.wix.com/ladyengineers#!kelly-gagnon/c1836

PACKING FOR THE BIG DAY

Hi EVERYONE!!  My name is Kenna Markel.  I am a 3rd year in Architectural Engineering and a mentor for Team E!  I am currently living in Reston, VA and spending my summer interning with DAVIS Construction!  I grew up outside of Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Moon High School in 2011.  I am so excited for my third WEPO and to meet all of you! 

I know you all just recently found where you are living and whom you’re rooming with so let the countdown begin!  By the end of next month, you will be all moved into your dorms!  Just two years ago, I was moving my stuff into 518 Pennypacker Hall.  I remember swiping into my building the first time, taking the blue elevator up five floors, and cracking open the big wooden door.  This summer, I’m sure you have all been having fun buying new things for the fall!  I know there are packing lists all over the Internet, but I know there are a few things I’m really glad I brought… or forgot.  Either way, here’s a list of a few things I would bring up this fall:

1. Rain boots, umbrella, raincoat, and winter coat – in State College weather will change unexpectedly!  
2. Downey wrinkle release and a lint brush – have to look your best at the career fair
3. Storage bins
4. Stamps and Envelops – for all those thank you cards after the career fair!
5. Chip Clips
6. Headphones – most of you will remember this unlike my roommate and I
7. Anything navy and white – for PSU Football Games!
8. Closet stackers (organizers)
9. Clorox wipes, Febreze, and Windex – eventually you do need to clean your room
10. Plastic shower caddy – I don’t recommend a fabric one
11. Nail clippers, nail polish, and nail polish remover
12. Snack/Sandwich bags – useful when you pack to go home for break
13. Clip Lamp – definitely a must have for East Halls!
14. HDMI Cable (if you have a tv) – for movie nights!
15. Plastic hamper for laundry, dryer sheets – you don’t need coins only Lioncash!
16. Checkbook, ID (Passport or SS card) – are needed if you get a job on campus or if you get an apartment for your sophomore year
17. Mattress Pad
18. Rug and fan
19. Brita and water bottle
20. Surge protector – East only has 2 outlets per person
21. Printer and extra ink
22. Sleeping bag – for THON Canning Trips!

I’m sure you girls are all so prepared that you already have everything on this list!  I hope you all are getting excited for Penn State because you all have a great year awaiting you!  Most importantly don’t forget you can always ask your mentor or rover if you have any questions about what to pack.  For a full list of what to bring Erin Miller, this year’s overall Lead made a list last year (see link):

http://pennstatewepo.blogspot.com/2012/08/what-to-pack-for-college.html

Kenna Markel is a junior in Architectural Engineering and a Mentor for WEPO'13.  To read more about Kenna visit her WEPO Profile:  http://raindancer45.wix.com/ladyengineers#!kenna-markel/c23w0

Living with a Roommate You Don’t Get Along With

Senior year of high school, I attended the SWE Stayover, frantically trying to make a difficult choice between Penn State and Virginia Tech.  That decision didn’t come until much later, but at the SWE Stayover I did meet a girl who I instantly clicked with. We had so much in common and thought we would get along great.  We decided that if I came to Penn State that we would be roommates.  In the end, I picked Penn State (a decision I have never regretted) and we ended up being roommates. We tweeted and texted each other all summer, and even helped each other out with our problems at the beginning of the year.  Everything was going fantastic. In late October, she snapped. I’m not blaming it all on her because I don’t react very well to be screamed at. In the end we did end up yelling at each other very loudly around 2 am one night, over spilled water on her desk.  Needless to say, I didn’t sleep in my own dorm that night.  The entire first semester I would avoid her like the plague.  When we were both in the same room, we wouldn’t talk. It would be dead silence for as long as we were both together, which could be hours, only talking when it was absolutely necessary.  During that time, her annoying habits just seemed to annoy me even more. She skyped her friends from home for around 8 hours a day.  Literally 8 hours a day straight. She wouldn’t go to class, she would skype doing homework, and sometimes she wouldn’t put headphones in. During this time I would usually just do my homework in the library or hang out with my friends or at my boyfriend’s dorm. Whenever I would come home though, she would always be skyping. All the little things that she did like that started to get under my skin. I thought about switching my room for the second semester, but it was MY idea to live in west, not hers. SHE should have to move, not me! I missed the room transfer deadline, and hoped that the coming semester would be better than the one I was currently enduring. And you know what? It did get better, slowly but surely. I always had class in the mornings and she had class in the afternoons, but even so, we just started to get over our fight, no matter how long it took.  We realized it was stupid and it the past, and that we were mature adults.  After Christmas break, we were completely fine. We weren’t friends at all, but we were roommates. We had a silent, mutual agreement about how things worked in our dorm, and we never fought again.  Needless to say, we are not rooming together next year.  I’m just glad we worked everything out before it got even worse. What could I have done to make the situation better? I think I could’ve realized that it was a fight over some spilled water. It was late and we weren’t in the best mind set. I think I should’ve gotten over it sooner, so we could’ve been civilized roommates instead of hating each other for an entire semester.

Katie Farnum is a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering and a Rover for WEPO'13.  To read more about Katie visit her WEPO Profile: http://raindancer45.wix.com/ladyengineers#!katie-farnum/c20xo

How to survive your first week!

My first week of college was the first time I had ever been away from home by myself. I was excited, anxious, overwhelmed, and slightly terrified. Going to college can be a difficult transition, so here are some tips to rock your first week in Happy Valley.

1. Figure out where all of your classes are before Monday morning. This was one of the best pieces of advice that I got when I was a WEPO-teer. The Sunday evening before classes started, my WEPO mentor walked with our group and showed us each one of the buildings on our schedules. It’s important to know where you are going because you only have 15 minutes in between classes, and sometimes you need to walk from one end of campus to the other. You need to make it to class on time and even a few minutes early to guarantee you’ll get a seat (classes are usually overfilled for the first few weeks). Knowing where you’re going on your first day can be extremely comforting and will make you look like a campus pro.
2. Eat more than just a salad. I was too nervous to scope out all my options at the dining commons when I first got to school. I instead resorted to the salad bar. Twice a day. For more than two weeks. It was an unfortunate mistake because there are so many fantastic food choices in each of the dining commons. No one will stare at you if you wander around for a few minutes trying to decide. Also, if you find yourself in West, search for the cookies. They’re worth every calorie.
3. Don’t forget that everyone else is feeling awkward too It can be tempting to crawl under your covers and hide when you get to college. You may feel like everyone else knows each other already and you’re the only one without friends. Don’t believe those lies! Everyone else on your floor, in your classes, and in that organization you’re thinking about joining wants to meet new people too. If you’re too shy to put yourself out there, grab your roommate and go meet new people together. You two will likely have more than a few awkward moments together during the year, so why not start early? Or, grab your WEPO girls and head to the Creamery (I recommend Arboretum Breeze).
4. Don’t buy your books before going to class First semester I wanted to be on top of things as much as possible, so I ordered my textbooks online weeks before leaving for State College. It wasn’t easy to fit another box in my car on move-in day, and on top of that, I found out during the first week of class that I didn’t need many of the books I bought. I ended up with two copies of the Calc I textbook and the wrong version of the Econ book, since my professor changed the book for the course after I’d already bought mine. It’s best to wait until after the first class to decide which books you should buy. Your professor will specify what you really need; alternatively, you can find out which textbooks are required at any of the campus bookstores. They have special computers that you can use to search for the classes on your schedule. Also, always check Amazon or other online stores before you buy. The HUB is usually the most expensive place to buy books.
5. Have confidence The College of Engineering accepted you for a reason! You have worked hard to get where you are, and you belong here. The first week can be very intimidating, but you WILL be ok. Freshman year is tough, but there are many resources available to you to help you succeed. Find yourself a “study-buddy” who wants to earn the same grades you do, and get yourself plugged into a WEP Facilitated Study Group, which you’ll hear more about in the coming weeks. Being proactive in your studies and working hard always pays off!
6. Ask for help! Your WEP leaders are here for you. We’ve all been where you are and we’ve all asked the same “dumb” questions. Don’t be afraid to reach out to us as a resource.  Anything from how do I pass Physics 211 to what’s a pokey stick – we’ve got the answers! If we don’t, we’ll find you someone who does.

Tori Vadyak is a junior in Chemical Engineering and a Mentor for WEPO'13.  To read more about Sam visit her WEPO Profile: http://raindancer45.wix.com/ladyengineers#!tori-vadyak/c1eau

Study Tricks and Tips

Let’s be honest, studying is one of the most boring things known to human kind, but it has to be done.  Therefore, my friends and I have come up with a few tricks to help us to get through those long nights of studying. 

Movies

When my roommate and I wanted to study in our apartment we would put on a movie.  Our typical choices included movies that were close to two-and-a-half hours long and we had seen them a million times before.  The long movies gave us enough time to complete our assignment, as well as we weren’t actually watching the movie because we already knew what happens at every part.  (I eventually even got used to tuning out my roommate as she quoted various lines of Titanic to me.) The movie was enough of a distraction to keep us from falling asleep but we were also able to get our work done.  Some of our top movie choices included Titanic, Dark Knight Rises, Pearl Harbor and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Music

My personal choice for studying is to listen to music.  Pandora and I have become really good friends while at college.  Usually for each big test that I am studying for I pick a new Pandora station to become obsessed with.  The songs start to become familiar and so does the material that I am studying.  But be warned, when the test is done and over, that Pandora station will be ruined forever by the subject that you had used it to study for.  So I always choose stations of people that I only knew one or two songs from, that way I didn’t ruin any of my favorites.

TV Shows

Watching TV show series is also a great way to stay focused for a long amount of time.  We would watch the shows over and over again, so that once again we wouldn't be too focused on actually watching the show.  It was just another good way to block out all of the other sounds in the room and it was still enjoyable because we would be watching some of our favorite shows.  Top choices were Big Bang Theory, Gilmore Girls and Boy Meets World.

Physical Activity

Studying for hours can take its toll on any person.  Some physical activity in between long hours is not a bad idea, especially if everyone takes a break at the same time.  One example was when my friend and I had studied all day and then went to play racquet ball at 9 o’clock at night.  It was a great way to de-stress and get all of our frustration out after a long day of studying.  But if you do not have enough time to go to the gym, there are activities you can do from the room you are in.  Group handstands are a fun activity for everyone.  Whether you are a pro or a beginner this will offer tons of entertainment and it will get your blood flowing again. 

Samantha Burt is a junior in Civil Engineering and a Mentor for WEPO'13.  To read more about Sam visit her WEPO Profile: http://raindancer45.wix.com/ladyengineers#!samantha-burt/c21tj

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle at School

“Good luck at Penn State, and good luck avoiding the freshman fifteen!”  If your summer before freshman year of college is anything like mine was, this is something that I heard over and over again. I thought, ‘I sure hope this doesn’t happen to me!’  But after listening to everyone repeat the same thing all summer, gaining weight my freshman year of college seemed inevitable.

Well, I am here to tell you that it is not.  Penn State has many options to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle at college and maintain a healthy weight.  In particular, I am going to give you the low-down about how to stay physically fit and burn those extra calories you might eat in the dining hall (Creamery ice cream was my downfall!) during your time at school.  Mental, physical and emotional health are all equally important.  Exercising has been proven to have positive effects on all aspects of health.  Making healthy choices in the dining halls along with a little exercise can do a world of good.  One of the biggest benefits that exercising gives me at school is a chance to relieve my stress from homework, exams.

The first and most obvious option is to get a gym membership.  If you are new to working out and are not sure if the treadmill and elliptical will be the thing for you, then you can just choose to purchase a semester membership instead of an entire year.  The membership is not free, but is relatively affordable. Penn state has two main fitness center/gyms on campus with cardio equipment, basketball courts, and weights: the Rec and the White Building. The IM building is in the course of being remodeled, and will also be a nice option once it is finished.  https://fitnessmembership.psu.edu/cgi-bin/fitness.exe/launch/FitnessMembership

If you are not the best at self-motivation, then it would be in your best interest to try to find a workout buddy.  A workout buddy will help you keep the commitment to exercise instead of saying, “I’m a little tired, I will just go tomorrow.” Another great option that you can do with or without a friend is a fitness class.  Penn State has a very wide variety of classes ranging in intensity, cardio, lifting, and fun.  I regularly attend the cycling classes and boot camp.  Yoga, pilates, zumba, and calorie killer are a few more popular fitness classes on campus.  To get a complete list you can go to http://www.athletics.psu.edu/fitness/classes.html.

Aside from the fitness centers, intramural sports are a great opportunity to play a sport with your friends and have a good time.  Every fall my friends and I get a co-ed flag football team together and have a blast. To check out all of the IM sports that are offered you can go to http://www.athletics.psu.edu/recsports/.  Right now only summer sports are listed, but this link will be updated once fall semester begins!

Last but certainly not least, there are numerous club sports at Penn State.  Some of the clubs are pretty competitive and can be a time commitment, and others are just for fun.  Field hockey, soccer, lacrosse, cross country, and salsa dancing are just a few of the many (yes, I consider dance a sport!).  Be sure to visit the involvement fair during the first week of school to explore your options and check out the website below for a list of club sports! Club sports are a great way to stay active and meet new people at the same time! http://www.athletics.psu.edu/recreation/csindex.asp

Aside from regularly planned fitness classes and team practices, always be on the look-out for great 5K opportunities such as the THON 5K! I am confident that with all that Penn State has to offer, you will find something that will work for you so that you can stay active and healthy!

Emily Clark is a junior in Chemical Engineering and a Mentor for WEPO'13!  To read more about Emily visit her WEPO Profile: http://raindancer45.wix.com/ladyengineers#!emily-clark/c1arv