Why We THON

Hey ladies! So as future Penn Staters, by now you have probably heard about THON. And if not I’m here to tell you all about it! THON, or Penn State Dance Marathon is the largest student run philanthropy in the world which raises money to support the fight against pediatric cancer. Thousands of students spend months raising money through various events and fundraisers and it finally culminates in a 46 hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon that takes place every February. Last year THON raised over $13.34 million dollars and it has raised over $110 million dollars since it began in 1973. But that’s not even the best part! Why should you get involved? How do you get involved? Keep reading to find out!

Why should you get involved?

The Families: Not only does THON raise millions of dollars to help these children get the treatment and help they need, it gives us students the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing and strongest families you will encounter in your entire life. The sole beneficiary of THON is the Four Diamonds Fund which is a charity based out of Penn State’s Hershey Medical Center. Its mission is to cover all the expenses these families could encounter while their child is undergoing treatment. And when I say all, I really do mean it. Chemo, surgery, clinical trials, gas money, food money, hotels, absolutely anything these families need, the fund will provide. And the families never even see a bill. Additionally, each one of these families is paired with a Penn State organization who serves as a support system to help the family get through one of the most difficult times in their life. This is also a great opportunity for us as students because we get to become really close with these families and are inspired by their stories and their strength. Meeting and bonding with these families is incredibly moving and will change your whole outlook on life.

The Students: The friends you will make and the people you will meet from being a part of THON is amazing. Every student involved is so incredibly passionate, and you will become the exact same way. The cause really brings people together and you will make life-long friends after knowing each other for just a few weeks. Some of my best friends are people I have meet through my involvement in THON, and I know we will still be talking and reminiscing about the experiences THON has given us 50 years from now.

The Community: One of my favorite things about Penn State is the sense of community you feel at the school. This community only gets stronger through involvement in THON. When you meet someone who is also a part of THON, it’s an immediate connection. It is something that will bond you with people instantly and something you could talk about for hours. It is an amazing feeling to stand in the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC) during THON weekend with 15,000 other students all cheering and dancing for a cause they are as passionate about as you are. There isn’t another experience quite like it in the world.

How do you get involved?

Student Organizations: Almost every student organization on campus is involved with THON in some way. SWE (Society of Women Engineers), club sports, fraternities/sororities, campus choirs, all of these will have a THON organization. What this means is that there is the main club and then there will be a sub-committee that’s involved in THON. These groups will be paired with a family and raise money for THON through fundraisers, canning weekends and various other activities. (Side note: a canning weekend is when you go with your organization to someone’s home town and stand on street corners and in front of businesses asking for money.) Additionally, there are a ton of clubs whose sole purpose is THON. Either way, there are a variety of different options. During the first week of school there will be an activity fair where you can learn about all these different clubs and organizations and find out which are best for you!

Committees: The difference between an organization and a committee is that an organization exists to raise money for THON and support a specific family or families where the committees work to actually make THON happen. Some examples of committees are OPPerations, Finance, Entertainment, and Morale; each has a specific role in the planning, preparation, and execution of every one of THON’s events throughout the year but most importantly THON weekend. To get onto one of these committees you will need to fill out an application because positions can be a bit competitive. This is because being a member of a committee is a unique and extremely rewarding experience. Your committee will become like a family and you will become close with everyone, faster than you could even imagine. It is awesome to be able to know you worked to make such a huge and amazing event that does inspiring things for so many people, happen. The applications usually come out in mid to late September so definitely be on the lookout for that!

Be a Supporter: Even if you decide not to get involved in THON through an organization or committee during your first year there are still a ton of events you can go to and things you can do to support the cause! THON has a bunch of special events throughout the year such as a 5K race, sporting events, restaurant fundraisers downtown, and so much more! So come out, help the kids, and have some fun, especially during THON weekend! The doors are open to anyone, regardless of whether or not you’ve been involved throughout the year and it is an unbelievable experience. Spend just one hour dancing around in the BJC with 15,000 of your best friends and you’ll be begging to sign up for next year!

If you haven’t noticed by now, THON is something that is near and dear to my heart and a cause that I have an amazing passion for. Four years ago I was probably in a similar position that you are in. I had heard about THON and it sounded pretty cool but I wasn’t completely sure how it worked or what it was all about. But when I came to Penn State I decided to jump right in and get involved, and I’m so happy that I did. Some of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in college have come through THON. I’ve meet so many incredibly people who have inspired me in ways I never would have believed. THON has become a major part of my life and I couldn’t imagine what my college experience would have been without it. I encourage you to let it have the same effect on you!

Melissa Consiglio is a senior in Architectural Engineering, and she is a Mentor for WEPO '14!

Syllabus Savvy

So you have probably heard of a syllabus before, but what you may not know is how important it is! A syllabus is pretty much your course road map for the rest of the semester. Some of your professors will hand out paper versions and some will just put them online. No matter what way they come, it is important to keep track of what is on the syllabus.

Things usually on the syllabus:

-Class expectations: most professors put on their syllabus the break down of how much homework, how many exams, and how many projects you will have to complete for the class. This will help give you a general overview or a big picture of the class and what the semester is going to look like.

-Due Dates: this part is very important! Most syllabi contain due dates for the homework and projects. Also, the syllabus usually has on it when your exams will be.

-Office Hours: this part is very helpful, especially if you are having trouble in a class or just want to touch base with the professor. Most syllabi lay out exactly where and when you can go to get help from the professor and Teaching Assistants (TAs).

-Contact information: this will tell you how to get in contact with the professor or the TAs if you need anything or need to set up a meeting outside of office hours.

Why these things are so important:

I found this aspect of college very different than high school. In high school, my teachers would go over and remind us when some due date was coming up. This is not how most professors run their college classes. Many professors will tell you at the beginning of the semester when things are due. Then, they may not mention it again. They assume if they told you once and if it is on the syllabus, then you will know it is due and remember to do it. This is one of the reasons why the syllabus is so important.

What to do about it:

In order to keep organized and not miss deadlines, when I first get the syllabus I write down all of the due dates into an assignment book or a calendar. At first in my classes, I was waiting for the professor to say “Ok class, you have to read chapter one and that is due tomorrow.” Or “Make sure you do the online homework for Friday” but that never really happened. I realized that I needed to look on the syllabus for what and when I had to turn things in. Also, as soon as you get the syllabus, write down on a calendar when and what time your exams are. This is especially important because once in a while, you might have exams in different classes that are on the same night at exactly the same time. It is better to find this conflict earlier rather than later in the semester! And, if you are ever having difficulty in a class, go back and look at the syllabus to see when you can go to office hours to get help.

Over all, the main point is that syllabi are there to help you and to be a useful tool, not just an extra piece of paper to get crumpled up in your backpack. Go into your classes prepared, keep your syllabus, and you will rock this semester!

Sarah Masters is a junior in Engineering Science, and she is a Mentor for WEPO '14! 

Be Who You Wanna Be!

I am Jennifer Ann Kearney. I am a structural engineering student.  I am a half only child. I am an introvert. I am a Penn State woman engineer.  While I am very happy with who I am, one of the qualities I am most proud of is that I am a Bridge Builder.

This summer I had the incredible opportunity to build a bridge in Panama! And I’m not talking about a small wooden bridge over a creek.  This is a 250 foot suspended footbridge over a huge ravine and river.  I lead a team of 10 Penn State students to build this pedestrian bridge in a rural community in Panama. Why am I so proud of this bridge? Because I worked hard to make it possible, since I knew I wanted to be a Bridge Builder.

 

Completing this project was probably the most rewarding thing I have ever done, and it taught me more about leadership and managing a project than all of the classes I have taken and the books I have ever read combined.  This is why I want to encourage all of you to make your dreams a reality.  Work hard to be who you want to be. 

Penn State Bridges to Prosperity's project in Caimital, Panama

Bridges to Prosperity:

A little over a year and a half ago I heard about Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) at an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Conference.  I am very passionate about service, so I was already involved with Penn State Engineers Without Borders.  However, I was leading the local projects aspect of the club; I was not involved in the international work that Penn State Engineers Without Borders was doing.  When I heard about B2P, I was immediately interested because I knew I wanted to continue serving communities both locally and internationally.  The Penn State ASCE President said he thought the organization sounded interesting as well, and he thought someone should start a chapter at Penn State.

Long story short, I obviously started Penn State B2P and lead our team through our first project.  However, that was definitely not my intention when I came to Penn State.  I never thought I would start a new club during college; however, it was one of the best experiences I have ever had.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying it is easy to be who you want to be.  I had to work very hard to establish a chapter, recruit members and faculty advisers, plan a survey assessment trip, fundraise for the bridge cost, oversee bridge design and construction, plan a five week construction trip, and manage a team of students in rough living conditions working hard on a bridge site all day.  Not all of those tasks were enjoyable or glamorous.  There were times when I met opposition in my department, and I had to fight for the organization and convince others of the importance.  However, it was all worth it.  Seeing the community’s excitement about having a bridge so that they are not isolated during the rainy season was worth all of the late nights and hours of work. 

You Can Do It Too:

I am a Bridge Builder. What are you? Now, more importantly, what do you want to become?  I never thought I would be a Bridge Builder by the time I graduated college, but now I cannot imagine graduating college without this experience. You can be whatever you want to be.  You will have to work hard to get there, and there will be rough days.  However, you get out what you put in; nothing worthwhile can be achieved overnight. 

I want to encourage all of you to dream big, and then take action.  Nothing is impossible.  I don’t want everyone to rush to create a new organization at Penn State, but if that is what you want to do, then do it! You are all amazing women! You would not have been accepted into the College of Engineering at Penn State if you were not outstanding.  Now live up to your potential.  You would be amazed what you can become in four short years.  Take charge of your future, and be who you wanna be!

If you are interested in learning more about Penn State Bridges to Prosperity, please contact the Bridge Builder (aka Jen) at jak5580@psu.edu.

Jen Kearney is a senior in Civil Engineering, and she is the Overall Lead for WEPO ’14! 

Stress Less!

Here comes the homework deadline. Oh, don’t forget the two exams you also have that week. Shoot! You have to finish that presentation for Friday’s class too! Here it comes, now you’re stressed.

I’m sure I’m not the only one to ever have a week like that. Actually, there’s probably at least one per semester. It’s those weeks you feel like nothing is going to go right, you’ll fail your exams, and your project will be lucky to be finished. Good news is that you’re not the only one! We all have these weeks, and if you learn to manage your stress, they won’t be as bad.

1. Plan ahead of time. 

Your professors will give you a syllabus at the very beginning of the semester. Whether you use an agenda or google calendar, put all of the important dates into your planner. This way you can clearly see what weeks are going to be your most busy. When you know a busy week is coming up, you can plan ahead. Figure out your study schedule so you start the week before. Get that homework assignment out of the way as soon as you get it.

During one of my busy weeks, I put everything into my calendar. I include class times, exam times, study time, break time, and work. It helps me to visualize my day better.

2. Use your parents.

My mom and dad know me better than anyone at school ever could. Chances are, your parents do too! Whenever I start to feel stressed out, I take a break and give my mom a call. She knows my stress limits and what will work best for me. Sometimes all you need is a little motivational speech from someone you love saying “You can do it, I believe in you!” I let my dad know when a stressful week is coming up and he always sends motivational pictures or messages on my phone when he leaves for work for me to wake up to. If it’s not your parent, maybe it’s a sibling or friend from home!

3. Motivational quotes. 
Keep motivational quotes everywhere! I have some on sticky notes around my room and in textbooks as well as a whole folder on my computer. I save quotes that I find from pinterest, tumblr, and things I may hear during my day to refer to when I need them most. When you start to stress, you will have these little reminders that everything will be okay and you will finish your project and pass your exams! 

“Next time you’re stressed, take a step back, inhale and laugh. Remember who you are and why you are here. You are never given anything in this world that you can’t handle. Be strong, be flexible, love yourself, and love others. Always remember, just keep moving forward.”

“Work Hard. Dream Big. Make it Count!”

4. Mentors! 

REMEMBER YOUR MENTORS. We’re here for you! Text or call us when you start to feel stressed. We’ve all been there. It might not even be a super stressful week. Maybe you’re just really worried about an exam. My mentors always gave me words of encouragement when I thought I couldn’t make it.

5. Take a breather.

Go sit out on Old Main lawn. Go downtown and get kiwi. Watch a few episodes of your favorite show on netflix. Go take a rest up at the arboretum. Go outside and kick a soccer ball around. We all need a break every once in a while. Maybe I’m crazy, but I found I did better on exams this semester when I stopped studying at least an hour before and just relaxed leading up to the exam.

6. Your grades do not define you.

By far the most important part of learning not to stress. I have academic hopes and goals, and I’m sure you do too! Don’t let these hopes and goals rule your life. When you leave an exam room, there is absolutely nothing you can do about it anymore. Pick your head up no matter what and work towards the next exam! If you did well, great! Keep it up. If you didn’t do as well as you had hoped, figure out what didn’t work and try something new! Maybe you find a study group or a tutor. Maybe instead of outlining you make flashcards.

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My freshman year I was a mess trying to deal with stress. I set high goals for myself and stressed more than I needed to in order to reach them. This past year I set a goal to stress less. I learned all of these important tips from my friends and parents and it not only changed how I deal with stress, but it changed how I look at stressful situations. Instead of being a nervous wreck, I started to realize that these busy and stressful weeks will happen, but I will get through them. Guess what's even better? YOU'LL GET THROUGH THEM TOO! (:

“If you’re having a bad day, keep in mind that your track record for making it through bad days is 100%” 

Lauren Boyle is a junior in Architectural Engineering, and she is a Mentor for WEPO '14! 

Five Things You’d Never Thought You’d Need for College

            Packing for college is no small feat, and everyone around you is trying to give you lists and lists of things you need to bring - Penn State, your mom, Bed Bath and Beyond, even Cheryl! Everyone is trying to help, but I am going to give you the inside scoop regarding what things you really need. Some of these items are things you would simply look over on one of the several packing lists you receive, but trust me you need this stuff. Aside from the basics, these somewhat unique items will ensure a smooth transition into your freshman year in the Happiest of Valleys!

                  1.     Clorox Wipes

Before going to college, no one really considers what happens when you drop a jar of queso cheese in your dorm room, and there’s a huge mound of goo on your floor (yes, this did actually happen to me). Cleaning products are absolutely necessary, and Clorox wipes can do it all. Aside from messy spills, wipes are great for cleaning up dust that accumulates almost instantly on every surface of your room or getting the mud off of shoes. The bleach wipes will sterilize all the germy surfaces and also leave your room smelling fresh and clean.

                  2.     Surge Protector / Power Strip

This is the long stick with a bunch of plugs on it for those that are unclear! Each dorm room has a maximum of two outlets per person, and trust me four plugs will not be enough. When your phone and laptop constantly need to be charged and you need to straighten your hair and have your desk lamp on, all at the same time, the power strip will become your friend. These are relatively inexpensive and will allow you to multitask throughout the day. Dorm rooms are all about maximizing the little that you are given, and surge protectors do just that!

                  3.     A Professional Outfit

Luckily, WEPO requires this, but I wanted to reemphasize its importance. Aside from the obvious career fair, I wore my business attire probably about ten times. Whether it was for an interview, information session, or project presentation, I was always dressed professionally and appropriately in my business skirt and blazer. You will soon see that at each of these types of events, someone will wear something that is more suited for a nightclub, and trust me you and everyone else will notice. No one wants to be embarrassed like that, so err on the side of tasteful, not trendy.

                  4.     Sneakers/Comfortable Walking Shoes

This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but I have always been focused on style more so than functionality. I had no idea that when I got to State I would be walking unbelievably far for some of my classes. This is especially true of those of you who are living in East. You will absolutely be walking milesss a day, so your cute strappy sandals with zero arch support will make your first two weeks of classes miserable. Do yourself a favor and wear shoes that support your feet while your legs adjust to all the walking. I was a varsity athlete in high school, and my body had to adapt to the huge increase in walking. My sore feet and blisters did not make the transition smooth.

                   5.     NON Graphing Calculator

Every single freshman engineering student rolls up to their first week of classes with their big, shiny, fancy graphing calculator thinking they are all ready to go. Then you quickly realize two things - college hates calculators and if they do crack and let you use one, it’s not going to be the one you brought. You need to buy a nonprogrammable calculator, something like the Texas Instruments 30X. This is basically the calculator you used in 8^th grade algebra. I realized I needed this after my second day of classes and ran to the bookstore to pick one up. The next day they sold out. So be thinking about this as you get ready for school and in the meantime, start practicing your mental math!

You’ve made the single best decision of your life by coming to Penn State and choosing engineering, and I hope that these pointers make your transition to college and PSU the easiest it can be! Prior planning prevents poor performance, so think ahead when it comes to the items above and have a fantastic freshman year! WE ARE so looking forward to meeting you!

Rachel Farnin is a sophomore in Bioengineering, and she is a Rover for WEPO '14! 

How to Deal with the Roommate You Don't Get Along With

First things first, request a roommate if possible. Find someone on Facebook that is going to Penn State that you have similar interests with. Maybe someone going to WEPO, or someone who enjoys the same sports as you. Just find someone if you can.  

But let’s say you don’t request a roommate. Maybe you’ll get lucky and end up with a roommate who becomes your lifelong friend! Unfortunately, you might end up in the same boat as I did, with a roommate you don’t get along with.

If you do end up in my boat, don’t make the same mistakes I did. First of all, get your roommate’s phone number, whether you like them or not, and make sure you get it on the first day you move in! Take it from me, if you never end up getting your roommate’s number, you might end up in your hallway, in a towel, locked out of your room, chatting with the cleaning lady. By the way, the cleaning ladies do not have a master key, and they will try to make you walk down to the commons in your towel to go get a spare. (Fortunately my roommate showed up, and I did not have to do that.)

Second of all, make an effort. Try to get along at least! If your roommate does something you don’t like, speak up about it! The longer it takes you to start up a conversation with your roommate, the more awkward it gets. Believe me, if you don’t try to talk to each other within the first few weeks of living together, you never will. I’m sure you’ve all seen how small the dorms are in East Halls. Imagine how uncomfortable it is sitting 3 feet away from someone you never talk to for an entire school year!

Living with a roommate you don’t get along with can be unbearable, so make sure you make friends with people on your floor so you have somewhere to get away to when you need it! Three of the girls that lived down the hall from me during my freshman year are now my roomies at my apartment! So, maybe a few good things do come out of having a bad roommate experience freshman year.

If you really can’t deal with your roommate, you might have to put in for a transfer, but that doesn’t always work either. There may be too many freshman to make the transfer happen, or you might end up with somebody worse! Either way, always remember it’s only for a few months and you’ll get through it. Trust me, I did!

Randi Grim is a sophomore in Chemical Engineering, and she is a Rover for WEPO '14! 

A Pep Talk to Penn State Freshmen Students

I suggest watching the video first :)         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwlhUcSGqgs

Kid President is a young boy that has set out to make the world a better place.  After watching one of his videos, “Kid President’s Pep Talk to Teachers and Students,” I decided to create a pep talk for Penn State freshmen students.  The bolded section titles are all quotes from Kid President’s pep talk. 

“It’s time to wake up, people.”

It is officially time to be excited about being at Penn State.  This is a whole new chapter of your life and there are so many different opportunities available to you.  From our outstanding Engineering Programs to hundreds of clubs and student organizations, you are sure to succeed and grow as you set out on your college career.   You just have to be sure to wake up and not miss a single second of your time here!

“Science! You’re here. You take up space. You matter.”

Penn State may be a large place, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be intimidating.  Even within the large lectures halls you will be noticed as long as you show that you are trying and participate in the class.  Professors pay attention for students putting forth their best efforts, so don’t be shy!

“It’s time to be more awesome!”

There is so much more to college than just homework and exams.  You have the ability to become involved in many different activities that can enhance your college experience.  Go on a study abroad trip with other Penn State students, ask your professor about gaining more experience through working in their lab, or tutor other students to demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of the material.  Employers like to see that you are well rounded, so embrace every opportunity that comes your way and it will make you even more awesome!  

“History is made by ordinary people.”

THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world that raises over12 million dollars annually to combat pediatric cancer.  Engineers Without Borders is a humanitarian, service organization that is focused on implementing sustainable engineering projects in underdeveloped areas. What do these two organizations have in common?  They are both made possible because of ordinary people just like you and me, and they are constantly changing history in a positive way.  The best part is that there are many more organizations, just like these, that you can become involved in.

“They put their pants on one leg at a time, just like me.”

Professors are not to be feared.  They provide office hours every week and are there to help you with anything you may need.  More often than not, professors enjoy when students come to speak with them and ask questions.  Speaking with your professors shows them that you care about the subject material and you are willing to put forth the extra effort to ensure that you know the information.  So don’t struggle too long on that homework assignment.  Put your pants on, leave the dorm room, and go to your professor’s office hours.    

“Life is school and you gotta show up.”

Go out there and show everyone what you are made of! There are days when you may be exhausted but one day you will look back on your time here and be proud of all that you have accomplished, and have a little bit of fun along the way.

WHAT ARE YOU TEACHING THE WORLD?

Kid President talks about how we can all learn from one another. And since we are all learning from each other that means that we are all teaching each other something as well.  You will learn a lot from Penn State, but Penn State can also learn from you.  Start a new club based on your ideas, help to discover a new source of energy in a lab on campus, or volunteer with a group of your friends to improve the community.  Pursue whatever it is that you are interested in and you will be amazed at what you can teach the world in the process.

WE ARE… TEACHING THE WORLD.

Sam Burt is a senior in Civil Engineering, and she is the Success Strategies Lead for WEPO '14! 

Note Taking

Hello lovely WEPOteers!

My name is Mal and I used to have serious organizational problems, especially when it came to note-writing. My handwriting was atrocious, and I could barely decipher it when it came time to study for exams. 

Since then, I have learned quite a few things about successful note-taking, and I am going to share those tips with all of you so that you can start off your classes on the right foot!

          1.)    Start with reading the text before the class, and make a note of 5 or 6 questions you would like to have answered by the end of the lecture. Make sure those questions get answered, either by asking in class or visiting your professor’s office hours. 

          2.)    If your professor has the lecture slides on ANGEL, print those out and bring them to class. Make the notes directly on the slides because often they have relevant diagrams that you may see again on tests. I recommend about 4-6 slides per page, and printing on both sides of paper. 

          3.)    Keep a separate notebook and folder for each class. 

          4.)    Stay alert for and highlight points your instructor emphasizes through his or her verbal cues. Watch for lists such as "the following five steps" or "the four major causes" and for summaries signaled by words such as "consequently" or "therefore." Professors love to ask these types of questions on exams. 

          5.)    Use abbreviations and symbols to save time. Make sure you understand your abbreviations.

          6.)    Focus on the point the professor is making, rather than scrambling to copy the entire overhead without listening to what the professor is saying.

          7.)    Make sure your writing is neat and spaced out. Take the notes as if you were going to be giving them to someone else. 

          8.)     I personally like to leave about a 2 inch margin down the right side of the page and that section is dedicated to questions only. Then I draw arrows to connect the question to the concept I am confused about. It really helps when I go into office hours because I have a specific set of questions to work from. 

          9.)    If there is something the professor says that seems odd or confusing, do your best to copy it word for word and make a note by it. Then when you go into office hours, you can ask them, “What did you mean by this?”

         10.)  In your math and physics courses, you will be doing a lot of example-based problem solving. Make sure you follow along with the professor as they do each example problem. Then, next to the problem, write down step-by-step instructions for yourself. This will make it really easy to follow along later when you are working on homework or practice exams.

 
Malorie Feidner is a junior in Industrial Engineering, and she is a Mentor for WEPO '14!

Let me tell you ‘bout my SWEople

Did you attend the SWE Stayover as a senior in High school? Have you heard about the greatest on campus organization at Penn State? SWE, The Society of Women Engineers, is a free organization open to all students on campus that believe in supporting women in engineering career paths.

My name is Katrina Malaski and I am a rising senior in Chemical Engineering. I have been a member of SWE for the past 4 years and am the upcoming president of the organization. This organization has offered me countless opportunities over the years and helped to develop friendships that will last long after college. If you are passionate about engineering and being involved in an organization, you should not even question joining SWE.

Please visit our website at http://www.engr.psu.edu/swe/.

What this organization can offer you

Networking/Career Fair

Being a member of SWE gives you the opportunity to belong to an organization of over 300+ women. SWE has an established alumni database where all members have the ability to reach out and contact past SWEople (the term used to describe SWE people) based on career paths, locations, or majors. “So what about a career fair? Freshmen don’t have to go!” FALSE. Just because you’re a freshman doesn’t mean you are not attending the career fair! All SWEople attend the career fair with polished resumes, appropriate attire, a great handshake, and a practiced elevator pitch. The great thing about SWEople? They’re everywhere! Recruiters, employers, and interviewers! There is a very good chance that a recruiter will read your resume and see that you are a member of SWE and make an immediate connection. By attending career fair workshops, SWE will make sure that you are prepared as a freshman to attend the fall career fair. It is never too early to start thinking about what you want to do with your future, and you should definitely start NOW.

Leadership Experience

SWE is comprised of a Leadership Team that consists of 5 officers and 16 directors. There are also over 40+ chair positions in the organization! I know what you’re thinking… “I’m just a freshman; I can’t hold a leadership position.” FALSE. All freshmen have the opportunity to apply for a chair position within their first semester at Penn State! A few of the chair positions include Service chairs, THON chairs, Homecoming chairs, Photography chairs, Executive chairs, and many other positions. Being on the leadership team of SWE is a great opportunity and it will look even better on your resume! Companies look for students who have put themselves out there to become a leader from the beginning of their college career. Being on the leadership team of SWE is also very highly respected. All chairs complete an official application, all directors complete an official application and an interview, and officers give a speech and are chosen by the section members. Being on the leadership team of SWE as a freshmen gives you a large advantage when applying for other leadership positions later in your academic career. Making connections with upperclassmen leaders can help you plan your own successful future at Penn State. What you don’t know about Penn State, a SWE leader can tell you, or point you in the right direction to someone who will.

SWE Leadership Team at the 2013 SWE National Conference in Baltimore, MD. 

Social Interaction

SWE is involved in many social activities. SWE is one of the most competitive organizations in Penn State Homecoming, and has won overall several times in the past 10 years. There are a plethora of social events that are planned every semester including Pumpkin Picking, Ice Skating, Finals Study Breaks, Ice Cream Socials, Coffee Breaks, Thanksgiving Potluck, Alumni Tailgates, the College of Engineering Semi-formal, and IM Sports. A lot of the women in SWE meet their best friends and future roommates by participating in many of the social opportunities.

Service Opportunities

THON - Perhaps the biggest service event that SWE participates in is Penn State THON. THON is the world’s largest philanthropy that raises money for children with pediatric cancer. SWE THON is comprised of over 100+ members and last year was recognized for raising over $34,000 all FTK (For the Kids). SWE THON has two (2) THON families: The Aidan Roth Family and The Jhonen Sullivan Family. SWE is also allotted two (2) dancers that will dance nonstop for 46 hours in the month of February to raise money for pediatric cancer. SWE raises money for this cause year round and plans various trips to Hershey and Hanover to visit their THON families. SWE THON is very active as a committee and meets weekly throughout the year.

SWE Dancers and Directors at THON 2014

Blood Drives - SWE participates in a number of blood drives, many of which are run as an independent organization. SWE members can volunteer at the drive or donate blood. Last year SWE placed 2nd behind the Penn State Nursing Association in the THON blood drive to raise money for THON.

Angel Tree - SWE participates in the Angel Tree donations where members can volunteer to purchase a designated gift for a child in need in the surrounding community. SWE donates over 100+ unwrapped and unused presents to the community every Christmas season.

Relay for Life - SWE has a relay for life team that all members can join. The relay for life team participates in various fundraisers to help raise awareness and money for the American Cancer Society.

Other service opportunities that SWEople are involved with are PAWS (Local Animal Shelter), Tutoring in Centre County, Girl Scout events, and various charity fundraisers.

Corporate and Professional Experience

Penn State SWE holds many corporate and professional development events every semester. A typical workshop will be held by a sponsored employer and allow members to learn about the company as well as obtain professional advice. Last year’s professional development workshops included, “What to Wear to the Career Fair,” “Backpack to Briefcase,” and “Living on Your Own.” These workshops are designed to educate and prepare all members for their professional careers but also have a great advantage of connecting current employers with SWE’s outstanding and job-seeking members. Hint Hint

SWE also helps to run the fall and spring engineering networking receptions and the spring engineering career fair. Employers at the spring career fair like nobody more than a dedicated SWE member helping to run the fair smoothly. It is not uncommon for SWE volunteers at the career fair to get an interview from an employer that simply brings them water throughout the day. This is a great opportunity for young members, who are looking for internships or co-ops, to get involved!

Free Food!

Rule #1 of being a college student: Never say no to free food. Especially us engineers. We really like our food! Every SWE General Body meeting will always have food whether it be pizza, cookies and milk, or other snacks donated by sponsors. SWE Corporate meetings also always serve dinner usually being Chipotle, Jersey Mikes, Pizza, Panera Bread, or another meal voted by the majority's choice. Come learn more about SWE and eat dinner on us!

Scholarships!

SWE awards many scholarships at the end of the year, and how do you get one? Participate in events! SWE keeps track of how many events each SWE member attends. If you attend the most Corporate, Social, and Service events (3 Categories) then you are eligible for scholarships at the end of the year! All because you were an active member!

SWE members receiving scholarships at the Awards Banquet 2013

**If you are interested in learning more about SWE as an organization please contact Katrina Malaski, klm5769@psu.edu.

Katrina Malaski is a senior in Chemical Engineering, and she is a Mentor for WEPO '14! 

How to Study Abroad!

Hey ladies! 

I am so excited that you have decided to come to WEPO!  That’s the second best choice you’ve made already in your college career (the first was choosing Penn State)!  I hope you’re thrilled about both!!  My name is Ellen Fagan and I’m a senior in Industrial Engineering, and also Spanish Language.  I just got home (last week!) from the experience of a lifetime - my semester abroad in Valparaiso, Chile.

When I started college, I wasn’t sure that engineering was for me.  I choose it because my AP Physics teacher suggested I give it a try, and I did love that class.  I also knew that it was a very practical major, and I was not hoping to become another college graduate without a job who moves back in with her parents (not that I don’t love them - I actually call them almost every day!).  What I did know starting college was that I loved Spanish, and I decided that I wanted to continue studying it.  So, at orientation I enrolled in a Spanish class, originally thinking that I would minor in it.  After talking to an engineering advisor during the school year, I learned that since I also wanted to study abroad, a double major wasn’t too much extra because I could do the Applied Spanish option (Bachelor of Science in Applied Spanish).  Enough with the logistics, on to the study abroad experience!   

Valparaiso

You might be wondering why I chose a small city in South America rather than a popular location in Spain.  My reason was simple: I wanted the best opportunity to practice speaking Spanish.  Many people in Spain speak English, especially in the large cities.  In Valparaiso, fewer people speak English.  My program (CIEE Valparaiso, Liberal Arts) was a good choice for me because it allowed me to take the Spanish classes that would count towards my Spanish major at Penn State.   It also allowed me to take classes with the Chilean students at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, which was my host university.  With other international students, I took Spanish Grammar, Communication and Culture, and Hispanic Short Stories.  My direct enrollment class (with Chilean Students) was Pinhole Photography – counting for art credits!  Valparaíso is a beautiful city – super colorful and full of culture.  It was also only about an 8 minute bus or metro ride away from where I stayed during my semester:  its sister-city Viña del Mar. 

Viña del Mar

Viña del Mar, a beach town, is a popular vacation spot for people from Santiago (the country’s capital city).  It is also home to my host family!  Living with my host family was probably the best part of my experience.  Not only did my Spanish have to improve as a result of the immersion, I had people who truly cared about me.  My host mom liked to gossip with me about everything while she taught me how to make Chilean food, and my host brothers taught me more about fútbol (soccer) and Chilean slang than I ever thought possible.

My host mom blowing out the candle on her birthday cake and my 8 year-old host brother, Piero

Because of this experience, I had the opportunity to meet wonderful friends (both Chilean and from all over the world) and I also got to travel to some pretty awesome places. 

Machu Picchu, the ancient, lost Inca city in Peru

Iguazu Falls, one of the 7 new wonders of nature, located in Argentina

Puerto Madero in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Valle de la Muerte (Valley of Death) in San Pedro de Atacama - the world's driest desert

Islas Flotantes (Floating Islands) near Puno, Peru. The inhabitants of the islands build them themselves out of reed and other plant material! 

Friends and I at the Lollapalooza music festival in Santiago, Chile

With a llama friend I met in Bolivia

Why you should go abroad:

Experience another culture:  It was super interesting for me to learn about Chilean culture, and it definitely taught me to be more adaptable and accepting of new situations.

Improve your language skills:  My Spanish has improved SO MUCH as a result of my semester in Chile, and I firmly believe that type of improvement can only come from immersion in the language.  (I had been studying Spanish for 8 years before I went abroad!)  Even if you study abroad in an English-speaking country, you will still learn a lot of slang from that country, at least!

Meet new friends:  I have made what I’m sure are life-long friendships with some of the other American students from my program, as well as some Chilean friends.  Through my host university, I was able to meet other international students from all over the world!

Travel:  I have been able to see some incredible places because of my study abroad experience.  See the pictures on this blog for just a few examples!!

How you can make a year, semester, or summer abroad happen:

Talk to your advisor:  Start talking to your academic advisors THIS YEAR if studying abroad is something that you want to do, even if you don’t know exactly where or when you want to go.  If you decide you want to go abroad Junior year when you’re a Freshmen, it’s easy to plan.  If you decide you want to go abroad Junior year when you’re a Junior, you’re going to regret not being able to study abroad during college - you have to apply almost a year in advance!

Find the right program for you:  The Penn State Global Programs Office is a wealth of knowledge.  You can choose a program almost anywhere in the world!

Plan financially:  Penn State students pay Penn State tuition to study abroad (in-state, even for out-of-state students).  There are also certain fees that go along with study abroad in general (like, worldwide health insurance) and ones that depend on the program, depending mostly on your living situation (ex. homestay, dorm, apartment, etc.).  The good news is that any financial aid and/or scholarships you have go with you when you study abroad.  Also, there are plenty of other scholarships you can apply for.  Even the College of Engineering has funds to help students go abroad!

Ellen, after all your good advice I still don’t think I want to go abroad for that long:

Okaayyy, there are shorter opportunities to go abroad, too!  Again, the Global Programs office and also the College of Engineering website are both great resources to check out.

Get involved:  Organizations like Engineers without Borders (EWB) and Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) work on projects here at Penn State, and then travel to implement them in needy communities in other countries.  Our Lead Mentor, Jen, just got back from working on a bridge in Panama with B2P.  Ask her about it!

Major-specific opportunities:  Architectural Engineering students can participate in a summer abroad program in Rome.  BioMedical Engineering students can choose to take the classes that allow them to participate in Humanitarian Engineering and Social Entrepreneurship (HESE), while earning a certificate.  These are just two examples; many other majors have their own opportunities.  Check out Lead Rover Kaylyn’s experience in Kenya with HESE here.

Embedded Programs:  Penn State offers classes that include short (1-2 week) programs for credit.  Check out the College of Engineering website (above) and Megan’s post about her experience in Spain here.  Another popular program is the Engineering Design class that goes to China. See it here.

Do research or an internship abroad:  I have a friend who is doing research at a university in New Zealand right now!

Volunteer abroad:  There are tons of opportunities for this, but make sure to do your research, especially if it is not a Penn State program. 

Studying abroad was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  I cannot highly recommend it enough!  If you choose to study abroad, make sure to do your research to find the program that is right for you.  Even if you choose not to study abroad, there are other opportunities to broaden your horizons; however, nothing beats experiencing a totally different culture. 

Feel free to ask me any questions about my experience!  I can't wait to meet you all at WEPO! 

Ellen Fagan is a senior in Industrial Engineering, and she is the Professional Development Assistant for WEPO '14!