The 4 Seasons of State College: Your Guide to Prepare for Penn State's Weather

Mother Nature surely shows her true colors here in Happy Valley. For me, freshman year was figuring out what I would have to brace myself for the minute I stepped out of my dorm building. But no worries, this blog is a breakdown of exactly what you’ll need to wear for each season of the school year, State College style.

The Pleasantly Chilly Season

August – late October

Ah, the first (and my favorite) season of the school year! During August, it will feel like our favorite town is still clinging onto summer, so at first, it’s going to feel pretty hot. But as the leaves start changing their colors, you’ll notice the temperature dropping, but not to the point where it’s too cold. Fall fashion is very much alive during this time of the year!

What you’ll need: Some nice pants (jeans, leggings, etc.), and comfortable shoes should be good for this season! Some girls start breaking out their fall boots, so don’t be afraid to rock your kicks! Carry a nice sweater or a thin jacket with you, in case the breeze picks up while you’re out and about campus.

The Tundra Season

Early November – March

Yes, this is the season everyone talks about. Our winter season is exactly what the rumors say: bitter cold and extremely windy. Some choose to skip class because they can’t face the cold. But don’t let the snow stop you! I’ll tell you exactly what winter- essentials you’ll need to tell this season whose boss!

What you’ll need: Be sure to have a long and thick winter coat; parkas and ski/ snowboarding jackets work best. Along with a jacket, make sure you have a pair of gloves and a hat/ ear warmer to cover both your hands and ears! I like to wrap my neck with a nice, thick scarf on really cold days, too. For shoes, I would invest in boots that can face the snow. Some girls like to use their hunter boots, while others like L.L. Bean’s snowshoes. Whatever shoes you like, be sure to pair them with some long and thick winter socks underneath! 

The Flood Season

March – April

Though the cold waves good-bye to us during these months, Mother Nature’s clouds have not left State College just yet. During this time, don’t be surprised to have long, rainy days or even random pockets of showers on your way to class.

What you’ll need: A great pair of rain boots is your number one item for this season. You definitely do not want to slip in the puddles sprinkled throughout campus. Many girls favor hunter boots, but any rain boots are sure to be good. Just make sure they aren’t too heavy for you to walk around in! You’ll also want to wear a rain coat to keep yourself dry, and it wouldn’t hurt to carry an umbrella in your backpack, just in case!

 

The Sunny Season

mid April – May

And lastly, before we head on home, the sun finally peaks out again in Happy Valley! This time of year, State College is absolutely beautiful. The temperature is a perfect 70-80° range, the clouds are rarely in the blue sky, and everyone is out and about, soaking in the pleasant sun.

What you’ll need: If you like dressing up, shorts/ skirts, cute summer tops, and a pair of sandals are great! (Don’t get flip-flops, they may break while you’re walking around campus!) If you like comfy, go for sports wear: baggy shorts, 3/4 leggings, and some good walking shoes. Oh, and don’t forget a pair of sunglasses or a baseball cap before you head out the door! 

Anna George is a junior majoring in Civil Engineering and is a Mentor for WEPO'16!

Leaving the Nest

I remember how excited I was to leave for college for the first time last fall. I was the only one out of all my friends  who was not nervous or afraid to leave home. I have always been pretty independent, so I was not worried about being able to take care of myself. Throughout my last week at home, I said my goodbyes, and not once did I  cry or become emotional. I was so excited to live on my own and join the Penn State community. So my parents and I packed up the car on August 19, 2015 and left home to start the next chapter of my life.

The only time I teared up was when I said my goodbyes to my parents before I left them for WEPO, but the tears cleared quickly as I met my mentors and other team members.

All was great. I was fine. I had a fantastic time at WEPO and thought nothing of the fact that I would not go home for weeks. The point I am trying to make is that I was not prepared for the roller coaster ride that I just boarded.

The first week of school was really easy, and I thought Wow! Okay this whole college thing won’t be that bad. (I did not realize there is this thing called syllabus week that was notoriously easy.) Week two of school hit me like a truck. I was so stressed. I looked at my syllabi and became overwhelmed with the amount of work I had. This is around the time that I cried for the first time. Throughout the semester, I cried for a number of reasons: the work load, deciding what to do in my free time, and, most of all, missing home. I was so upset that I barely ate. I was sick all the time. Clearly, I was not taking care of myself.

I did not want to let my parents and family know that I was having such a hard time at school, so I hid it from them. My mom was so emotional about me leaving for school, so I did not want to upset her more. I never complained to them about my work load, never told them I was missing home, and never cried when I was on the phone with them (I saved the crying for when we hung up). I eventually had to tell my parents that I was having a difficult time adjusting to school when I got so sick that I had to be admitted to the hospital just a few weeks before first semeseter finals.

Finally, I told my parents about everything I had dealt with at school, and telling them was the absolutely best thing I could have done. Talking to them made me feel better because I finally got all of my feelings off my chest. The second semester was not perfect, but it was so much better than the first semester. I started eating healthy and going to the gym, so I felt better physically, and I did not get sick once more. Talking to my parents about what was stressing me out throughout the semester helped me mentally, and I even saw a big increase in my grades.

My first semester was quite the learning experience, so I want to share what I learned with you.

1.     DO NOT BE AFRAID TO MISS HOME! I felt like I was the only one who missed my family, friends and my own house. I saw pictures of my friends from back home on social media having a great time at school all while I was crying in my dorm. Everyone misses home once in a while. You are not alone!

2.     CALL YOUR FAMILY AND DO NOT HOLD BACK! Whether it is your parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, or a friend, you have someone who helped you get to Penn State, and all they want is to see you happy. Even if it means calling that person at 4:00 A.M. to crying about the math 141 exam you are convinced you are going to fail. Call them. Do it. You need to vent and let it out sometimes because if you keep it all in, your grades and health will be affected.

3.     REMEMBER: IT GETS BETTER! College is hard. You are going to have tough days. But just remember that no matter how bad it is, everything will work out in the end. My first semester was the hardest 16 weeks of my life, and I was worried that all five years of college would be that difficult, but I kept telling myself that no matter how difficult everything got, I know I want to be an architectural engineer, so I pushed through. Luckily, I stuck with it because now I cannot wait to head back to school this fall.

Leaving home for the first time and entering such a different environment will be hard. Make sure you take care of yourself and do what is best for you. And definitely call home and let your family and friends help you!

To sum it up: You are going to be fine! Enjoy your new found independence and use it wisely!

Rachel Coyle is a sophomore studying Architectural Engineering and is an Envoy for WEPO ’16!

What I Learned in Engineering School is...

Four years ago, I had my whole life figured out. I was living my dream of getting out of my little hometown to study architectural engineering at a University with so much pride. I set high goals for myself, and nothing would stop me from meeting them. I knew my grades were important and that studying hard would get me where I wanted to be. My definition of success was making dean’s list and beating the average on an exam. Four years later, and I can solve physics problems, use a psychrometric chart, and size ducts for buildings. Four years later, and the most important lessons I have learned in engineering school were never taught in a classroom.

Your parents are your biggest supporters.

Engineering school is hard. Going through it alone is even harder. Sometimes you need a boost of confidence, and let me tell you, no one believes in you more than your parents do. If you ever need a pick-me-up when something bad happens or someone to listen to you rave about the great grade you got or award you won, pick up your phone and call home. FaceTime and Skype are also great options (and a great way to say hello to your dog). I got into a habit of calling my mom whenever I was walking home from class or studying at the end of the day. The 10-15 minute walk back to your dorm at the end of the day is the perfect time to share stories from the day and ask about home. I also suggest planning a weekend for your parents to come up and visit!

It’s your choice to be happy.

A wise friend once gave me this little nugget. It’s also my choice to be sad and grumpy. Yes, it’s okay to be sad sometimes and angry and disgusted, (I mean, this is what we all learned from Inside Out, right?) but remember this during those times when you’re choosing to be upset. Think studying for a big exam: You can be angry you’re cooped up inside studying for a class you don’t even like, or you can make it more bearable and study with a group of your friends, play some music, and take hourly study breaks to stretch out or do yoga! Choose happiness.

It really is about who you know.

Your network has never been so important, and I don’t just mean a professional network. I mean your network with your peers, professors, and employers. All of the leadership positions I have held and the jobs I have gotten have been because of the people I had met and the impression that I made. A lot of these references came from my WEPO mentors too! Even as a first year, talk to the officers of the organization you choose to be involved with. I promise, they won’t bite, and you’ll leave the conversation with them knowing who you are. Talk to upperclassmen about their classes and why they love their major. Talk to people that have worked for the company you have been dreaming of interning with. Visit your professors office hours often and ask a questions. With the right network, you’ll always have someone to help you with a letter of recommendation, to put a word in with an employer, or just be a familiar name when you apply for leadership in a club. Things as simple as attending the career fair as a first year student allows you to build your professional network. Fun fact: I got my first internship at the career fair my second year because they remembered me from when I talked to them my first year! Networking matters, it really can be all about who you know.

Ask questions.

Ask questions and ask a lot of them, and I don’t just mean in class. The more questions you ask, the more you will gain. Asking relevant questions to your professors will help you better understand engineering principles. Asking why something happens will help you to understand beyond what you would get just reading a textbook. Ask for food recommendations or things to do off campus. Ask your friends questions about themselves and what their passions are. Those silly questions that pop into your head when you’re studying? Ask them.

Don’t just step out of your comfort zone, take a leap.

When I went to college, I had a plan set out for everything I wanted to do. I had to have a plan for all of the classes I was going to take my fifth year… as a first year. I knew what clubs I wanted to be a part of, where I wanted to work, and where I wanted to study abroad. I lived in a bubble that is my comfort zone, and I was completely content with that. Let me tell you the secret that I wish I learned before my third year: Nothing great happens inside your comfort zone. Test the water, try something that scares you just a little bit. When you’re ready, take a leap. Do something you never thought you would do. Give a speech to an auditorium full of people. Travel abroad to a non-traditional country. Become a leader in an organization, and change it for the better. By far the biggest leap I had to take was choosing to study abroad in China. I knew that would be a huge culture shock, especially because I had never even left the country before. This trip forced me to constantly be stepping outside of my comfort zone when trying new foods, trying to communicate with people who didn’t speak my language, and exploring new cities I had only seen in pictures. Nevertheless, every step was worth it, and I came out of the experience learning more about myself than I could have imagined. Sometimes there are risks worth taking. Listen to your gut, it always knows best.

Remember what’s most important.

When I reflect on the past four years I’ve spent at school, I don’t remember the times I locked myself in my room to study. I remember the times I spent with my friends having movie nights, sitting at Cafe after a long day of exams, and on football Saturdays. I remember the times I took a week off from school to go to a conference in cities all across the United States. I remember the times I spent with my friends half way across the world during my time in China. There are even some memories in there from late night group study sessions and projects because we chose to be happy, put on some fun music, and made studying that much more fun. You are in college to get a degree first and foremost, but you are also here to learn about yourself and your passions. Find a balance that works for you with your academics and social life, remember that everyone has a different balance, and you do you. Keep in mind that when it’s your turn to graduate, you’ll get a very expensive piece of paper that says you worked hard and studied. Your GPA will never be on that paper, and it won’t be on the person’s with a higher GPA than you nor the person with a lower GPA than you. You will also graduate with four or five years worth of memories and life-long friendships.

Lauren Boyle is a 5th year majoring in Architectural Engineering and is the Success Strategies Lead for WEPO'16!

Managing Your Time

            If someone asked me what my one piece of advice for being successful in college would be, I would say it is to manage your time well. In college there are so many things going on, and it is your first time being completely independent. That means you’re in control of what you do and when you do it. There is class, homework, clubs, working out, and having fun! It is totally possible to do it all, you just have to make sure you are managing your time well.

            What I have found to be very helpful for managing time is my planner. I LOVE my planner. It’s a cute Lilly planner that I have been inseparable with since I got it. I know it sounds a little lame, but I write everything down that I need to do, and it helps me keep track of it all. It is really important to prioritize your activities, and school should always come first. So I usually start by writing in class times and writing down all of my assignments on a to-do list. Writing down office hours is also a great thing to do if you need to get help in a class. Then, I write down any meetings that I have to go to for that day. Part of the college experience is getting involved; so you should definitely sign up for some clubs. Personally, I recommend getting involved with THON and WEP.

            After I write what I need to do for the day, I plan out how I should spend the time in between. Finding good study spots in between classes is really helpful so you can get some work done. Having a list of all the assignments you need to do is good so that you can plan exactly what to work on during the shorter breaks. It’s always best to block out a lot of study time because there is a lot of work. It seems intimidating, but it’s manageable.

            One of the most important things to remember is to block out personal time and time with friends! School can get very stressful, so sometimes you need to just unwind. Working out is a great stress reliever and can help get you more focused later. Penn State has really great fitness classes that I highly recommend (Power Remix is so fun!). It is also really important to spend time with your friends. College should be the most fun years of your life, so make sure you meet some great people and spend a lot of time with them. The best situation is when your friends are also your study partners! Just remember that when school is done, you are going to take away all of the fun memories you have, not all of the studying you do. It is totally possible to do well in school and have a lot of fun, so make sure you manage your time well to make Penn State the best experience it can be! 

Amanda Green is a junior majoring in Architectural Engineering and is a Mentor for WEPO'16!

Ten Things You'll Love About Your Branch Campus

1.      Smaller Class Sizes

The smaller classes helped me become more comfortable about asking questions, especially in math.  Most of the time when we were doing examples in class, I would try them to do them by myself first to test myself.  If I got confused about the problem, I just asked about it in class.  My biggest class at Altoona was about 80, and my smallest was about 15. 

2.      One on One Time with your Professors

When you have a question about a class, you have to muster up the courage to go talk with your professor.  You become more comfortable talking with your professors.  They treat you more like a person; they might even know your name.  They get to know you, and you get to know them.  This also prepares you if you need to switch to University Park because you are more confident.  You’ll know how things work from office hours to test taking.

3.      Homework buddies are everywhere.

If you’re in the library doing a take home quiz or homework; there is bound to be someone else in the library doing the same thing as you.  If I ever got stuck on a question, I would find someone else in the class to see if they’ve done it yet. 

4.      It has everything that University Park has to offer.

Even though you’re not exactly at the Pennsylvania State University, it has everything that it offers!  Organizations, student life, and all the help you’ll need.

5.      Everyone knows someone you know.

Eventually, you’ll figure out that someone you meet the first week of school is bound to know someone else that you know already!  When they say small, they mean small.

6.      Organizations are great!

Penn State offers a range of clubs and rec teams.  If you get to your branch campus, and you they don’t have an organization you can start your own!  I started a SWE group at the Altoona campus!  All you need is 10 people, a constitution, and incentive!

7.      Research as always.

Most people are unaware of this, but almost every Penn State professor is required to conduct research.  If there is a professor that you like, you can ask them to do research for them or they might even ask YOU!  This is a great opportunity; if you can juggle both school and research.

8.      Adapting to College.

Starting at a smaller school was definitely the right choice for me.  I was at a high school with only 40 kids in my grade, so the transition was much easier.  It gave me a chance to figure out my college study habits, and not be overwhelmed with such a big campus.

9.      Saves money.

Most of the time, you save a little bit of money if you start at a branch campus too.  You can eventually switch to Main Campus, but some campuses have engineering programs where you can stay all four years.  Plus, saving money is the key to broke college kids.

10.  You’re not that far away from PSU!

Every branch campus is usually not that far from PSU.  Especially Altoona – it’s only an hour away!  So if you’re really bummed about not being at Main Campus, it’s only a stone’s throw away! 

Amy Tomasko is a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering and is a Mentor for WEPO'16!

10 Things I Would Tell My Freshman Year Self

After completing 3 years of college and entering my senior year, there are so many things that I wish I knew during my freshman year. If I could go back and tell my freshman year-self 10 things, these are what they would be.  

10. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

 Entering college for the first time can be scary. It is probably the first time you are truly on your own, and it can be hard to handle at first. Between balancing classes, friends, and finding your way around, it is an adjustment. Your classes will most likely be more difficult than in high school, and it can be a little overwhelming. Don’t forget that there are so many people here to help you if you struggle with classes, or if you just need a friend to talk to. This is what your mentors and envoys are for! There are also so many resources if you struggle in classes, like tutors, office hours, and asking your TA’s for help too. During freshman year, I was sometimes afraid to ask for help since I felt like I should be able to handle it alone. No one expects you to be able to completely on your own right away, so use your resources! 

9. Call your family.

 Remember, they are going to miss you just like you miss them! I would sometimes get distracted with all of my responsibilities and not call my parents as much as I should have. Don’t forget to call them every once in a while, especially if you are stressed out. Just a quick phone call home will make you feel so much better, and your family will appreciate it too!

8. Make meaningful connections with professors.

 It is so important to build a meaningful relationship with at least one (try for more!) faculty member or professor. They will be so helpful for school and career related advice, and it is nice to just have a more experienced person to talk to. You will also need a letter of recommendation at some point in your college career, so having that relationship is so beneficial. Start early, and build at least one relationship early on in college, so that connection can build over your years in school.

7. You don’t have to get a 4.0.

 Coming into engineering, you are all smart. And you are all capable of succeeding more than you can imagine. However, college is more difficult than high school. I entered in freshman year thinking I would receive the same grades that I got all throughout high school. While some students do get 4.0’s , you don’t have to be perfect. You may struggle in a class and get a C and that’s okay. As long as you can learn from any mistakes you might have made and try your best, it’s okay not to get straight A’s. It took me a while to realize this, and it’s something I wish I would have accepted earlier on in college.

6. Don’t think you have to study 24/7.

 Take time to have some fun as a break. If you have multiple big exams coming up, you obviously need to put the time in to study and learn the material. But if a friend wants to get lunch for a half-hour, take that time as a break. There were so many times where I passed up watching a quick show with my roommate or grabbing dinner as a study break since I thought I needed study or do homework any free moment that I had. Looking back, I wish I had taken that time to grab lunch with my friends, since a break can really help you re-focus.

5. Meet as many new people as you can.

 There are so many incredible people at Penn State. Get to know as many as you can. You will learn so much from the amazing people here and the stories that they have to tell. For me, I came into college with a lot of high school friends. It took me a little while to feel comfortable enough to branch out, but once I did, I wish I had done it sooner. While my high school friends are still some of my best friends, I was so happy that I formed new groups of friends through classes or other organizations. With 40,000 other students at Penn State, you are bound to meet incredible people, so take advantage of that early on.  

4. Voice your appreciation for people.

 This is something I started doing recently, and I am so happy I did. If someone impacts your life, tell them. If you are appreciative of something they did, go and tell them in person. It may seem simple and obvious, but there were so many times that I didn’t take the time to go and thank the person and have a conversation with them about why I was appreciative of what they did. Whether it was giving you an opportunity or giving you a piece of advice, take the time out of your day to go and personally talk to that person, don’t just send an email. It will not only probably make their day, but it will inspire you to go out and impact someone’s life as well. This is one of the top things I wish I had done all throughout college, instead of just recently.

3. Take every opportunity that comes your way.

 You will have numerous opportunities to do so many things that you can’t even imagine in college, and you should take them. Whether they might scare you, or you might think that you might fail, try it anyway. It is better to fail at something than not try at all. Again, my freshman year I was so worried about adjusting (and definitely take some time to do that) but maybe after a few months, start trying new things that come your way!

2. Get out of your comfort zone.

 This goes along with #3, but get out of your comfort zone as much as possible. Do things that scare you, and you will learn so much about yourself and what you’re capable of. This is something I didn’t do as much of my freshman year, and I think it could’ve opened up so many more opportunities right off the bat if I would have stepped out of my comfort zone. In the past two years that I have been doing things that scare me, I have grown so much as a person. For example, I have always been scared of public speaking; it made me really nervous and it was something I struggled with. At the end of my sophomore year, I signed up and was accepted into Engineering Ambassadors, where we give tours and presentations to teach middle and high school students about engineering (aka, a lot of public speaking). I’ve improved so much with talking in front of crowds and voicing my opinion. That wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t take that first step and do something out of comfort zone.

1. You can do it all.

 When you are at the point that you’re entering your senior year of college and you look back at the person you were freshman year, you will be amazed at how much you’ve grown. You can get the internship you want, you can get involved in anything you can imagine, you can succeed in school, and you can build long-lasting friendships. The experiences that you will have over the next four or five years are incredible, if you just know that you can handle it, even when it might seem like you can’t.   The number one thing I would tell my freshman year-self is that you can truly do it all.

Christina Cianciarulo is a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering and is the Lead Rover for WEPO'16!

How to Handle That Bad Grade

How do you handle that bad grade?

We all want to be as successful as possible in college, but we can’t let our successes be defined by bad exam grades. Granted, not all of the classes you take in college will be easy. Honestly, as an engineer the harsh reality is that most of your classes will be hard – whether the material is difficult, the professor isn’t good at teaching, or you don’t like what you’re learning.

It’s the first month of school and you have your first Physics 212 exam. You’ve been going to office hours, doing your homework all semester, and even went to all of the review sessions. Basically, you put all of your effort and will into this exam. During the exam, you’re flying through the exam and feel like you actually know how to answer these questions. And then after the exam you and your friends take a trip downtown to Insomnia Cookies since you all worked so hard for that exam and of course you always have to treat yo’ self! Days go by and then you wake up one morning to see an email from PSU scanning reports… you scroll all the way down to email and you see your grade…46%, Right now you’re probably feeling so many mixed emotions and you just don’t know what to do. There are many things you can do but one thing you should not do.

What to do:

Take some time to digest that exam grade. There are two phases that one goes through after seeing a bad exam grade; indulgence and correction. The first phase is indulgence and it can mean a variety of things- whether it be watching a funny movie, ordering all the food you can on Order Up, or just sulking. My personal favorite is to go to Little Szechuan and then go get some ice cream. In addition, while eating all of that food, I will sit there and just complain to my friends. Keep in mind, it is okay to cry and/or sulk about the bad grade; it’s something that happens to everyone and nothing to be ashamed of. The second phase is correction. DO NOT be embarrassed by this bad grade, in fact take this grade as an opportunity to improve. Go to your professor and talk to him/her about this grade. Figure out a game plan with them- different ways you can improve your studying, and other resources to help you out. In addition to talking to your professor, talk to some upperclassmen or your WEPO mentor; odds are they have been in your situation at some point. They can offer you valuable advice and maybe even their past notes that have helped them get through that class.

What NOT to do:

SURRENDER to the bad grade

Disclaimer, the story I just told you is something that actually happened to me. Trust me, I know how hard it is to see that bad grade. I know it’s discouraging to get a 46% when you put all your effort into one exam. When you see that bad grade you might just want to give up and not study for the next exam. But the thing everyone needs to understand is not everyone is perfect and bad grades happen. If you do get a bad grade, do not let that stop you from achieving your dreams. If you want to be a Mechanical Engineer you will be one, as long as you keep in mind your end goal. As women who is a part of SWE and the Women in Engineering Program, you will have so many resources and people who are there to help you at all costs. Even if that means staying up with you till 2am teaching you Math 141. In the end, keep your eye on the prize and you will get there. As an engineer who has had her fair share of bad grades, at one point I wanted to give up, but I kept pushing through. I have learned so much and that has led to me getting an internship at the end of my sophomore year. Anything is possible if you keep your eyes on the end goal and whatever happens in between, happens. Just keep pushing through or as Dory likes to say “Just keep swimming”.

Anuja Jonnalagadda is a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering and is a Mentor for WEPO'16!

Deciding the Right Engineering Major for You

Deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life at the ripe age of 18 can be pretty scary.  Within engineering, there are numerous disciplines that you can choose to follow here at Penn State.  Personally, I entered Penn State wanting to be a biomedical engineer, but I switched to mechanical engineering and am now officially in the mechanical engineering major.  It’s very common to switch or try out other majors within the College of Engineering.  No matter what your situation is, there are many resources for you here at Penn State.  I laid out some scenarios below as a guide to picking the right major for you!

Scenario 1: As an incoming freshman, you already know which engineering major you want to pursue.

That is awesome! Stick with your passion! But don’t limit yourself!  For example, if you chose electrical engineering when you started college, but you discovered later that you are more interested in computer engineering.  Don’t be afraid to change your mind and look into computer engineering.  The College of Engineering (COE) hosts “Major Nights”.  Pay attention to COE’s emails, flyers, the TV in Kunkle Lounge and in the Engineering Advising Center, your classes, and even at WEP Wednesdays for the date, time, and location of Major Nights in the fall.  This a great resource to utilize if you want to branch out and learn more about all of the engineering majors. 

Scenario 2: As an incoming freshman, you are torn between two engineering majors.

In the COE, you technically start off your freshman year in a pre-major status.  Your pre-major status is simply known as “engineering”. You officially enter your major the spring semester of your sophomore year.  You have to complete certain entrance-to-major classes and pass with a “C” by the end of your sophomore spring semester.  You also have to have a certain GPA by the end of your sophomore fall semester.  These classes and GPAs can be found here with a list corresponding to each major.  https://advising.psu.edu/entrance-major-requirements-college-engineering-2017  If you cannot seem to decide which major you want to choose until after your freshman year, don’t worry.  Most of the first year classes are the same for each major and you can easily change routes up until your sophomore spring semester.  To see which majors you can almost seamlessly switch between, utilize the sample academic plans and flowcharts also provided by the College of Engineering.  You can find these here: https://www.engr.psu.edu/AdvisingCenter/GraduationRequirements/default.aspx 

Scenario 3: As an incoming freshman, you are an undecided engineering major. 

Don’t fret! There is plenty of time to figure out your passion!  As mentioned above, utilize the sample academic plans and flow charts to see what classes to take when and which kind of classes each major requires.  What’s great on the sample academic plans is that you can click on a class, and it will give you a description of that class!  Also, go to the major nights that are also mentioned above.  Lastly, by participating in WEPO, you will create relationships with older women engineering students who have all been in your shoes before.  Never hesitate to ask your Mentor or Envoy a question about majors, because there is a high probability that they will know someone else in WEP that can help you answer your question or share advice with you!

No matter what scenario you find yourself in, utilize all of your resources mentioned above and you will find the right engineering major for you! 

Marie Horomanski is a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering and is a Mentor for WEPO'16!

Some Great Places to Find Coffee at Penn State

For many, coffee is an essential staple of college. Whether you are starting the day and need a little bump of energy, need a pick me up in the afternoon, or are studying for an exam late at night, coffee is surely your friend! So where are some of the best places to acquire this wonderful goodness on and off campus?

The HUB

Walking through the HUB and need that fix? Make sure to stop at Starbucks! The line may look long, but those workers are fast. Also, feel free to try the Starbucks in the upper level of the HUB. They both take meal points!

The Library

Studying at the library and need caffeine to keep you going? Check out MacKinnon’s Cafe! They serve Starbucks coffee and they also have delicious food.

The Commons

Waring Commons in West has their own coffee bar! You can get everything from iced mochas to hot Seattle’s Best Coffee to smoothies! This is a really convenient stand, and they also take meal points!

Downtown near Hammond

When Penn State wins, you win! If the football team wins the game on Saturday, you win a free medium hot or iced coffee at Dunkin’ on Monday with the Dunkin app! The line may be out the door, but don’t fret. These workers are so speedy and they will get you your coffee in no time! It is also located conveniently near Hammond on College Ave. They don’t take meal points but they do take Lioncash. This Dunkin’ is also open 24/7 so even if it's 3AM, they got your back!

There are of course many other coffee locations, but these four in particular will come in handy throughout your college career!

Mary Walker is a senior majoring in Industrial Engineering and is a Mentor for WEPO'16!

Scouting Out Study Spots

One of the most important keys to success in college is studying. Especially in engineering, classes are difficult and require a lot of time spent studying. The key to productive studying is scouting out the best study locations on campus. It really is different for every person so the trick is to consider your own preferences and determine where to go from there. Here is a list of things to consider when finding a study spot:

1.       Size – How many people can be around you and you still be able to focus? Is it better to have someone to ask questions?

2.       Indoors or Outdoors – Is there is location outdoors with limited distraction? Can you focus better indoors?  

3.       Length of time – Set a time limit on your studying so you don’t wear yourself out; which locations are best for that time frame?

4.       Surroundings – If/when you need a break, will you need a coffee or something to eat to recharge?

5.       Supplies – Do you need a chalkboard? A projector? Multiple desks?

There are a lot of different factors that play into selecting a study spot. My best advice is to try multiple locations in the first few weeks. Find what works best for you and then continue those habits. You might even find that your strategy is different for different classes! The key to scouting out study spots is to remember that it really is based on YOUR preferences and what is best for you. Good luck!

Chely Miller is a sophomore studying Industrial Engineering and is an Envoy for WEPO'16! 

Map Your Schedule Girl

MAP OUT YOUR SCHEDULE! I am serious here ladies. Walking into freshmen year and beginning at such a massive campus, one concern that crosses most minds is how you're going to be able to make it to all of your classes. It's like the fear of finding classes in high school, but this fear spans across a campus that is a tad bit harder to navigate. 

To make this all a bit easier on yourself, map it out the night before your first day of classes! Last year I was sure to walk the campus with my lovely Mentors and it helped a bunch. To follow it up, I sat in my room with my mom before she left and drew all over the nice map they hand you when you're welcomed to campus. 

It may sound a bit silly, however it'll help boost your confidence when you start on Monday. Having even the slightest idea as to where you are going will help to lessen the nerves you'll feel on the first day. While it may seem like everyone knows what they're doing, sophomores, even some juniors, still are also struggling to find their way everywhere. Everyone is very understanding and if you know where you are trying to get with a mapped out plan, generally it would be easier to get help if you get a little lost from your understanding peers.

But overall, when in doubt, GOOGLE MAPS could SAVE A LIFE! Map your schedule out, but if it comes to it, almost all buildings are able to be navigated to by using the "walk" function on the Google Maps app. However, I highly recommend the map because it will familiarize you with campus. You will do amazingly on your first day, and finding your way takes time, but it'll happen!

Abbi Butter is a sophomore majoring in Industrial Engineering and is an Envoy for WEPO'16!

Office Hours

As a freshman I remember not wanting to go to office hours because I thought that I would embarrass myself and ask dumb questions all in front of my professor who would now be able to put a name to my face. But then, after being told by a million people that office hours would be very helpful, I finally went. And guess what? It wasn’t that bad!

Today I find myself going to office hours quite a bit. They can be helpful for many different reasons such as figuring out a tricky homework problem or preparing for an upcoming exam. But the best part about office hours is the fact that they are completely FREE. There is plenty of off campus tutoring available to students but unfortunately they can be extremely expensive and a lot of the time, they don’t know exactly what material is going to be on your test. That’s why I believe going to office hours and talking directly to your professors and/or TAs is one of the best ways to take advantage of the resources that Penn State provides to its students. Especially because they are the ones writing your test!

Another thing about office hours that makes them worth going to is that a lot of your classes as an underclassman will be in large lecture halls and office hours can eliminate this overwhelming factor. This is because a lot of students unfortunately don’t put in the effort to go to office hours. However, this is something that you can take advantage of because it means that office hours are much less crowded and usually you’re able to get a decent amount of one-on-one time with your professors that would be impossible to receive by solely going to lecture.

Overall, I think that attending office hours as often as you can (hopefully on a weekly basis) is one of the best pieces of advice that you could receive going into college. I would pick a day that works best for each of your classes and go. It will help you review the material you learned in class that week and even catch you up if you feel like you’re falling a bit behind. Don’t worry about not being able to make office hours because of a schedule conflict either. A lot of professors will work with their students and try to figure out a time that will be more convenient for you! Please don’t be afraid to take advantage of this amazing resource that your professors have to offer! Good luck J

Madison Burhans is a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering and is a Mentor for WEPO'16!

What Not to Wear: Business Wear 101

You might have had a job interview before for a part-time job.  Maybe you had to wear business clothes to the interview, maybe not.  In college, business clothes are a must.  With dress codes for different events being anywhere from casual to business professional, it can all get confusing.  Fear no more!  Check out the following guide on how to dress for success for the WEPO Career Dinner and anything else that might come up in your first year at Penn State.

Casual- 

This one is easy enough! This is your everyday outfit that you wear to class.  This is appropriate for WEP Wednesdays, club meetings, and other events where the dress code is given as casual. 

Dressy Casual-

Sometimes they tell you casual, but you freak out because you want to make a great first impression.  This is where the dressy casual comes in to play.  A perfect example would be when a company is having an info session. Can you get away with casual? Absolutely.  Would it hurt to get a little dressed up? Absolutely not.  Putting on a pair of jeans (no holes or rips), and a nicer top is an easy solution to making a great first impression.  This is also the best option when you have a job and it’s casual Friday.

Business Casual-

You can do a variety of outfits that all fit under the description of business casual. Slacks, skirts, blouses, dresses – anything your heart desires!  Below are a few examples of types of outfits you could wear to a function with a business casual dress code.  Buy a few key pieces that you can mix and match for different outfits, and add a pop of color to have fun with your outfit!  A few things to keep in mind: 1- If you are wearing a skirt or dress, make sure it is an appropriate length; the hem should fall at about your knees.  2- If you are wearing something without sleeves, you should have some type of cover-up.  This category is the minimum requirement for the WEPO Career Dinner and Networking Reception.

 Business Professional/Business Formal-

These two go together for college students. This is probably the toughest category for most freshmen. This is what you want to wear to the career fair and to any interviews you might get (which is possible as a freshman!). A skirt or pantsuit is the way to go for women.  I would recommend buying the pieces together so that they match perfectly.  Sometimes when you buy them separately, the black color won’t exactly match; this can be a bit of a distraction.

Shoes & Accessories-

Accessories are an important part of any outfit.  A simple rule I look to follow, less is more.  Wearing a lot of jewelry can be distracting, so try to wear a few simple pieces of jewelry.  As for shoes, remember that you are trying to be professional.  This means no high heels; you want a heel that is only about 2” in height.  Also try to avoid open toe shoes or anything super strappy.  Take my advice and invest in a great pair of wedges if you hate walking in heels. Flats are also perfectly fine, just make sure you are wearing shoes that are good for your pant length.  

Nicki Gallegor is a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering and is the Resource Innovations Lead for WEPO'16!