Managing Time

By: Team D

Managing School Work

Once you have your schedule, it can look like you have tons of free time compared to high school. However, free time during the day is one of the best times to get your work done! I like to stop in the library or the HUB between classes to grab a snack/drink (there is a Starbucks in both!) and get some work done. Utilizing time during the day will allow you to have time in the evening for clubs and activities. Additionally, it’s often easier to work on homework a little bit at a time, as problem sets can be complex. Plus, if you start early, you’ll be able to utilize office hours or the tutoring centers if you get stuck!

Ways to Managing Clubs/Activities

There are many ways you can stay organized in your clubs/activities. Using a calendar to keep track of all the meetings you have can be very helpful. Some clubs create google calendars that you can add to your own calendar. This will allow you to make sure that you aren’t over-scheduling yourself. Additionally, I found it helpful to keep a mini notebook or folder on your computer of meeting notes and important documents you have.

Ways to Manage your Schedule

There are many ways you can plan. For some people, using a planner helps to keep them organized. For others, it is to use an online calendar. I personally like to use both. In my planner, I like to write out all the homework, midterms, projects, quizzes, and final exams I will have throughout the semester. On my google calendar, I like to put the times I have classes, exams, clubs, and anything I want to do in my free time. I’ll share some of my tips on how I like to keep organized and how I manage my schedule.

Tips for Organizing your Planner:

·        Once you get your syllabi, go through, and make note of all the assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams you will have

·        Go through your planner week by week and write down what homework is due, if you have any projects due, and if there is an exam/quiz that week

·        Color-code, whether it be by class or by assignment type. Keep the color-coding simple, so that it does not look overwhelming

Tips for Organizing your Google Calendar

Once you know your schedule, input it into google calendar with the time and days it meets and its location (this is also a good place for zoom links!)

·        Then add the office hours or guided study groups, for the class you want to attend. I do not put the ones in that I know conflict with my classes. Only add the times that will work for your schedule

·        Add in the exams that have been scheduled and if you know the location add them too

·        (If you are not using a physical planner) Add in the assignments’ due dates (if due at a certain time, add the time. If due at midnight set them to all day)

·        If you are in a club, add the time that the club meets every week, even if you do not plan on attending.

·        Add any sporting event you want to attend. For example, I like to attend football and volleyball games. So, if there was a game I wanted to attend, I would add it to my schedule.

·        Lastly, choose a color for each event type to differentiate between them (and to make it look nicer). Try to keep it as simple as possible and try to not choose too many colors.

Below is an example of what my schedule could look like at any given week:

Once you have your schedule planned out, you can see when you have free time to do homework, study, go to the gym, grab food with a friend, etc.

Everyone has a different way of planning and managing time, so do not compare your method to anyone else’s. If a certain way works for you, keep it that way. The most important thing is that you dedicate the time to organizing your schedule in a way that makes you happy. Sometimes it even helps to schedule in time for self-care or time with friends to ensure you’re keeping a balanced schedule.

Joining Greek Life

Greek Life

By: Team M

You might have heard a bit about “Greek life” a.k.a. the Greek sororities and fraternities on college campuses. Maybe you’ve heard about it from older siblings or friends, or from seeing it in a show. I’d like to share a bit about my experience with Penn State Greek life and help answer any questions you may have.

How to Join

For most Greek organizations there is a rush/recruitment process for potential new members who want to join. This takes place over a couple of weeks at either the beginning of Fall or Spring semester. For first-year students, they have to wait to rush until Spring semester because they need at least 14 credits to register (to gauge, most students take between 15-18 credits each semester). The rush process for sororities allows you to meet each sorority and talk to current members so you can decide which one aligns the most with your goals, interests, and hobbies. You can find out more general information about Greek life and how to join here 

What do Sororities/Fraternities do?

Going into Greek life I wasn’t sure what to expect since I didn’t have any older friends or siblings in one of the organizations. But, I am very glad I joined because I have been able to meet so many new people and make new friends. This is what I was really looking for from joining a sorority. Although this does happen for many people, I didn’t actually meet my best friends through my sorority. I had met them my first semester from my dorm and residence area. What being in a sorority did was allow me to create a larger network of people and friends to make a large school feel much smaller (cliché but true!). It’s a nice feeling to walk around and see familiar faces wherever you go.

In addition to making new friends, I have been able to participate in community service and campus events with my sorority. Participating in THON with a Greek organization is so much fun because everyone comes with so much spirit, energy, and is decked out in the org’s theme (every sorority/fraternity has their own theme each THON-- mine last year was Olympics!). It’s also a great place to meet others and bond at such an emotional, community strong event.

Along with THON, each Greek org has a national philanthropy which they fundraise for and donate to. Some examples of philanthropies are the American Heart Association, the Starkey Hearing Foundation, and the Make A Wish Foundation. Through Greek org’s, members get the opportunity to participate in events to give back to their philanthropy. Through my sorority, I fundraised and made blankets for children with serious medical conditions at The Painted Turtle Camp.

Joining a Greek organization is a commitment, but has been great for me and has enhanced my college experience. If you are even slightly interested, I’d say give it a chance because why not! College is the perfect time to join clubs, step outside your comfort zone, and try things you never would have pictured yourself doing! Greek life is a great opportunity to try something new and I truly encourage you to give it a try.

 

 All About Minors

By: Team E

Common Engineering Minors:

Congratulations! You are an engineering student at Penn State! You are on the path to greatness, and there is no doubt there will be success in your future. Adding on a minor to enrich your education is a potential next step to take in your academic career. Adding a minor in general is a big step for a student; it is an additional 18 credits to take on top of your major. Whether you are adding a minor to build on your engineering horizon, or to take a breath away from the rigorous world of engineering, adding a minor will overall round you out better as a student.

To start the hunt for a minor, you have to understand all of the options available to you. There are engineering minors and non-engineering minors. Let’s start with engineering minors. There are 13 minors offered by the College of Engineering. It is common for an engineering student to add an engineering minor because a lot of the prerequisite classes are already met, and this minor will enhance your knowledge and ability as an engineering. You can find a more extensive list of engineering minors here

As for non-engineering minors, there are a plethora of options. However, I will only highlight the common options. One common minor is a language minor. This can come in handy for different jobs within companies and for international career opportunities. Especially with AP credits and language backgrounds, minoring in a language can be very useful.

Another common minor is a STEM minor that is not engineering. This can include different sciences (biology, chemistry, etc.), technologies such as computer science, and math minors (statistics, math, etc.). These minors complement engineering majors well because a lot of the course material is similar, and the prerequisites for math and science are already covered.

The last common minor category is the liberal arts/business category. It is very common for engineering students to minor in a subject that falls in this category, such as economics, psychology, entrepreneurship, and finance. These are just a few of the “business” minors that are available at Penn State. These minors are popular because of the hand-in-hand nature that business and engineering subjects have in the real world. Knowing more about business gives a special edge to an engineer.

 

Benefits of a Minor:

So why should you minor and what kind of benefits does it have? From engineering to business to humanities, minors are a unique opportunity to explore interests that aren’t present in your major!

 Customizing Your Engineering Degree

Minors allow for the opportunity to tailor your engineering curriculum to your interests. For example, someone interested in how Information and Science Technology (IST) interacts with engineering may pursue an IST for Aerospace Engineering or IST for Industrial Engineering minor. Minors can take your engineering education to the next level by expanding your curriculum.

 Exploring Humanities and Non-Engineering Interests

Alternatively, minors in the humanities, foreign languages, or other non-engineering subjects enrich your STEM-based course load with a different mindset. Learning about topics of personal interest is deeply fulfilling and allows for a break from engineering problem sets. Additionally, minors like foreign languages can be useful if you strive to live abroad or work with international teams as an engineer.

 Communicating Interests to Employers

Another benefit of minors is an easy, succinct way to communicate to recruiters and potential employers what your interests are. For example, a foreign language minor may lead to a conversation about international jobs or internship opportunities. Since a minor typically requires around 6 courses, you will be familiar with the topic your minor is in, which will allow you to confidently speak on this area of interest.

 The Wrong Reason to Pursue a Minor

Minors are awesome and have many benefits. However, avoid taking on a minor because “it looks good”. At the end of the day, minors should be something you are passionate about and interested in. Taking a minor for the wrong reasons will often mean that your passion won’t shine through when talking about why you pursued it. Minors are not required, so don’t feel obligated to have one just because you feel like you should!

 

How to Pick a Minor:

So, you’ve decided you want to pursue a minor, but now you need to go about picking one! Below I’ll outline some personal tips and tricks I’ve used in selecting (or not selecting) a minor.

 Use Your Network

One of the many benefits of WEP is having a huge network of upperclassmen women who are pursuing a variety of different minors! Hearing about other’s personal experiences within their minors is a great way to gauge the type of classes and rigor of material a minor will have. Additionally, the passion with which someone talks about their minor can help indicate how fulfilling their minor is to them. Some minors may be heavily project-based (such as ENTI) while others may include a study abroad element (such as International Engineering). They may also put you in contact with others who can off more insight into what minors actually entail.

Penn State Resources

Penn State’s extensive online documentation is a great resource for finding out more information about minors. They often have their own dedicated site and my go-to for finding them is simply “_________ minor PSU” and I can normally find it. Additionally, talking with an advisor can set realistic expectations about completing your minor, which brings me to my next tip.

Timing

As with many things in life, when it comes to planning you can never be proactive. Starting early gives you benefits like being able to balance your minor classes ideally with your other classes and will reduce your stress in later years. For minors with minimal overlap with major requirements, such as languages, this is especially ideal. On the contrary, you also can easily complete a minor without starting right away. If it takes you a few semesters to feel out your interest, it is OK and very common. The timing conversation is one best to have with an advisor because they’ll be able to advise on how requirements overlap and give you a realistic idea of how many credits you’ll need to take per semester

Balance

Balance here has two parts, balancing your time and balancing Passion vs. Professionalism. First, minors should be a supplement to your education, not overtake it. If adding a minor will add significant stress or hinder your academics in major-related classes, it is a sign to take a step back and determine if the minor is truly worth it. If you are having trouble with the idea of balancing a minor, remember there is no harm in taking a few classes you are interested in! Though they may not have an official title you will still be able to learn a lot and reference them in the future.

Penn State has so many amazing minors to choose from but will the many tools in your toolbox you are sure to find something you are passionate about! 

 Handling Stress at School

By: Team A

Hey everyone! Here’s some advice from Team A about how to handle stress while in college. Stress is totally normal but by employing some of these tips we hope you can start to learn how to best manage stressful situations and take control of your first-year experience!

First, Kylie, the Team A envoy, writes about her best test-taking tips.

During my first year, I worked really hard to understand the content of my classes, but I still got nervous for some of my exams. All the time and effort I invested into understanding the content helped me succeed on my exams because I learned the material; however, I adopted test-day routines to help me succeed by calming my nerves. For example, before every physics exam at 10 AM, I took a walk outside. This prevented me from trying to cram in problems right before the test and gave me an opportunity to clear my mind.

On the other hand, I always took a nap and ate a microwaved home-cooked meal on my bean bag chair before my chemistry exams because they occurred in the evening after I got off of a long shift at the Learning Factory. This helped me rejuvenate and relax before I started my exam.

These two techniques were very different because the tests occurred during different situations, but they both helped me get comfortable and ready for my exam. By creating test-day routines, I gave myself calming habits that I could adopt, helping me rejuvenate and calm my nerves.

Picture before CHEM exam:

 Next, Kara, Team A mentor, shares some of her best strategies for making sure you have some “you time” during your busy schedule.

Making time for yourself is so important to managing your stress in college. I like to do this by building it into my schedule as if it was a class or club. For example, last semester, I finished class at 10:20 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so from 10:20 until my next class at 12:05, this was my designated “me time”. I physically added this block of time into my calendar on my phone and my planner so that I would never skip it. Depending on my mood, I would go to the gym, make myself a nice lunch, or take a walk to Starbucks. I’ve also found that it’s helpful to have an accountability buddy for managing your stress and ensuring that you have plenty of “you time” just like you have study accountability buddies.

My roommate and I like to sign up to go to fitness classes together. This way, since we both signed up to go, we can’t bail on each other and skip this important time to destress. Similarly, sometimes we make plans to go to the farmer’s market on Friday afternoons together or have a movie night. Regardless of the activity, having someone to remind me to destress and to prioritize my mental health is so helpful during the middle of the semester when this could easily slip my mind. Overall, I think the most important part of guaranteeing that you have “you time” is to plan for it! Whether you want to make plans with friends or add it as a section in your calendar, both of these are great strategies for making sure that you don’t forget to take a breath and relax!

Finally, Danielle, Team A mentor, shares her advice about stepping away from the desk.

This past year I’ve really noticed the importance of taking time to step away from work and enjoy some time outside. I used to have the bad habit of sitting inside for hours working on schoolwork and then be so worn out and mentally drained by the end of the day. Now, I’ve learned that setting time aside to enjoy some fresh air really increases my productivity- so even though I’m spending fewer hours at my desk, I’m getting much more done because I don’t tire myself out. My favorite way to do this is just to explore campus.

 I like to study in the Library, so on the way home I make a few detours to explore the Alumni Garden to watch the ducks, or the arboretum to enjoy the seasonal displays. These areas are absolutely beautiful in the spring and fall, and bring a sense of happiness that helps me forget all the worries I had about an upcoming assignment. I even like exploring in the cold winter- campus in the snow is always breathtaking, and downtown is always fun to visit (especially with a cup of hot coffee from Irving’s). The bottom line is to remember that the world is bigger than your schoolwork and set time aside to enjoy the beautiful areas Penn State has to offer. 

For The Kids!

 For The Kids: THON

By: Team J

What is THON?

THON is one of the most anticipated events of the year at Penn State, being the world’s largest student-run philanthropy. Though the main event is a 46-hour no sleep no sit dance marathon, THON is so much more. Throughout the year, THON raises money for Four Diamonds, who provides support for families battling childhood cancer. The dance marathon itself is where the Four Diamonds families and the students come together for a celebration. There are so many different ways to get involved with THON, from committees to orgs and everything in between.  It is so easy to get involved at all different levels and time commitments, which we are going to dive into.

 

Orgs vs. Committees

There are two big ways students can get involved in THON: student organizations (orgs) and committees. Student Orgs are clubs or subsets of clubs that focus on fundraising for THON. These orgs can also elect dancers to represent themselves during THON weekend. They also have an opportunity to adopt a THON family. Orgs that opt to adopt a family or families build a special relationship with that family and provide any additional support that they may need. Student Orgs are a great way to get involved- and there are over 400 to choose from! Just like any other club, you can learn more about a specific org at the Involvement Fair in the beginning of the semester. 

THON Committees are the teams of students that keep THON running smoothly and successfully. Committees work all year long to plan and coordinate all THON events. There are 12 different committees that you could join: Communications (Comm), Dancer Relations (DR), Donor and Alumni Relations (DAR), Entertainment (ENT), Finance, Hospitality (HOS), Merchandise (Merch), OPPerations (OPP), Public Relations, Rules and Regulations (R&R), Special Events (SE), and Technology (Tech). Each committee takes care of one aspect of THON. To join a committee, you must apply in the fall on think.thon.org. Applications open September 8 and close September 18.

Either way is a great opportunity to help this amazing cause and meet a lot of great people- you can even do both!

 

Orgs (our experience)

To be part of a THON Org is such a special experience. You will spend all year fundraising, learning about THON, getting to know your Org members, and even building a close relationship with a THON family.

 

I am a part of the Society of Women Engineers THON (yes a THON Org for Women in Engineering that you all can join!). SWE THON really grew my appreciation and admiration for THON. Throughout the school year, we focused on fundraising- we sold scrunchies and grilled stickies, sent THON-velopes to our friends and family had costume contests, and so much more to try to raise as much money as possible. We also had two THON families. THON families get the option to pair with an Org, and then that Org can help support that family. You get to build a really special relationship with these families. We celebrate birthdays and holidays. We meet to do fun things like pumpkin carving. SWE THON usually gets 4 dancers to represent us. They get to dance in THON- no sitting, no sleeping for 46 hours, and everyone else is there to cheer and dance them on!

    - Alieen, Mentor Team J

I am part of Phi Sigma Rho and we have the honor of having Mina and the Horan family as our Four Diamonds family. Throughout the year we celebrate birthdays, holidays, and everything in between with the family. You truly get to create a close relationship with the family and it reminds you of what THON is all about.

    -Kayla, Mentor Team J

 

Committees (our experience)

Committees are great ways to learn about THON and make some friends too! Committees are what really keep THON running.

I was a part of the first-ever Freshman Committee of THON. This committee helped me in understanding the mission of THON, and the various ways through which I can contribute to help the philanthropy. In addition to that, I also got to meet great mentors who guided me about being a THON committee member. The Freshman Committee also assisted me in understanding the best way through which I can contribute towards THON, and meet great friends. The applications open up in December, and I highly encourage you to apply!

The Freshman Committee helped me in getting a Tech Captain position for THON 2022, as I realized that I can contribute towards THON by following my passion, which is technology. Being a Tech Captain, I’m working on the website Dash (event management system for THON). The best thing about being a Tech Captain is, I wasn’t expected to have plenty of experience. The selection committee just made sure that I had some coding experience, and then trained me for the role after I was selected. Even though I don't have an internship this summer, I think I’ve got a great head start as I’m learning tons of new stuff about backend coding. The THON community is extremely supportive and helpful, and the perfect place to learn both technical and soft skills. I’m looking forward to an amazing rest of the year and THON 2022 ahead!

    -Suvarna, Envoy Team J

I was also on an OPPerations (OPP) Committee the last two years - aka the best committee. The OPPerations Committee is responsible for the setup, cleanup, and teardown of THON. In OPP, you get assigned to a committee led by an OPP captain. Your committee meets every week to learn about THON, learn about your tasks during THON weekend, and just bond, so it is a great way to meet some amazing people. One of the biggest parts of OPP is mats. Mats to cover the BJC during THON. We clean the mats, set them up, and roll them up after THON. We also clean up the floors and bathrooms to ensure that THON is a clean and safe environment. I know this may not seem like the most glamorous committee, but trust me (or ask anyone who has ever been on OPP), it is the best committee. You have no idea how much fun replacing the toilet paper in the bathrooms during THON weekend is until you do it with your committee!

    -Aileen, Mentor Team J

STATE of Amusement

 Fun Clubs at Penn State

By: Team K

HOW TO FIND THEM

Early in the fall semester, Penn State hosts an Involvement Fair on HUB lawn. Student organizations set up displays and have members stationed at each booth to talk to students about what their club has to offer. Some even have treats and activities for you as an incentive to join their club! Although the Involvement Fair may seem overwhelming at first, there are large yellow flags that will help you figure out how to get to each club. There are also maps and guides to the orgs that are present to help you navigate your way around the different booths!

Previous Involvement Fair hosted on HUB Lawn

Take a friend and sign up for email lists for all the clubs you are interested in joining (you can always unsubscribe later – instruction can be found here). There are over 1,000 clubs to choose from, so if you are not sure what you want to get involved with, the Involvement Fair is a great place to start! It also lasts most of the day, so you can go to class when you need to and then come back later to visit any clubs you may have missed! There is also always the option to go to https://orgcentral.psu.edu/ and contact the club directly to learn more about it!

Jodi with Club Cross Country

WHY JOIN THEM

Now that you know how to find some of the many clubs and organizations Penn State has to offer, you may wonder why it is truly worthwhile to join a non-academic group. For starters, as first-year students in engineering and computer science, a lot of your time will be spent studying and doing schoolwork. However, taking a break from the stresses of school can be beneficial for both your mental health and overall college experience. Anyone, no matter how focused or driven, can use a break from time to time.
Additionally, clubs and organizations are a wonderful place to meet new people who may just become your best friends. It can be especially rewarding to make connections early on as it can be daunting figuring out how to make friends when you are new to campus. Various groups offer opportunities to exercise or even learn a new skill, so joining is a great way to broaden your horizons and try things that you may not have the opportunity to elsewhere. There are innumerable benefits to joining such a group. For instance, various studies have shown a connection between exercise and increased concentration, memory, and overall blood flow to the brain. Each organization comes with its own unique benefits, but it is important to remember to prioritize fun, not just school!

WHAT TYPES ARE OUT THERE

Penn State is home to over 1,000 clubs that cover a vast range of interests, and thus, it is very likely you will find a club that fits your interest! At University Park, you can find clubs focusing on topics such as music and performing arts, sports, philanthropy, special interests like THON Orgs, as well as Greek life societies. If you like running competitively or recreationally, perhaps Club Cross Country is a good fit. If you are looking to find new books to read, Book Club may be the best choice for you; or perhaps you really enjoy a good spooky story, then you should consider joining the Penn State Paranormal Research Society!
During my first year at Penn State, I joined a wide variety of clubs to see what I liked the best. I joined Ski Club, FSAE, Casino Games Club, Fly Fishing Club, and even attended some Ballroom Dance Club meetings! While I did not become a member of all those clubs, I found the experience to be a fun and positive way to branch out and try something I had never done before. Also, these clubs gave me amazing opportunities I may have never been able to take part in had I not joined that club. For example, my ski trip to Vermont with the Penn State Ski Club! I highly recommend visiting the Involvement Fair in the Fall and just strolling up and down the aisles to see if anything catches your eye. Most importantly, do not be afraid of trying something you have never done before, because that is what these clubs (and college) are for!

Hannah at Jay Peak, VT on a trip with Ski Club