It feels like it was just yesterday that I was getting ready for my first day of class as a nervous freshman. The entire summer I was excited about starting a new chapter of my life and was eager for time to pass so I could officially begin my college career. But now, in just a couple of weeks, I will be walking across the stage at the Bryce Jordan Center to accept my diploma and receive my journalism degree from the Pennsylvania State University. I’m excited about starting another new chapter of my life, but I really wish time wouldn’t have gone by so fast. That’s the funny thing about time: if you don’t appreciate it, it goes by in the blink of an eye.

My journey as a Penn State student started at Penn State Altoona, and I remember exactly how the first day went. It was dreary and rainy; the sun made a quick appearance in the morning, but by the time I drove to campus, it was pouring rain. As I sat in my car, listening to music and feeling excited and nervous, thoughts ran through my mind. “Where should I sit?” “I hope my professors are nice,” and “I can’t believe I’m actually in college.” 

When I got to campus, I parked my car, opened the door, and watched as students ran into the building, getting soaked from the rain. Luckily, I came prepared and lifted an umbrella over my head to escape having wet clothes all day. Walking into the classroom, it felt weird and like I was the new kid at school, which I kind of was. It was an interesting feeling. There was no one telling me I had to take notes, or that I couldn’t eat or drink in class, or that I couldn’t go to the bathroom. But this is college, and Penn State Altoona was where I was going to be for the next two years. 

Throughout those two years, I made new friends, spent time with my family while living at home, and officially decided what I was going to do with the rest of my life.  

For as long as I can remember, writing has been a big part of my life. When I was a kid, English was my favorite subject in school because I got to write stories about whatever I wanted. I would sit in my room and allow my creativity to take charge as I wrote fictional stories and fairy tales.

As I got older, writing became more than a silly hobby. I started writing poems and kept a journal that detailed how I was feeling and what my day consisted of. Writing was an outlet that allowed me to escape from the real world and all the struggles I was facing. Because I was so passionate about telling stories, I knew I wanted to be a writer; I just didn’t know in what capacity. 

After gaining some experience in newswriting during my senior year of high school, I decided to major in journalism and become a journalist. I knew that I wanted to help people tell stories, their story, in ways that they couldn’t.

In the fall of 2024, I commuted my way up to University Park, where I was exposed to a completely different world of college. There are a lot more people, more things to get involved in, and more buildings to navigate than at Altoona. But it was a goal and dream of mine to attend University Park, where my mom, dad, brother, and several other relatives went to college. 

Navigating my way through campus as a junior, I felt like the new kid again. But after a couple of weeks, I got the hang of things. Growing up, my family and I would go to State College to walk on campus and attend football games. It felt different actually being a student and getting to experience things from a completely new perspective. 

The first day of class at University Park was much different from that at Altoona. It was extremely hot out, and I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it from my first class to my second class on time because of the distance, but I did. The biggest change from going to a small school to a big school is the class sizes. At Altoona, the most I ever had in my class was 30 people, and at University Park, the most I had in one of my classes was 300.  

Despite the differences, something that the two had in common for me was how fast the time went. The last two years at University Park have flown by, and I wish I had a rewind button. 

Over the last few weeks, I have really started to think about time. When people say that time is precious and not to take it for granted, believe them. At the beginning of my freshman and junior years, I thought I had all the time in the world to accomplish things. Now, time is ticking. I don’t regret anything or wish I had done things differently, but if I could go back and do it all over again to savor those moments, I would.

Penn State is a community where everyone works together to help students succeed and achieve big dreams. My journey at the university would not have been as successful without the help of some pretty incredible people.  

First, I want to thank every professor that I have had at Penn State Altoona and University Park. Without your help and expertise, my time on campus would not have been as fulfilling and exciting. Your guidance and willingness to help me throughout my education are what I will remember most about Penn State. From learning the basics of AP style writing to producing a live radio newscast, every experience that you have given me has shaped me into the writer and person I am today.

However, there is one professor in particular that I want to say thank you to, Professor Walter Middlebrook. I had Middlebrook in my first semester at University Park, and my first impression of him was that he was tough, but extremely passionate about his work and helping students succeed. Through his advice and critiques, Middlebrook gave me the confidence to branch out and take my writing skills to the next level. He gave me reassurance that my stories were good and worth sharing, even when I doubted myself. Without Middlebrook, I wouldn’t be writing for Onward State and getting to share my voice. So, thank you, Professor Middlebrook, for being one of those professors who care about their students.

Next, I want to thank everyone at Onward State. When I decided to attend University Park for my final two years, writing for Onward State was something I really wanted to do. Thank you, everyone, for giving me the opportunity to share my work and to be a part of a community where everyone cheers each other on. To anyone interested in applying for Onward State, just do it. The people are incredible, and so are the opportunities. 

Last but most certainly not least, I want to give the biggest thank you to my mom, Marina, and my dad, Jay. There’s truly nothing I could say or do that would repay you for everything that you’ve done for me, but I’m going to try. Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made so I can achieve my goals and be where I want to be. Thank you for continuously pushing me to be the best person I can be and for challenging me to take on experiences, even when I don’t want to. The continuous love and support that you guys have shown me my entire life does not go unnoticed, and I would not be where I am today without either of you. Thank you for being there for the biggest moments of my life and cheering me on. The last four years would not have been possible without you, and I know you’ll continue to be my biggest fans in the next phase of my life, whatever that may be. Thank you, I love you!

I walk away from Penn State, no longer a student, but I’m not saying goodbye. Instead, I’m saying see you later to a place that I will return to as an alumnus. A place that I will always choose to represent and cheer on. A place that I will bring my future kids to visit, showing them all the cool and historic places on campus, and encourage them to follow in my footsteps. Penn State will always be a part of my life.  

As I enter the next chapter of my life, I carry with me all the memories and lessons I have learned over the past four years. I don’t know exactly what my future holds or where I’ll be in 10 years, but I know that I will start to cherish my time more. Being in college has taught me that nothing is forever and to soak up every moment and experience like it’s your last. There are so many things that I wish I could’ve done or could do again, but my time at Penn State is almost up. 

So, with the last few moments I have as a student on campus, I’m going to do my best to take it all in. 

Four years seems like a long time, but it comes and goes before you even know. I’d like to think that throughout this time, I have changed and grown into a person who is strong and confident, and who can achieve anything she puts her mind to. While I have learned a lot at Penn State and am continuing to learn, I don’t know everything. But there is one thing I do know for sure. I will always be a Penn Stater. 

WE ARE!