When you spend four years at any institution, it becomes a temporary home. I obviously have many memories from my time there. I joined organizations, signed up for clubs, and of course kept busy with classes. My boyfriend at the time, Tom, was a big part of my time at Penn State. One of my fondest memories of all was participating in THON. Then...there was football.
Tom was a huge fan of Penn State football. That's probably an understatement, and you probably realize this if you took the time to look at his articles that were posted. Along with his influence, I also grew up in a family of Penn State football fans. My grandfather loved Penn State. My Uncle played for Penn State. My mom went to graduate school at Penn State. WE ALL loved Penn State. So of course, I was pretty jacked about being able to attend all of the season home games on Saturdays every fall. It was the one time where the whole campus felt like a single unit. Nothing like it. I remember standing with my friend Chris and getting nervous about the "pivotal third down." Or just trying to avoid the cups of soda that were being thrown at the Ohio State fans amongst the student section. In any case, I loved football Saturdays at Penn State. I was truly proud to be at Penn State. After graduation, I continued to support my school, and considered myself a proud alumnus.
Looking at everything that has happened, I have come to realize that I can still be Penn State proud. My experiences haven't disappeared, and neither have the many friends I made during my time there. I witnessed Penn Staters doing some pretty remarkable things to try to change the world while I was there. Small things, but good things. And the Penn State Dance Marathon? If you've seen it...well, you understand. Dancing was by far one of my biggest accomplishments in my 31 years, and I continue to support it. My degree in Elementary Education? Hard earned.
Watching the beginning of the game yesterday was refreshing. Because that, my friends, is what Penn State has always been, and will always be. It's about the students that make up the institution. It's about the accomplishments they've made and the places they've gone. It's about the things that they are DOING NOW to better the lives of our future generations. While the tragedy has happened, and it can't be ignored, I'm glad to know that my university--the students and alumni--are showing strength. Shame is turning back into healing, and I can honestly say that I am, for sure, proud to have attended Penn State University.
I love this. The institution has been & will continue to be great. A horrible situation doesn't change all of the good that has come out of that school. It certainly doesn't change the fantastic memories so many people have shared.
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