Liberal Arts Experiences

Through her Liberal Arts education and out-of-classroom experiences, Alexis has developed a strong interest in mental health and self-improvement. In summer 2023, Alexis worked as a government service intern within the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, specifically in the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. She gained invaluable experiences in understanding how her future career path can support other Pennsylvanians.

Outside of her studies, Julia has been involved in campus life throughout her entire time at Penn State. Most recently, she has served as the as the THON 2024 alumni engagement director. In this role, Julia acts as a liaison between donors, alumni and the broader Penn State community, striving to create meaningful connections and support for childhood cancer research.

Chaiken Scholar, Victor, connects with other students through his numerous extracurricular involvements, which combine his passions for dance, food and helping others. Originally, only planning to major in the sciences, Victor learned about the flexible curriculum offered by the College of the Liberal Arts from a career coach in the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network. He then added the Spanish major to his academic plan, and it took him beyond the confines of the classroom to Ronda, Spain, for an education abroad experience. There, Victor stayed with a host family in a full cultural immersion and attended classes on Spanish customs, history and language.

Alana was selected as one of six Nevins Fellows in summer 2023 and interned at the Heathmere Center for Cultural Engagement, which is an organization on Boston’s North Shore that collaborates with local partners to design inclusive programs integrating dialogue, artistic expression and anti-oppression education to advance equity, inclusion and a sense of belonging. Her experiences in Boston have inspired her to explore the possibility of launching a nonprofit focused on facilitating conversations on race and allyship in her hometown of Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Chaiken Scholar, Nije’e won a competitive Gilman Scholarship, which provides up to $5,000 for undergraduates to study abroad. She utilized the funds to travel to South Korea, where she continued taking psychology classes. She also practiced the Korean language—in which she hopes to eventually become fluent.

Graduating with three degrees, Amanda, the spring 2024 Liberal Arts college marshal, made the most of her time as an undergraduate student. Her love of learning took her abroad to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile, which in turn helped her land a human resources internship with First National Bank Corporation. On campus, she conducted research as a fellow for The Brain Tracking Lab and was a Lion Ambassador. Amanda is pursuing a master’s degree in higher education at the University of Maryland, College Park.