College isn’t just about labs and lessons, you have to live a little, right? Of course, Katherine, a physician assistant studies major is gonna tell us why she chose Penn College and what she does in her free time. By the sounds of it, Williamsport is a maker for outdoor enthusiasts. Take it away Katherine.
– Thanks for the intro Alex, hey everybody. When searching for a college, I was looking for small class sizes, a school with a history of academic success and a cross country team. Penn College was the perfect place with the Physician Assistant Program and ability to run collegiately. As a local, I already knew some of the great things the Williamsport area has to offer, which was exciting to share with friends who weren’t from around here. Penn College is near downtown Williamsport, which has unique local shops, restaurants, and fun things to do like the Hatchet House.
– [Man 1] Awesome!
– [Man 2] Nice.
– Not only do you get the taste of a small city feel here, but there are also so many outdoor activities. There are a multitude of close trails for hiking and biking and Creek to kayak and fish. The Susquehanna River walk is one of my favorite places where I can get out and enjoy the scenery. One of my favorite places on campus is the Madigan Library. It has an art gallery career center, a virtual reality studio and a cafe where you can grab coffee and snack and head outside to study on the lawn. A nice thing about Penn College is its close proximity to major east coast cities like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York City, BC, and the beaches in South Jersey which are my favorite. Aside from Penn College’s main campus, we also have an Aviation Center and Earth Science Center, both a short drive for main campus. These locations provide students with exceptional hands-on experiences in their majors. The atmosphere at Penn College is so welcoming, which is really fostered my academic success. Penn College has given me a well-rounded education through the opportunity to collaborate with others, practice necessary skills to become a PA and make lifelong friendships. Throwing it back to you Alex.
– Awesome, thank you Katherine. It sounds like there is something for everyone here in Williamsport. I can’t wait to hit downtown for dinner. You’ll have to let me know where that Hatchet House is. That’s something I could get into, cheers Katherine.
Meet Wes, he’s a senior in the engineering design technology program. He’s gonna tell us how he latched onto the maker culture here at Penn College and why immersive learning was a perfect fit for him.
– Thanks Alex, hi everyone. I’ve loved working with my hands and building race cars ever since I was a little kid. And when I heard about Penn College, I knew I had to come check it out. One of my favorite things about Penn College is a teaching style. On the very first day of classes, we began applying what we learn in the classroom to the lab. On average, we have three lab hours to one lecture hour. Penn College has some very generous corporate partners and donors that supply our students with amazing equipment to learn on. We also get to connect to our professors on a personal level. They have real word experience to help start from our paths to our dream career. We have an electrifying culture here, that is centered on making cool projects that I’m honored to be a part of. Dr. Welch’s workshop is a place I like to go, to work on both class and personal projects. I’ve used the machines in the makerspace to build my battlebots for our sword club. We build metal and plastic bots that we compete on campus with. This experience has really helped me bring my degree full circle by designing, building, and competing with my bot. Being a part of this community, allowed me to grow more ways than one. I’ve made many friends here, that share the same passion of working with their hands from cleaning teeth to fixing cars. Penn College is very hands-on school and that’s why I fell in love with it here. Well, that’s my story back to you Alex.
– Thank you Wes. I love how you surround yourself with others who get you and how you all enjoy putting your stamp on your personal creations like the battlebots. I’m sure putting those skills to work on a real life project brings your lab work full circle. May the best bot win, thanks again.
Okay, everyone let’s catch up with Caila. She’s a senior majoring in business administration. When she first came to Penn College, Caila wasn’t the most outgoing person. When you hear her story, I think you’ll agree she’s really found her groove here at Penn College, Caila it’s all yours.
– Hi everyone, and thanks Alex. When deciding where I wanted to start my college journey the most important thing that I held onto, was finding somewhere that I could feel welcomed and comfortable while also receiving hands-on experience. Penn College made me feel right at home the moment I came to visit, and I just knew I had to attend. I truly appreciate how the Penn College community has brought me outta my shell and allowed me to embrace who I’ve always wanted to be. When I first started at Penn College, I was nervous to get involved. Luckily I made the choice to reach out and join the Wildcat events board, the Student Run Programming Organization. From there, my involvement snowballed. I’ve had the opportunity to lead in several organizations and I have grown into a strong and outgoing leader and role model. I’m currently the Chair of WEB, a resident assistant and a lead connections link. I’ve also greatly enjoyed fun events on campus, such as Hot dog you’re here and Goat Yoga. But nothing has been more special than the opportunity to speak at the convocation ceremony. All in all, Penn College offers a wide variety of options for students to get involved, from all the student organizations to the leadership opportunities. And let’s not forget all the exciting events, constantly happening on campus. Penn College strives to provide a student-centered holistic collegiate experience for all students, whether you are on campus, off campus or a commuter student. Thanks to my experiences and involvement here at Penn College. I am thrilled to say that I’ve made the choice to change my career path to higher education. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have met many mentors here. And my only hope is that I can take on that same role with students in the near future. Well, that’s all for me Alex, I gotta head over and see the Goats, what’s next from you?
– Thanks for sharing your story Caila. Goat Yoga, that’s a new one. Your involvement across campus is truly inspiring. I can’t believe you’re doing all that, while earning two minors, it’s remarkable. And rumor has it you already have a job lined up and you haven’t even graduated. Unbelievable, kudos to you Caila. Choosing a college can be like finding a second home. It’s essential to plant yourself in a community where you can learn and grow.
Penn College offers quite a few specialized programs. But unlike other technical colleges, Wildcats get the full college experience here, that’s good news for students like Maggie. Who’s working towards her bachelors in HVAC Design Technology and playing third base on the woman’s softball team. You’re gonna love her energy, Maggie, please take it away.
– Thanks Alex and hi to everyone. As a kid, I love getting my hands into a project and creating my own work. When it came time for me to choose my next step in education, I knew that Penn College would be the perfect choice for me. With small class sizes and hands-on learning, I’ve been on the Dean’s list my entire college career with the bragging rights of being a 4.0 student. And on top of this, I’m also the starting third basement for the softball team here. This means I travel a lot. Luckily for me, my coaches and my professors are very understanding of my busy schedule. In the end, PCT helps me to succeed as a student athlete. By giving me a campus that is equipped with an amazing HVAC lab and a flexible athletic department, I’m able to take control of my future. Being a student athlete really gives me a sense of community here on campus. When I’m not in the library studying with my fellow classmates, I’m with my team slide riding, going to get a meal and making memories off of the softball field. Well, you don’t have to be a part of NCAA to feel a part of a community. Here at Penn College, we also offer various intermurals like ultimate frisbee, three B three basketball clubs, and many more. Being a Wildcat has really shown me, what it means to get the full college experience. Since being here, I’ve made connections in and outta the classroom that I will forever cherish. When you’re with your fellow classmates, studying for hours for one exam in library, or you’re on the softball field perfecting your game with your teammates, you tend to make bonds will last forever. My advice to you come to campus, get involved and stay wild with us. Go Wildcats, Alex take us back.
– Wow, thanks Maggie, you really can do it all here. It sounds like the relationships you’re building and experiences you’re having in your classes and on the field are a winning combination. Being part of a strong community is always a great foundation for success. Great work, Maggie take care.
If you’re in the military or a veteran, or if you’re interested in Army ROTC, you’ll definitely wanna meet this amazing student Jesse. He’s the perfect example of commitment, both to his major and to ROTC. 6:00 am training sessions, labs, classes, clinicals. When does this guy sleep? Amazing, Jesse you are on.
– Thanks Alex, hi everyone. I’m currently a nurse in training and a cadet in the Army ROTC program here at Penn College. In ROTC, we are often taught the importance of health for both ourselves and our soldiers. In nursing, we are taught how to be empathetic and professional. The army’s written set of values aligns with many of the attributes and competencies that I, as a nurse must possess. I have quite a hectic schedule, but Penn College makes my life a little bit easier by providing me with excellent instructors and my favorite the Madigan Library. If I’m not in the library studying, then I am running on campus or completing a workout in the dorms. As a contract to cadet, my room and board is completely covered by the school. I also get paid $420 for every month that I am in school and an additional $600 for books and supplies every semester. We even have a house on campus just for ROTC cadets. And if you are a military or veteran student, we have a center here just for you. And the team here is really great, and will help you take advantage of all possible benefits. And you really can’t find this level of support at most colleges. My bachelor’s in nursing and commissioning into the US Army Reserves will open up many other opportunities for me, such as oversea deployments and travel options. I am very excited to see what the future holds for me and I am so grateful to have attend Penn College. What’s next for us Alex?
– Now, that’s commitment. Thanks for sharing your story with us Jesse. I can see why you love nursing and ROTC. They compliment each other so well. And with the dedicated veterans and military center, it sounds like the college fully supports service members, great stuff, thanks so much Jesse.
There’s more to choosing a college than finding the right major. You wanna know your investment will pay off, here’s Danielle a junior majoring in construction management and minoring in business administration. She’s gonna share how sheep found the total package right here at Penn College. Now, that’s what it’s all about, Danielle, you’re on.
– Thank you Alex for that introduction. When I was younger, I always had the encouragement of my family and the opportunity to help my parents around the house with projects here and there. By the time senior year of high school rolled around, I was looking for colleges that could offer me an education in what I love, construction. After meeting the faculty and students and feeling their passion for what they worked on, I knew that Penn College was the college for me. The hospitality is unmatched and the willingness of everybody to help you succeed is incredible. Penn College has so many great resources for current and incoming students. There are scholarship opportunities available and it’s as easy as filling out one form. Career services here on campus, helps to organize career fair popups, bringing employers from all over to speak to the students. Opportunity is always awaiting. They also have other career resources available, from interview help and resume checks to business card development assistance. We are known for our hands-on education, both in and out of the classroom. You’ll have every opportunity to attend lecture and complete labs, then turn around and go on field trips and experience your trade in a real life scenario. Personally, being in construction management, I have learned a new level of professionalism and communication skills. That’s me, back to you Alex.
– Thanks Danielle, I love hearing stories like yours and how you knew from such a young age exactly what you wanted to do. Sounds like there’s incredible support here at Penn College for students like you and for those who need a little more direction. Thanks again for sharing your story, take care Danielle.
Now, let’s see what Alejandro is up to. He’s a senior pursuing his bachelors in architecture, and he’s gonna tell us about his journey to Penn College. What he loves most about the program and all the possibilities to explore post-graduation. Over to you Alejandro.
– Hello everyone, thanks for your introduction Alex. I’m glad to be here. When I was young, I was always a dreamer. I always wanted to create from music origami, drawing and painting to landscapes and structures. My father was an influence on my path in pursuing architecture. But what really brought me here to Penn College was my brother Renzo. Walking into the architecture studios for the first time here at Penn College, I expected the whole major to be just hand drafting. It turns out the school of engineering technologies is the biggest one on campus. There are students working in handfuls of areas. From IT, electrical and automotive to HVAC and industrial design. For me, it’s not just about working digitally, it’s about the hands-on experience. We’re making constant models to fully finish building models, we are applying what we know to the real world. In my classes we are taught all kinds of residential working drawings to commercial working drawings, while incorporating design into the architecture. Our classes truly allow us to unleash our creativity. Architecture always keeps me busy. Finding solutions to problems with design and making them real is what we do. Also such a diverse field, there’s so many opportunities after graduation. This is a great episode we’re building Alex, what’s next?
– Thank you Alejandro. After hearing your story, there’s no doubt that you found the right fit here at Penn College. I think you were born to be an architect that problem solving and creative thinking is spot on. We wish you all the best and can’t wait to see your imaginative building designs. Thanks again.
Okay, next up, this awesome student is gonna fill us in all what it’s like to be a dental hygienist in training at Penn College. Dacia and her classmates get a chance to put their skills to work in the dental clinic that’s located right here on campus. It’s open to the community, including students who can get $5 cleanings, tell us all about it Dacia.
– I’m so happy to be here with you today, thank you so much Alex. When I was a little girl in Jamaica, dental don’t care was expensive and hard to access. This motivated me to earn the best education so that I could help my community one day. Now, I’m studying dental hygiene. The nursing and health sciences programs at Penn College are open to students at any phase of their journey from transfers and adult learners to international students. Whether you are a nursing, physician assistant, paramedic, physical therapist, assistant student, our supportive teachers, campus resources and state of the art equipment will age you in developing your knowledge and relevant skillset to prepare you for future employment. The dental hygiene program is fortunate to have a community clinic service, where we can gain real world experience. On campus, we have a beautiful clinic that access people from all over for dental cleanings. On sealant Saturdays, Penn College works with local dentists and hygienists provide free dental services to dozens of children that come in. The safety of the patient and overall sanitation is extremely important. We have personal protective equipment that protects us and ensures the safety and comfort for all patients. Classes are challenging, but every teacher holds regular office hours for us to get help. At Penn College, I’m not only learning techniques for cleaning teeth and learning x-ray skills, but also how to make a change in the lives of every person we come across, which makes my NHS program unique. I’m enjoying my work while working towards my dreams. So Alex has been really amazing to be here with you today, thank you so much for having me and learn about my story at Penn College, what’s next?
– What an awesome story with all that passion and hands-on experience, it sounds you’re on your way to a rewarding career Dacia. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Ashlee. She’s a human services and restorative justice major with minors in psychology and criminal justice. Ashlee didn’t come to Penn College right after high school. Her path took some twists and turns, but she ended up exactly where she was meant to be. Ashlee the spotlight is on you, take it away.
– Thanks Alex, hi everyone. Growing up in New York City with a single mom, college was actually not my first choice. When I stepped here on campus, I was here with my boyfriend who was the one that was gonna attend. But after I realized the school’s values, the hands-on experience and I met the staff here, I immediately fell in love and I had to apply. And now I’ve actually been here for the last three years. The hands-on experience here at Penn College is like no other, what I learn in the classrooms I get to apply to real world situations through labs, internships, and leadership positions. Growing up I was extremely introverted, but thanks to the inclusivity here, I have become tremendously involved on campus. I have held many leadership positions, including Vice President of Public Relations for the Student Government Association, a presidential student ambassador, and I’m also a mentor to those in my major. I also belong to many clubs and organizations here on campus, including THON, the one world club and the human services and restorative justice club. Penn College hosts many activities throughout the whole year. You can attend events and lectures, art shows, outdoor festivities and celebrations from various cultures. We have over 60 clubs and organizations here on campus. And if none of those catch your eye, you and 10 friends can start your own. Our hands-on culture here at Penn College, allows us to get immersed in our field. So whether that’s accounting in business, brewing or graphic designs, we get to do what we love. When I first started college many ago, I was disappointed by the traditional way of learning. I could have never imagined learning hands-on, not just in a classroom. Here we’re given access to the latest technology and are given the skills needed to achieve our goals and stand out. Now, throwing it back to you Alex.
– Things have a way of working out. We’re glad you found your way to Penn College Ashlee, and thanks for telling us about your journey and where you are today, embracing change really paid off for you, well done Ashlee.
All right, everyone fasten your seat belt, here we have Dhruv, he’s on the Penn College Baja team and a senior majoring in automotive technology management. Dhruv’s gonna tell us how he found his way to Penn College and the lineup of supportive services that are here to help him and other students stay focused and on track. Take it away Dhruv.
– Hey y’all, and thanks Alex. Growing up I always wanted to work on cars. The dream is to open and run my own shop. When I heard about PCTs, accredit of automotive management program, I jumped at the opportunity. The two plus two program allowed me to get my associate’s degree back home and transfer my credits to PCT to get my bachelor’s degree. Being away from home was a huge change for me. And I spent a lot of time adjusting to being on campus. The staff in school has done a lot to make that transition easier with the help to resources such as the LEAP Center. There, they assigned counselors who will guide you through your first year. Because of the support from the college, a number of opportunities on campus opened up to me and I became more involved. My two biggest contributions here are my work in the tutoring center and my involvement in the Baja SAE club as a treasurer. The Baja club is an amazing organization on campus, where students from different majors like manufacturing, automotive and welding come together to accomplish something incredible. We design and manufacture a single seater off-road buggy and race in an international competition sponsored by SAE. I’m in charge of making sure that the vehicle is ready for the races. This includes everything from ensuring that vehicle will pass tech inspection, making sure the drivers have the proper safety gear, packing the necessary tools and managing the pits during events and repairing the vehicle as needed. We compete against colleges from around the world. My experiences here at Penn College have helped me develop as an individual. The connections I’ve made and the opportunities I’ve had, have helped me get one step closer to my end goal of owning a shop. Throwing it back to you Alex.
– Oh man, wish I had Baja at my college, what a fantastic idea. Having students from different majors put their skills and minds together to achieve a common goal tearing around the track on race day, sounds pretty fun too. Keep up the great work Dhruv, and thanks again for sharing your story.