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.
Okay everyone, let’s head on over to our next hotspot on campus. Here we’re meeting up with Rylee. She’s a senior majoring in journalism and emerging media here at KSU. She works here on the sports broadcasting team in the athletics program. What an awesome opportunity to practice your craft Rylee. Okay, so tell us a little more about athletics.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s going on everyone? Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be in the sports field, more specifically become a sports broadcaster. When I heard that Kennesaw State was close to home and they had a great journalism program, I knew I had to go. Kennesaw State gives me the opportunity to utilize the skills that I learned in the classroom and put them to test in the real world. Thanks to the KSU athletic program, I have the opportunity to be on the ESPN+ broadcast, interview athletes and so much more. Kennesaw State is big enough for these opportunities while letting students be involved. Thanks to the KSU athletics and journalism program, I’ll have a relevant reel and portfolio ready for when I graduate. Kennesaw State also has great facilities and amenities for athletes, faculty, and staff to enjoy that makes the sports world go round. With Saturdays here at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, events hosted at the Convocation Center, I’ve always been interested in watching KSU athletics. Kennesaw State also gives students the opportunities to get involved in club and intermural sports at our student rec center. When I first arrived at KSU I didn’t imagine that I would be as involved as I am now. This university has given multiple platforms for students to succeed. Hooty hoo! I’ve gained positive feedback from both my supervisors and my professors. This is just proof that Kennesaw State gives the right tools for me to have a jumpstart before graduation. That’s all from me. Go long Alex.
– Nice throw, Rylee. We appreciate you telling us how KSU is supporting students with their interests in sports, fitness, and hobbies. The extended possibilities outside of the field definitely sounds like a cool way to get involved before graduating. Cheers, Rylee.
Okay, we’re gonna check out our next student Jacob. Jacob is majoring in mechatronics here at KSU as a junior. He’s gonna talk to us about all the amazing hands on experiences available at Kennesaw State as well as the various programs he gets to be part of. Jacob, that’s an awesome major man. Take it away.
– Hey, everyone. When I was looking for a college, I wanted to study something I was passionate about and have an amazing experience living on campus. KSU had just that. I signed up for the mechatronics program, the only one in Georgia. When I went on the campus tour, I fell in love with the Marietta campus, which felt active and close knit. I live in Hortnet Village on the Marietta campus and I’m just feet away from all my classes and the exciting activities on campus. I enjoyed student housing so much that I became an RA for KSU’s housing residence life. As an RA, I became involved to help support my community and residents 24/7. The best part about being an RA is getting to host all kinds of fun events. I’ve gotten to organize everything from small get togethers to campus wide occasions. I love being part of such a helpful organization alongside our other on-call RAs and professional staff. Only a few steps away from my home on campus is the dining hall. KSU has two award-winning dining halls that offer a variety of delicious meals as well as rotational options like KSU’s favorite, Fried Chicken Thursday. KSU also has national brands such as Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Mo’s and more. Living on campus has been an amazing experience. It’s given me valuable connections and friendships within the KSU community. I’m happy to know that I’m pursuing a degree I love while gaining life skills for the future. I’m proud to be a KSU Owl. Alex, you’ve gotta try this fried chicken. For now, what’s next?
– Wow, that definitely has me hungry for more. Working at KSU certainly gives you a distinct perspective. Programs like mechatronics, owned and specialized by Kennesaw State, helps make your journey so unique. These real world experiences here at KSU are gonna help drive your passion to the next level. Thanks for that valuable insight, Jacob. Take care.
Okay, let’s head over to Mahari, a junior architecture major. Mahari is gonna speak about her unique experience and how learning through engagement has truly encouraged her. You’re gonna wanna watch this. Let’s hear it Mahari.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. Growing up in New York City, I was surrounded by and obsessed with art and architecture. When applying for colleges I was immediately interested in Kennesaw State University’s architecture program since it offered lots of opportunity for hands on learning. As a third year architecture student, I love how the program has opened my eyes to design and changed the way I think daily. At KSU, I’ve been able to express my creativity by combining my studies with my personal hobbies of painting, creating YouTube content, film, and photography. With access to KSU’s amazing labs with the latest tools, I’ve been able to create various models, drawings, and diagrams. During my freshman year, I used a variety of tools in the wood shop that I never had the opportunity to use before. During my sophomore year, I was exposed to materials such as concrete that allowed me to create unique physical designs. This year I used both the laser cutting and 3D printing machine. The tools and facilities here at KSU have fostered my growth as a student and positively impacted my love for architecture. Along with labs, our class also ventures on trips, where we learn about architecture in the city of Atlanta. As an out state student, I enjoyed that I was able to explore the city. Every semester our class also goes on site visits, where we analyze a setting that we later design. When I first started at KSU, I never would’ve thought that I’d gain even more passion for architecture. Being able to learn from professionals in the field with a very hands on approach has pushed me closer to my dreams. Meeting people with similar goals and aspirations has been inspiring. Alex, back to you.
– Mahari, great job and what a story. It’s impressive to me how you came from the hub of breathtaking architectural design in New York City to come and study at KSU. I’m happy to know that this university is backing your creative ability with those innovative facilities. Absolutely fantastic. Thanks for sharing your story, Mahari.