International Business and Marketing Major
"During my time at IUP, I have grown significantly and have evolved into a person that is now ambitious, confident, and eager to greet the world. IUP has facilitated these experiences with its diverse student population, a multitude of student organizations and activities, and a supportive, experienced staff and faculty that have allowed me to obtain a unique college experience."
Coming from southeastern ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, IUP is a long drive from home. When applying to schools, I always knew that I wanted to go somewhere new, far from my hometown of Gilbertsville, but I didn't realize just how far my college experiences would take me. IUP was an ideal option for me because not only does it offer a quality education at an affordable price, but it has also allowed me to take advantage of new, exciting opportunities that I've never had before.
Prior to coming to IUP, I had always been a shy, quiet individual that didn't participate in many extracurricular activities and was unsure about what I wanted to do in the future. But I knew I wanted to change that. During my freshman year, I explored different organizations and activities, such as AMIS club and tutoring with the Salvation Army. It was also during my freshman year that I decided that I wanted to do something completely different: study abroad. I spent my sophomore year overseas in Rome, Italy, and Sheffield, U.K., learning not only academic subjects, but also engaging in other cultures and experiencing different lifestyles.
Upon returning, I had changed my major to International Business and suddenly felt as though my life was gaining a sense of direction. I also began working at the Office of International Education in an effort to gain more interaction with international students at IUP as well as to participate more in international student activities such as conversation club. In Fall 2009, I added Marketing as a second major in the dual baccalaureate program, and in the Spring of 2010 I will begin a marketing internship. With these experiences, I have learned a lot about who I am and who I want to be. In August of 2010 I will complete my college career a completely different person than I was four years ago; something I'm not sure I could say had I gone anywhere else but IUP.