Life is filled with its ups and downs. College is a roller coaster ride. Recently, I've found myself doubting whether or not I truly belong here or not... something I've never done before. As overwhelming as Penn State can be, it's still Happy Valley. When school gets you down and nothing seems to be going your way, your grades are poor and your friends are fighting, you lose hope in a place you never thought you would.
We need to remember that we go to Penn State. THE Pennsylvania State University. And if it may not seem like it now, we thrive here. In case you're looking for some reassurance that you belong, here are some things that make us love Penn State:
1. Old Main.
Rain, sun, snow, or clouds... we always find ourselves stopping to take a Snapchat of that beautiful building.
2. Penn State football.
I'm not sure if we stare in amazement more while we're in Beaver Stadium or when we see them in the hub.
3. Laying on HUB / Old Main lawn.
In early April, this is where you'll get your first sunburn of the year. Did you think going to class when it was cold was difficult? Try leaving your friends on this lawn.
4. THON.
The most magical weekend of the year.
5. We Are... Penn State.
No matter where you are in the world, it all comes together. People know what to say back. We're a family.
6. McLanahans.
In five minutes you can pick up sushi, a toilet plunger, and a hockey jersey. That's just amazing.
7. Orderup.
A lazy girl's best friend. Aka my best friend.
8. Saquon Barkley.
He may just be a normal student like you and me, but you can't help but get excited when you hear his name or see him around.
9. Froyo in South.
A chocolate-vanilla twist with Oreos is not something we can allow ourselves to eat every night, but it's the perfect 11 p.m. snack to keep the studying going strong.
10. The Field: Burger and Tap.
Any time your parents come to town, this is the first stop. A milkshake will fill you up, but you have to have the fries and burger too.
While we're on the subject of food...
11. All of the downtown eateries.
Baby's, Waffle shop, Corner Room, The Deli, the list goes on and on.
12. The Creamery.
I'm not biased or anything, but it's the greatest ice cream in the world. It's also where you can buy the best chocolate milk in the world.
13. Chik-fil-a.
My personal Friday guilty pleasure.
14. When there's a short line at McAlisters.
Can you tell I just really love the HUB?
15. When there's no line for something... anywhere.
You have to figure out the down times throughout the day, but there is nothing that will warm your heart more than only one person ahead of you at Starbucks.
16. Circle tables at the HUB.
There's a reason people spend half their time in between classes circling the area.
17. Old Main clock tower.
Listening to bells chime the Fight Song will give you chills.
18. East Halls.
The best and worst place to live on campus. You don't know this but the first friends you made here will be your best friends.
19. Dirty converse.
The tell sign you had a good Saturday
20. When a class gets canceled.
It's more common for you to get struck by lightning twice in one day so appreciate those 50 minutes of nothing.
21. Running into a friend in between classes.
With so many people around, it's a nice surprise to run into the best friend you were in the middle of texting.
22. Kids on a rope.
These little cuties don't cry because of midterms. Walking past them bring us back to a simpler time.
23. Knowing Mike the Mailman.
He can bring a smile to the most miserable person's face. Did you see him dance at THON? Ugh. My heart.
24. Late night in South.
You ate healthy all day. Until late night has curly fries, pancakes, and wings on the menu.
25. The Pride.
We love this place! We wear it on our bodies, hang it up in our room, and might as well get the lion tattooed on our foreheads. No matter what, I'll defend this place until I die.
