THON raises $9.6 million.

Another THON has ended and the dancers and all of the volunteers are home resting their feet and happy that they worked together to raise $9.6 million. CA Shonna Graham shares some thoughts after participating in her first THON at University Park:

"This is my first year at Thon and I am overwhelmed with emotion. To see all these people come together for a common cause..to beat pediatric cancer....is amazing. It is wonderful to see everyone come out and really give it their all. It's important to realize that just because Thon may be coming down to it's final hours, it doesn't mean that we still can't help donate and raise money. I became actively involved in THON while I attended Penn State Mont Alto and I am proud to still be a member of THON. All those days of canning in like 4 degree weather, training, and getting myself mentally prepared for such a day was worth it. I lost my grandma to cancer so that initially was my driving force to getting involved with THON. I fell in love with THON. It was great to see all of the hard work that everyone did and to see that we raised 9.6 million dollars!!!!! I shed tears today but not of hate but of joy in knowing that we are here for these families and doing what we can to fight for the cure! For the kids!"

Happy Valentine's Day

On Valentine's Day, CA Shonna Graham shares these thoughts:

"On Valentine's day, I plan to spend time with my residents. Unfortunately, I won't be able to see my boyfriend because of time conflicts, but what better way than to hang out with my residents! A couple of my residents expressed to me that Valentines Day is a pretty sucky holiday and that Valentine's Day should really be called "Single Awareness" Day! We all plan on going out to dinner and then coming back and watching romantic/funny movies!

I enjoy skyping with my family and friends on Valentine's day when I am not able to see them. What most people don't understand is that Valentine's day is a day of love and showing others that you care about them. It doesn't necessarily mean it is just for couples. Spread love to everyone. Show your friends you are for them by making a personalized v-day card, show your parents you love them by actually calling them...lol and most importantly, treat yourself to something nice because you are a wonderful person!

So for this Valentine's day, get off of your bed and get out to spread the love!"

How do you plan to spend Valentine's Day?

A New Semester

This picture was taken by Senior Coordinator Tracy Shadowens when she interviewed at Penn State in May 2006. Tracy will be leaving Penn State at the end of the semester. She is looking forward to making the most of her last days at PSU and can't wait until the campus is beautiful and green like this picture again.

As a new semester gets underway, CA Danielle Scalise shares some thoughts about her first semester at University Park.

"I look at the calendar now and I am truly amazed at just how quick this past semester has gone for me. Upon transferring to University Park this August, I was unsure of what was to come in the future. Well, I absolutely love it here! Every aspect of this campus has fulfilled my wishes. The campus itself is so pretty and I enjoy the mile walk to class every day. I love seeing such large crowds of people no matter where I go. I love stepping off campus and knowing we have a downtown! There is always something to do or go see no matter what time of day. This campus is alive and fun. The only regret is that I did not start my college career here. I will never regret my time spent at Penn State Behrend, but wish there was more time to have here at University Park. This first semester of classes have been fun since I am an elementary education major. I have realized once again that group work is a great thing, but eventually it does get old. Anyways, I love this campus and definitely continuing my position in Residence Life has been a great decision. I have made new friends in many different areas and enjoy these new friendships."

What are some plans you have for the upcoming semester?

Time for the Holidays

Winter break is almost here. CA Danielle Scalise shares some thoughts about the holiday season:

As classes wrap up this week and I look ahead to my only final. I cannot help but get excited for Christmas knowing I only have one final! This is absolutely my favorite holiday of the year. It is not only my favorite because of Christmas Day, but all the preparation prior to Christmas. My Mom takes off a week to decorate our entire house. It looks gorgeous and is very enjoyable. We also take part in a cookie exchange every year. It is with some of my mom's family and friends. They each make two kinds of cookies and give away two dozen of each. Over Thanksgiving, I helped my Mom with "Grammy Fancy's." This cookie has been a tradition since the 70's when my mom baked them with my grandma. My grandma is unable to complete these cookies, so my mom has taken over. This is a long process of mixing, rolling, cutting out, and icing the cookies and decorating. They are very yummy though. Some other aspects I love are wrapping and the last minute shopping. Also the food preparation is fun. Finally, Christmas Eve rolls around and we start the celebration with my little brothers birthday and then of course Christmas. I love the holiday season and cannot wait to go home!

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

Thanksgiving Break

Eastview Terrace will be closed from noon on Saturday, November 20th until 8am on Saturday, November 27th. Enjoy the Thanksgiving break!

CA Danielle Scalise writes about Thanksgiving and the popular Black Friday shopping mania:

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful of course! I know this is corny sounding.. but it is so true! It is the much needed break in the semester where you get to be around the ones you love. I love being home for a nice long weekand just getting time to relax. It is also really nice to spend time with my family and friends that I love. Thanksgiving is great to get to see all your distant family. Also of course to enjoy a fabulous meal and give thanks for the food.

My favorite thing that I am super thankful for, is BLACK FRIDAY! I love bargain shopping with a passion! My mom and I go out every year around 3:30 am! It is so much fun!

Why it is important to eat breakfast before Black Friday shopping!-- I do not really like Thanksgiving foods, so therefore, I did not eat much for dinner. My mom and I then got up early and went shopping. It was hot and crazy of course. We went from store to store and bought lots of items. Then around 7 am we hit Bath and Body Works. This was awful! It was hot and super smelly! I usually love this store... but not today! We picked out our items and my mom wanted help looking for coupons. I was just agreeing with her and not really helping. I then told my mom that I was feeling funny.. and with that I fell over and passed out in the middle of the store! People came running and some guy threw a really expensive rug at my head! I have never seen so many doctors come over before! Security came and got me some orange juice. It was a short trip. This was only about 7 am! Moral of the story... eat before shopping or it could turn ugly!

Be thankful, healthy and happy.. its the best thing to do! Have a thankful holiday!

Spoooooky

Halloween is more than a chance to eat way too much candy. For many students, it is a time to celebrate family traditions and to be creative. Senior Coordinator Tracy Shadowens shares her Halloween picture from 2006. She wasn't very creative but she did scare a lot of people!

CA Shonna Graham from Harris Hall shares this memory of her childhood Halloween traditions:

"In my family, Halloween was a huge deal. Every year, we would pick a theme and dress up accordingly. Some of my favorite themes included Aladdin, High School Musical, the Smurfs, Space Jam, and my ultimate favorite, Michael Jackson's Thriller. My house was known for having the best decorations too! We would make a graveyard setting with fog and fake gravestones. We were one of the houses on the block that people were actually scared to come to. We are a firm believer that no matter how old you are, you have to dress up for Halloween!!"

What was your favorite Halloween costume?

Happy Valley Fall

CA Danielle Scalise of Curry Hall writes:

"September is just about over and we have now welcomed autumn. This is one of my favorite seasons. It starts with the bright colorful leaves, to the crisp red apples, the sweet caramel and yummy apple cider. We have pumpkins, candy corn, kettle corn, and many fall fests. The season is so pretty and filled with delight. We have our wonderful season of fall for great football and Halloween fun! The days start to grown chilly, but this is the weather that makes me happy!"

What are your favorite things about the Fall season?