Danielle
Hi! My name is Danielle, and I am a sophomore. I am from California, pretty close to San Francisco. My grandpa went to Penn State so that's why I applied, but I didn't think I'd actually come until I fell in love with the school on my campus tour.
Once I got here, I had no idea what I wanted to major in, let alone do with my life! I started out in DUS with interests in Criminology and Political Science. After taking classes in both, I decided those majors were not for me. I explored the Smeal College of Business for a while and the Spanish major (business option). I also thought Advertising might be a good fit for me, because it involves lots of creativity. Then this past summer, after much searching on the Internet and talking to advisers, I discovered HRIM: Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management. After spending just a few weeks in courses this semester, I knew it was the right fit. Not only is the material truly fascinating to me, but the faculty are so helpful and inspiring. Thanks to DUS, I was able to find my niche.
So I am currently an HRIM major with a Spanish minor, getting ready to study abroad in Granada, Spain, in the spring. Last year, outside the classroom, I was in the BE House (Leadership and Community Service) Special Living Option. This year, I am still involved with BE House and the THON organization we created, an organization called Students Engaging Students, and some major-related clubs like Catering Society and Professional Convention Management Association.
