Jared Pressley
What is the most impactful activity or experience that you have engaged with at Penn State? How has it impacted you personally? How has this activity/experience helped you grow?
I became a part of the Division of Undergraduate Studies Engaged Scholars (DUS-ES) co-curricular program during my freshman year, Fall 2019. The program enabled me to understand how to set myself up for success in college and beyond, starting with the fundamentals of transitioning from high school to college. It inspired me to get involved in what Penn State has to offer and learn more unique strategies to manage my time, stress, and overall well-being. Being a part of this program helped me realize that there are so much more educational opportunities at Penn State that will enhance me as a college student. Even while I was still in the exploration process of deciding my field of study, DUS-ES opened my eyes to Penn State's immense college majors followed by the proactive experience that correlates with them. I was challenged to experience learning more dynamically in and out of the classroom followed by attaining leadership and interpersonal skills. It [DUS-ES] has taught me that it is okay to accept my failures because they’ll serve as stepping stones to striving for greatness in my college life, and I have the willpower to be resilient, no matter what the circumstance may be. To this day, I am more eager to take on new challenges that will bring out the best of myself and change how I see and think about my local community and the world. DUS-ES is and will forever be one of the most impactful learning experiences of my life.