By: Cole Young, Lion’s Eye Staff, cry5060@psu.edu

It’s the start of another year at Brandywine, and with it brings a new generation of students. This freshmen class is the first group of students born in the year 2000.

Famed American philanthropist Tom Steyer once said, “We will pay a heavy price if we insist on navigating the 21st century with a 20th century mindset.”

With them they’ll bring a new mindset and new ideas that will make them successful in the 21st century. The last few weeks these students have been spending time getting adjusted to college life. We were able to catch up with them and ask a few questions.

Penn State Brandywine was some people’s first choice, and a little further down the list for others. Many picked the campus, because it was close to their home. Other freshmen explained that they enjoyed the small campus, and the reduced cost compared to University Park.

So what made students choose Penn State? Three students explain what they liked about Brandywine.

“It actually wasn’t my first choice believe it or not. I remember the day when they brought us to hear other students’ stories about Brandywine. When they talked about the proximity to home and all the opportunities available it really piqued my interest,” said Vaishalli Devarakonda.

“It was fairly local and it was a lot cheaper than a lot of the schools I was looking at, and it has a really good engineering program,” said Sean Callahan, a mechanical engineering major.

“The faculty here are super helpful and nice, and that was a plus for me,” said Jordan Esterling.

As they’ve adjusted to college life, incoming students have been fans of many facets of Penn State Brandywine. So far, they’ve been enjoying the small class sizes, the Penn State community, and more.

Callahan said, “I really like the campus, the open feel and it’s a really nice look. The people here have been really nice so far.”

“I like the small class sizes, and the attention that professors are able to give to you is great,” said Esterling.

“I really like the atmosphere here after being in high school for the last four years. It reminds me of that. It’s comfortable, while at the same time it’s new enough to not be boring to me,” said Sean Hackett.

Students have come to Brandywine to pursue a wide array of majors. Brandywine has a lot to offer and they are taking advantage of it. Many were attracted by all that Penn State Brandywine has in store for them.

“I’m an English major, and I chose that because I’d like to be able to tell stories in a professional capacity,” said freshman Eric McGinty.

“My major is mechanical engineering, and I picked it because I have a strong foundation in math. I enjoy solving problems and most other things that engineers do,” said Callahan.

These newcomers are also taking advantage of Brandywine’s many clubs and activities. Whether they’re trying something new, or picking up where they left off in high school, these freshmen are getting involved.

McGinty said. “I’m involved in the writing club and the acting club. While they haven’t really gotten going yet, I’m looking forward to the opportunities that I’ll get in these clubs.”

Overall, except for a few complaints about commuting, the new group of freshmen are enjoying Brandywine. They claim to enjoy what it has to offer, and like what they see so far during the first semester. Hopefully, they’ll be able to discover everything Brandywine has to offer and excel in all their pursuits.

* * * *