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Me entering PSU Football Stadium; State College, Pennsylvania 10.2006

As we continue our journey on our “chosen path,” we never forget the reason why we are here and who our positive influences were along the way. Honestly, it is hard for me to sum up all of my experiences at Penn State. One thing is certain I created the best friendships and met some amazing people during my undergraduate years at Penn State – these are the best friends that I talk about offshore on a daily basis. I recall many fabulous nights at Penn State – most importantly, it was because my good friends with right beside me and they can tell you the same stories!

 
So without further interruption, here are the favorite photographs from Penn State. I “tried” to limit myself (this was very difficult!)!

  

AMAZING NIGHT – During Spring Break in 2007, the girls and I met a cute bunch of Navy guys on the day that my car was keyed – “7 Ways to Avoid Getting Your Car Keyed; Fabulous Florida Spring Break 2007.”  Though some blunderin’ fool decided to victimize my car, the girls and I continued to live it up like rock-stars PSU style for the rest of our Spring Break.  Beach, beer, and sand – What is there to be depressed about?!?

Anjoli, Troxler, Shannon, and me with Navy Boys; Cocoa Beach, Florida 04.2007
                                             

BARS – With many bars in the State College area, you are bound to find your favorite pub – “5 All-Time Favorite Memories at PSU; Good Times with Amazing People.” I met some amazing acquaintances, as well as good friends during my time of drinking my preferred beverage of choice. My good friends and I seemed to be attracted to karaoke, trivia nights, various happy hour specials, and the PSU nightlife – pubs were an excellent choice for a stress-free night! I have so many more photographs, but as I explained above I did “try” to limit the amount of pictures. 

 

Debb, me, and Debb’s friend; State College, Pennsylvania 09.2006

 

Lindsay, Mary, Steph, me, Lindsey, and Shannon; State College, Pennsylvania 01.2007

 

Laura, Mary, Steph, me, Lindsay, and Shannon; State College, Pennsylvania 01.2007

 

Shannon, Paul, and me; State College, Pennsylvania 01.2007

 

Rich, Paul, me, and Keri; State College, Pennsylvania 02.2007

 

Troxler, Shannon, me, and Laura; State College, Pennsylvania 02.2007

 

 

Meg and I; State College, Pennsylvania 03.2007
Pre-gaming before Bars Beer Pong Style with Michael; State College, Pennsylvania 01.2006

 

Jenna and I; State College, Pennsylvania 07.2007
Mike’s girl friends, Mike, me, and Sam; State College, Pennsylvania 02.2008

 

 

Steph, Shannon, me, Jenn, Adah, and Adah’s friend; State College, Pennsylvania 11.2006

 

 

COYOTE UGLY – Have you ever seen the movie “Coyote Ugly” – the one where the hot girls sing, dance, and perform on the bar? Even though the girls and I had no hopes in pursuing our dreams of a singing career we still had an excellent night. During Spring Break 2007 we sang and danced on the bar at the “Coyote Ugly” in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Lesson of the night – if you are going to throw your bra and leave it at the pub (there is a whole collection of Victoria Secret ones to choose from), then make sure that you do not wear your “favorite” one. The girls and I were tempted to leave ours at the pub, but then we all realized that we had our favorites ones on! Next time if you are feeling adventurous, leave your bra (maybe out of the top 5 favorites in your personal collection!). You leave your bra you get a shot! Though the girls and I did not need that extra shot, who can say that they left their bra at “Coyote Ugly”and that it still remains on the wall?!? Um, maybe I should thought about this then! Oh well, there will always be a next time – especially a hot spring break destination like this! 

 

Troxler, Shannon, me, and Anjoli; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 04.2007
 
DISNEY WORLD – If there is one place in the world where everything and everyone seems to be happy the world would be, well, a happier place! We are just in luck, there is this fabulous place called “Disney World,” which divides into 4 sections: Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom. I have been there a half dozen times in the last 3 years. Every time I have old college friends coming to visit me, we always end up here! The place is absolutely amazing. I especially love their “Epcot: Food and Wine festival.” Even during the holidays the park is dressed perfectly to the theme. I was recently there over Halloween 2008 (more on this in future post) and they portrayed the theme well – not that I ever doubted them!  If you have not been here yet, I would highly encourage you take a trip to the happy place soon! This place is filled with attractions and entertainment for the whole family, even broke college kids! 
Troxler, Anjoli, and me; Orlando, Florida 04.2007

 

Shannon, me, and Troxler; Orlando, Florida 04.2007

 

 
EXTRA SHOTS FOR EVERYBODY – I have to admit the college life was amazing, because I had the opportunity to meet and chill with new people from various backgrounds. My sorority Phi Mu had a special social function with a fraternity – we welcomed a joint merger with a local sorority and good times were had by all. It is never easy adjusting to a new structure at first, but my fellow sorority sisters made it a mission to foresee the new candidates at ease and comfortable during the merger. I designated myself as the “welcome” party – the local sorority and my first impression was great and the merger turned out to be a success! My secret – give a sincere toast and take a shot! Here is to amazing times yet to come!
Large group of Sorority Sisters; State College, Pennsylvania 01.2006
Shots with the Sorority Sisters; State College, Pennsylvania 12.2006
FOOTBALL – I never saw a football game until I attended PSU. I quickly dived into the PSU athletic teams (since I was on the Softball team) and watched my first Penn State game live from the student bleachers. It was absolutely incredible, I do no think that I ever yelled that loud in my life! With all the adrenaline kicking in and all the enthusiasm absorbed from the crowd, it is no wonder why Penn State is obsessed with their football! I had a lot of great moments in college, but attending live Penn State games were my absolute highlights. Tailgates were an excellent way to start your morning and the Penn State game made the afternoon! I can see why Penn Staters counted down till game day and absolutely loved their weekends! Let’s go State!

 

Chelsey, Shannon, Steph, me, Mary, and Lindsey; State College, Pennsylvania 11.2006

 

Me, Jess aka Ramrod, Jess, and Midget Meg; State College, Pennsylvania 10.2006
Leah, Christine, Megan, me, and Dan; State College, Pennsylvania 10.2006

 

GRADUATES HAVE MORE EXPERIENCE – I always looked up the graduates on campus who was currently pursing their major in the field that they desired. I met Kendall at a house party and I discovered that she was pursuing her master’s in Elementary Education. We became really good friends, hung out a lot during my senior year, and watched a few Penn State football games together. I met a lot of her graduate friends and learned a great deal on how to prioritize my crazy, but beautiful hectic lifestyle as a college undergraduate.
Kendall and I; State College, Pennsylvania 09.2006
 
HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS – Besides State Patty’s Day at PSU, one of my favorite holidays on campus was Halloween. At the period of my super senior undergraduate year, I assumed that I have seen all the various types of costumes during my years at PSU. I never imagined that I would have stumbled upon one of the best costumes ever! With that being said, my all-time favorite costume was the Nickelodeon Guts Contender. I absolutely loved this show as a kid and always dreamt of being a contestant to challenge my “athletic skills.” Hands down this costume made my Halloween! Till this day, I have never come across someone on Halloween holding the faux glowing piece of the Aggro Crag. Kids these days! 
Nickelodeon Gak Contender, me, and Indiana Jones; State College, Pennsylvania 10.2006
ICELANDIC VISIT – My roommate Shannon introduced me to this awesome Icelandic named Holmar my super senior year. He surprised us in Orlando, Florida during our spring break 2007 – Holmar joined part of the day with us in Disney World. He definitely made us girls laugh a lot! He was particularly fond of the PSU bar the Phyrst! Who could blame him?!?
Anjoli, Troxler, me, Holmar, and Shannon; Orlando, Florida 04.2007
JACK DANIEL’S FIGHT – I absolutely love this picture – this is a clear representation of my happy I really was at PSU and how rare great friends like these are hard to find! The night was joined with nighttime volleyball, beer pong, Captain Morgan, and good ole Jack! Between you and I, nobody really got in a fight with Jack.. unless you count the trash can!
Adah, Shannon, me, and Sarah; State College, Pennsylvania 03.2005
KICK ASS NIGHT – Throughout my senior and super senior year at PSU, I met this amazing girl named Tara. I call her Troxler, well because that is her last name! Troxler and I hung out a lot and my sorority sisters absolutely loved her! She was one of the girls on the infamous Spring Break 2007 venture to Florida. I remember many cold winter nights in a hot tub with all of our good friends while it was snowing and blowing like crazy! Troxler and I referred them as our “After Parties” – at one time we had 12 people strategically placed in the hot tub! Troxler’s roommates were awesome and my sorority sisters, as well as my good friends had spent many nights at their place. Anjoli was also one of the girls that joined in the spring break 2007 trip. I still remain good friends with both of the girls and when we get together we seem to always reflect on our past “After Parties.” Good times had by all!
Anjoli, Sarah, me, Melinda, Troxler, and Leah (bottom in red); State College, Pennsylvania 11.2006

 

LUCK OF THE IRISH – Also known as State Patty’s Day – Penn Staters recognize this amazing event that has surpassed the amount of PSU’s biggest football weekend. Various colleges in the northeast have come to Penn State during this time to partake in the tradition. What is State Patty’s Day? Urban dictionary explains it as a holiday  created by Penn State students in 2007. It was celebrated on March 2, because spring break was scheduled over St. Patrick’s Day (March 17). Many students begin lining up outside of bars and drinking as early as 6AM to celebrate. The festivities last the entire day as students wearing green show up tipsy to class, or do not attend at all. Many parties are held at night, featuring green beer and green jungle juice. One of the famous bars that is sometimes incredibly hard to get into due to its long line is the Phyrst. This really is the only “authentic” Irish bar in the downtown College area. My good friends and I have enjoyed State Patty’s Day and I am proud to announce that I was a part of the “First Ever State Patty’s Day!” I knew the students who had established this fine event – kudos to them! 

Anna, Steph, me, and Anjoli; State College, Pennsylvania 02.2007

 

Anna and I; State College, Pennsylvania 03.2007

 

Me, Lex, and Shannon; State College, Pennsylvania 03.2006

MONKEY BOYS – Yes, the title says it all. How could Monkey Boys not get its own letter? I have religiously indulged myself into many various flavors when I was a student at PSU – I am definitely not the only one! My favorite one was a toss between Strawberry and Pineapple. A Monkey Boy has roughly 6-8 liquors, mixes a spritz of non-alcoholic mixer, and highlights cherries on top. Listed below are some of the recipes on how to make the “perfect” Monkey Boy. With over 40 different flavors to create, no wonder Monkey Boys earned the title of its own category!

Megan, Debb, and me; State College, Pennsylvania 06.2007

 

Me, Leah, and Meg; State College, Pennsylvania 05.2007

Original
3/4 oz. Vodka
3/4 oz. Gin
3/4 oz Rum
3/4 oz Triple Sec
3/4 oz apple schnaps
3/4 oz blueberry schnaps
3/4 oz peach schnaps
1. Fill pitcher with ice
2. Pour liquor over ice
3. Fill with equal parts sours mix & 7-up

Raspberry
1 oz Vodka
1 oz Gin
1 oz Rum
1 oz Triple Sec
1.5 oz Raspberry schnaps
1. Fill pitcher with ice
2. Pour liquor over ice
3. Fill with equal parts sours mix & 7-up

Tidy Bowl
3/4 oz Vodka
3/4 oz Gin
3/4 oz Rum
3/4 oz Blue Curaco
3/4 oz Apple schnaps
3/4 oz Peach schnaps
3/4 oz Blueberry schnaps
1. Fill pitcher with ice
2. Pour liquor over ice
3. Fill with equal parts sours mix & 7-up 

 

NEXT DESTINATION: FLORIDA – I think it is evident that a great deal of life-altering events happened during Spring Break 2007 – “The Chosen Path Revealed; Epic Spring Break Adventure.” I landed a dream job and a few of my closest friends were able to spend their break with me – of course, it is hard to turn down beach, beer, and sand! I had an eye-opener on the long grudges that colleges can keep … not specifically mentioning any college names! On top of all of that I had met my “future” roommate that lived in Cape Canaveral, Florida at the time – his location was only 20 minutes away from the Ecoes office. I have included one of my best Spring Break moments of 2007 with my great friends Brian and Martin. The scene took place in Ft. Lauderdale or Ft. Liquordale widely recognized by college students stateside (quite a popular spring break location) and at “America’s Backyard” – the ultimate Spring Break destination!
Anjoli, Brian, Troxler, Martin, and me; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 04.2007
OUTDOORS – PSU has many locations where the “outdoor lover” can explore new territory and trek miles of dirt. The best summer location was Whipple Dam – a place where us Penn Staters would relax and unwind after the long treacherous spring semester. Since I was into hiking all-year round the perfect location for this activity was at Mount Nittany – “Penn State Traditions; Some of the Best Moments are Unexpected.” Ever year thousands of graduating students hike this landscape to say farewell to Penn State. 
Lex, Shannon, Leah, Ashley, me, and Jen; State College, Pennsylvania 06.2007
POWER-HOURS –  If you ever had the chance to partake in my power-hours, then you definitely lived Penn State to its fullest! Many of you will know what a power-hour was, but if you do not, please let me summarize the weekend tradition. A power-hour consisted 60 minutes of funny clips and music videos. The basic idea is that for every funny clip is shown during the DVD that you have to take a drink of what beverage was in your hand at that time. I can honestly say that this was the best “pre-gaming” method before my good friends and I went out on the town. Not only was this a way to bring us all closer together, but it also kept more money in our pockets – every college student knows that this is a big deal! Some of the best friendships were created during these power-hours. A power-hour gave us a chance to unwind, chill, and talk about our day – it really was one of my highlights of PSU!
 
Meg, Becky, Jenn, and me; State College, Pennsylvania 11.2006

 

Tiffany, Sarah, Derek, Shannon, me, Kate, and Steph; State College, Pennsylvania 11.2006

 

Julie and I; State College, Pennsylvania 11.2006
Me, Sarah, Boy 1, Kate, Shannon, Boy 2, and Shannon; State College, Pennsylvania 11.2006
 
 
QUIRKY MOMENTS – One of my best friends was known as my “favorite skier” or Kate. Ironically we met at a house party when we both started talking about the adrenaline sport skiing. I started telling her about how awesome snowboarding was and why I thoroughly enjoyed it and the discussion led into how much she adored skiing. At the end of the night, we both came to the conclusion that both skiing and snowboarding was awesome! It is funny how one topic like this can bring two people closer together. Kate was introduced to my power-hours on her birthday – I called a few of my good friends to participate in the tradition. My favorite skier will explain to you that she had a blast and this is why her birthday party made the quirky moments – the event that turned into the most “unpredictable” birthday surprise. 
 
Kate, me, Steph, Sarah, and Tiffany with Shannon Laying Across Lap; State College, Pennsylvania 11.2006
 
 
ROOMMATE LOVE – My little sister in the sorority, Shannon, was not only a great addition to the sisterhood, but she was also a wonderful roommate and best friend! I am sure you will see lots of photographs and hear many stories about our crazy adventures in future posts – her and I did almost everything together. She played a large role in the Spring Break 2007. When I first brought up the idea of traveling to Florida, her backs were already packed! 
 
Shannon and I; State College, Pennsylvania 12.2006

 

Shannon and I; State College, Pennsylvania 11.2006
 
 
SISTERHOOD – Some of my favorite moments cannot be explained in words, but they can be portrayed in many photographs during my undergraduate years at Penn State. One of my all-time top moments were with my sorority sisters. Being the oldest sibling and the only girl in my family, I longed for some girl talks in my daily life. When I went through rush to “choose” my best matched sorority, I never dreamt of the life-long friendships that I would embrace with the sisterhood. During my junior year I was automatically introduced into the family of the “Greeks.” Honestly, my sorority, Phi Mu, had given me a loving family and endless memories that continue to replay in my mind. Sometimes we do not have words for moments like this and the flashbacks and pictures are all that we hold onto. I have tried to express my feelings and emotions towards my sorority, but this does not do much justice. If there is one thing that you have learned from my experiences of “Going Greek,” allow yourself to enter a society that accepts you for who you are – you will never regret this decision.
 
The Original Phi Mu Sisterhood; State College, Pennsylvania 09.2005

 

Steph, me, and Shannon; State College, Pennsylvania 02.2006

 

The Last Group Sorority Sisterhood Photo Taken when I was There; State College, Pennsylvania 01.2007

 

Meghan, Mary, me, and Jess aka Banzhoff; State College, Pennsylvania 01.2005
 
Adah, me, and Steph; State College, Pennsylvania 03.2007
TRIVIA – Every Tuesday there was trivia night at the Gingerbread Man or G-Man. A few of my sorority sisters and good friends used to put that “senseless” knowledge that we consumed during our undergraduate years into a game winning trivia session. Superb happy hour specials, excellent food, and trivia – what more could a Penn Stater ask for?
 
Troxler, me, and Jenna; State College, Pennsylvania 07.2007

 

Me, Jenn, and Milton; State College, Pennsylvania 03.2007
Ashley’s friend, Laura, Leah, Jenn, me, Jen, and Ashley; State College, Pennsylvania 02.2007
 
UNDER ARREST – During Spring Break 2007 the girls and I met with Martin and Brian. Brian’s dad was a cop and therefore he had a cop car sitting outside his house. Since we did not get our fill of taking enough photos in front of cop cars yet, the brilliant idea to this scenario was to take a photo in front of the cop car in the “under arrest” position. Classic! To answer your question, nobody was arrested!
 
Me, Shannon, Troxler, and Anjoli; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 04.2007
 
VICTIMS OF HORRIBLE SUMMER INTERNSHIP – I was nominated by my sorority and other classmates to sell the “Volume Library” in the summer of 2006. This was a series of books that helped kids with their homework and encouraged teachers to implement some of the material into their everyday teaching routine. The only key factor that they left out was the “Door to Door Selling!” I assumed (first big mistake) that we were interacting with the kids through the school system. Not even close! To make a long story short, after an “attack dog” bit me, I realized that I had to make this summer in Wisconsin fun despite the strange scenario that I was in. I met Chelsey and Crystal, both girls who were in the same situation that I was – we all wanted a kick ass summer and to spend time together. We nicknamed ourselves “West-side” for whatever reason and became really good friends that summer. I tend to recall some skinny dipping in the Mississippi River, crazy moments, and a pool party. All and all, Chelsey and Crystal had created my “interesting” summer in Wisconsin and I was thankful to have met them!
 
Chelsey, Crystal, and me; Milwaukee, Wisconsin 07.2006
 
 
WISCONSIN BREWERS – Along with the strange summer in Wisconsin working an internship, there were a few “good” moments. For instance, I went to my first Wisconsin Brewers baseball home game against the Atlanta Braves. This was a really cool event because this is when I began to become apart of “West-side” and had the opportunity to see the Brewers play. 
Crystal, me, Dan, Chelsey, and Josh; Milwaukee, Wisconsin 06.2006
X MARKS THE SPOT – I was notorious for taking photos in groups of 3’s at PSU. My reasoning behind this was because it was easy to fit 2 other people in the picture – usually our faces are squished together, but still it was a fabulous photo! I have many more, but these were the best. 
 
Ramrod, me, and Tiffany; State College, Pennsylvania 04.2006

 

Mike, me, and Leslie aka Skerponator; State College, Pennsylvania 08.2008

 

Jenn, me, and Meg; State College, Pennsylvania 11.2005

 

Me, Shannon, and Mike aka Pasta; State College, Pennsylvania 02.2006

  

Ramrod, Jess, and me; State College, Pennsylvania 10.2006

 

Darice, me, and Lindsay; State College, Pennsylvania 03.2007

 

Me, Matt, and Shannon; State College, Pennsylvania 02.2007

 

Syrena, me, and Debb; State College, Pennsylvania 03.2007

 

Steph, Brandon, and me; State College, Pennsylvania 00.2006

 

Me, Shannon, and Meg; State College, Pennsylvania 06.2007

 

Me, Brandon, and Shannon; State College, Pennsylvania 06.2007
 
YELLOW BRICK ROAD – Though this road is not yellow nor brick, it is indeed still a road! I always seemed to get in the craziest nights with my best friend Kate; however, this particular night took the cake! Important note to my family – this was on a side road on a one-way street and NO traffic comes through here! This was in the front of the house party that we had just left.
 
Me, Kate, and Mary; State College, Pennsylvania 01.2006
 
 

ZANIEST NIGHTS – Randomly throughout the week and on several weekends I would hang out with Jess or as I cleverly nicknamed her “Ramrod.” Ramrod and I some awesome times together and it really was never a dull moment with us. In addition to Ramrod, I also met a “midget” named Megan. The most amusing story about Megan is how she first introduced herself – “Hi, I am Megan and legally a midget!” My time spent with Ramrod and Midget Meg added a lot more college life excitement to the mix!

Ramrod, me, Robin, Toni, and Midget Meg; State College, Pennsylvania 12.2006

 

Christine’s friend, Natasha, Sarah, Tiffany, Christine, Ramrod, and me; State College, Pennsylvania 12.2006

 

Me, Ramrod, and Midget Meg; State College, Pennsylvania 12.2006

 

As you can see the Penn Staters and I knew how to have a good time. Of course, academics were a priority as well, but who wants to see pictures of me studying?!? ;)
 

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