Alumni Spotlight: Lauren Jerla, class of 2010

MEDIA, Pa. – Since getting involved with the Office of Student Affairs at Brandywine, alumna Lauren Jerla, class of 2010, knew she wanted to work in higher education.

Jerla began her Penn State journey at Brandywine in 2006, majoring in English. She was involved in multiple organizations on campus, including Lion Ambassadors and THON. She was also an orientation leader and had a part-time job in the Office of Student Affairs.

Jerla mentioned that one of the best decisions she ever made was choosing to attend Brandywine.

“Before college, I had never been to the Brandywine campus, but I passed by it many times,” she noted. “My experience there was definitely a great one. I made a lot of connections with the faculty and staff. I met some of my best friends at Brandywine who I still keep in contact with to this day.”

Jerla also enjoyed Brandywine’s small campus feel, mentioning that she didn’t feel like she ever got lost in the crowd in college.

“It made me feel at home when I was there because the small campus feel made Brandywine seem like family,” she said. “I tried to spend as much time on campus as I could. I loved being there. I got to know a lot of people to the point where I came across so many people I knew walking around campus.”

Brandywine helped Jerla figure out that her passion lies in working in higher education. While working in the Office of Student Affairs, she found that she wanted to work with students to help them get involved outside the classroom. After graduating from Brandywine, she went on to get her master’s degree in higher education counseling and student affairs from West Chester University.

“I wanted to work in student affairs after graduation because I wanted to be able to provide students with similar opportunities and experiences that I had when I was at Brandywine,” Jerla said. “The staff and administration on campus during my time at Brandywine played a big part in giving us students those opportunities. I’d like to be one of those people for someone else.”

Upon getting her master’s degree, Jerla began her career at Eastern University where she worked as an administrative assistant. Four years later, she went on to work at Penn State Great Valley as a registration and student services associate. During her time at Great Valley, she earned a graduate certificate in leadership development.

Today, Jerla works at the University of Pennsylvania as an admissions coordinator for the nursing school. In her role, she plans prospective and admitted student events, including open houses and accepted student days. She also works closely with prospective and admitted students by answering their questions and providing them with advice via email or over the phone.

“Coming from smaller institutions, Penn is definitely a different experience,” Jerla said. “Penn is a very large institution, with students coming here from around the country and even around the world. It’s different from what I’m used to, but it’s been a very positive experience so far.”

When asked what advice she would give to Brandywine students, Jerla said she encourages students to get involved as much as they can and make the most of their college experience.

“It’s so important to put in the time academically, but also don’t be afraid to try something new,” she said. “Maybe join a club or go to an event. There’s something for everyone at Brandywine. It definitely helps you in the long run.”

She also advises students to take advantage of any job or internship opportunities that come their way.

“If you have the opportunity to get a work-study position on campus, if you have the opportunity to get an internship, take it,” Jerla said. “Step out of your comfort zone. For me, that’s how I got to be where I am today. Being involved helped define who I am and positively changed my life.”