Year: Second

Major: Engineering

Involvement: Treasurer, Brandywine Music Association (BMA); treasurer, Brandywine Leagues & Tournaments (BLT)

Brandywine: What was your deciding factor in coming to Penn State Brandywine?

Graham: I really liked how small the campus was. The smaller campus allows for more personal interactions with advisers and professors, and it’s allowed me to make closer friendships. I feel like the small campus also allows me to get involved more easily.

Brandywine: How did you choose your major?

Graham: I’ve always wanted to be an engineer. I like knowing how things work, being able to take things apart and put them back together.

Brandywine: What challenges have you faced at Brandywine, if any?

Graham: I’ve mostly struggled with my work ethic. With large gaps in between classes, I found myself struggling to stay productive, especially when I first came to Brandywine. I’ve been amending how I spend my time, with not only my schoolwork but with the clubs I’m involved with as well, and it’s still a work in progress.

Brandywine: Who at Brandywine has supported you, and how?

Graham: I’ve made a lot of friends, especially within my major, and we’ve all helped each other. We created study groups to help with work and preparing for exams. Also, everyone in BMA and BLT have been really supportive. They’ve helped me make more connections with other people on campus.

Brandywine: What made you interested in joining BMA? What do you enjoy most about it?

Graham: I’ve always been interested in music; I play the flute and was involved with the marching band in high school. Even though I didn’t want to do music as a career, I still wanted to get involved with music in college. When I saw BMA at the involvement fair in my first year, I thought it would be a perfect fit for me. What I enjoy most about BMA is the people who are in the organization. It’s a great community to be a part of.

Brandywine: What made you interested in joining BLT? What do you enjoy most about it?

Graham: I wanted to join BLT because it wasn’t as intensive as many of the clubs on campus. There aren’t any weekly meetings for general body members to attend, so I thought it was a natural step forward to getting involved in a club when I first came to Brandywine. I enjoy the events BLT holds and collaborating with other clubs on campus. It allows me to meet so many new people on campus and make connections. 

Brandywine: What advice do you have for students who are looking to get involved?

Graham: If you see a flyer for an event, go to it. It doesn’t matter what the event is; just go and ask what club is running it. Doing this could lead you to not only join more clubs but also to make connections. Also, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. There are always people in the club room in the Student Union, whether it’s a staff member in Student Affairs or students who are involved in clubs. You can always go to them if you need anything.

Brandywine: With your involvement at Brandywine, how has your time on campus been impacted?

Graham: When I’m involved, I feel more productive. I like being as productive as possible. I feel like being involved in clubs has helped me stay on top of my schoolwork and keep a healthy lifestyle. The busier I am, the better my grades are and the better I feel in general. Being involved has allowed me to become the person I want to be, which is someone who communicates and someone who people shouldn’t be afraid to go to for questions.

Brandywine: What's your favorite memory you've made at Brandywine?

Graham: My favorite memory at Brandywine was BMA’s first Brandywine’s Got Talent event in November 2022. I was able to see how all the members act under pressure and what goes into putting on a talent show. When I saw the event come together, I knew I wanted to be more involved in the organization and wanted to be a part of the executive board.

Brandywine: What has been the most valuable lesson you've learned at Brandywine?

Graham: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to get involved in whatever you can, whether it’s getting involved with clubs or talking with professors to take on research opportunities. Also, be open-minded about things you have an interest in. Join clubs you might be interested in, and if it’s not for you, that’s OK. At least you made some connections and you’re learning your likes and dislikes.