The Grades

It was never about the grades or the 4.0 or the stupid fucking honors cords. It was always about proving to myself that I could wake up every morning and push myself to the precipice of performance — to the limit of my ability. It was about using every ounce of information to build a cognitive network of concepts that allowed me to become fully immersed in the material. It was about working tirelessly to not disappoint those who helped me get to where I am.

It certainly has not been an easy four years here at Penn State, but I don’t regret a single thing that happened. I have managed to build the most incredible support system of peers and mentors who have helped me in ways I had not thought were possible. Without the challenges, I would not have grown. Without the friendships, I would not have flourished.

Thus, I offer no thank you to Penn State itself but endless gratitude for those who made my journey special.