On Saturday, May 4th 2013, I will be graduating Penn State University with my Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies, along with minors in Environmental Inquiry, and Civic and Community Engagement.
There have been many “lasts” over the past few months: my last semester, my last finals, my last time riding the CATA bus, the last time taking a test in the testing center, the last time living in my apartment. All of these are sad, no doubt! I will miss walking through the elm trees, working in the surplus store, attending football games in the student section, getting lost in the library stacks, and having dinner downtown.
However, Penn State has brought me many firsts: my first conference presentation (and my 2nd, and 3rd, and 4th), research project (and many more), conference attendance, football game, collegiate hockey career, and many more. Through the last four years at Penn State, I have presented at four conferences across the United States, gained two professional memberships, finished many research projects, published two iBooks (Controversies and Deepwater Horizon), played club ice hockey.. and loved every minute of it!
What is next for me? Through my communications classes, I learned that I love to write and really enjoy print/e-media, and through my environmental studies classes, I have learned that I love and cherish the environment. So, after four years of school, I realized that my dream is to pursue environmental journalism: I will be attending the University of Montana for my Masters in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism. This summer, I will have an article published in the Earth Scientist and do some curriculum development for PAESTA before heading to Missoula, Montana.
I have no regrets upon graduation, and I am so happy that I chose the Blue and White. The saying on my favorite Penn State Alumni tee-shirt says “I wish I could go back. Not to change anything, but to do it all over again.” I could not agree more. Good luck class of 2013, and thank you Penn State!
Abbey Dufoe 
My heart filled with excitement for you when I read this. The accomplishments that you have made and your bright future ahead:)
Aunt Deb
Thank you Aunt Deb!!
Oh my gosh. reading this just gave me goose bumps. You are such an amazing young woman. Wish we lived closer and our lives weren’t so busy. Have a great summer:)