Brandywine Student Spotlight: Juliah Mansilla

Year: First

Major: Business, Accounting Option

Involvement: Lion Ambassador; member, Latinx Club; member, Honors Student Association; member, Nittany Christian Fellowship

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

Mansilla: Penn State was my dream school because of the alumni network and the great education it offers. Back in high school, Alyssa Hamm (admissions counselor) visited and told us about Penn State Brandywine. After I did some research and a campus tour, I fell in love with the campus. The faculty and staff are very welcoming and helpful. I also liked that I was able to learn in a smaller environment. It allows me to know my professors on a personal level.

Brandywine: How did you choose your major?

Mansilla: I was lucky enough to be admitted into an accounting program at my high school, and I was involved with that for two years. I was able to gain a lot of knowledge and learn about the foundations of accounting. From that program, I realized I wanted to pursue accounting as a career.

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

Mansilla: One challenge I faced here at Brandywine was the adjustment to living on campus. It took me a while to adjust to living far from home, but this experience has taught me to be more independent. Another challenge I faced was during finals week last semester. It was my first time taking final exams during college, and I was overwhelmed by all the materials I needed to know. I studied really hard for my finals, and I’m glad to say my hard work and determination paid off.

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

Mansilla: Kari Berton has really supported me. She provides a nice, welcoming environment for us Lion Ambassadors. I always look forward to our meetings because we have great discussions and plan out what we’re going to do throughout the semester. With so much going on at school, I love being a part of clubs because it’s the fun part of my day.

Brandywine: As a first-year student, how have you been adjusting to college life?

Mansilla: It was a very big adjustment going from high school to college. The classes are more fast-paced and very challenging. I remember last semester, I had a quiz every week. I’ve learned a few tips to help me with classes and time management, which is really crucial for the college experience.

Brandywine: What made you interested in becoming a Lion Ambassador? What do you enjoy most about it?

Mansilla: I was truly impacted positively by the first tour I had on this campus. During Accepted Students’ Day, some of the current students told me about Lion Ambassadors and what being in the club entails. I wanted to give back to incoming students and give them the same feeling I had when I had my first tour.

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

Mansilla: During my time in high school, I never joined any clubs, but when I came here, I essentially had a fresh start. I joined some clubs at the Involvement Fair last semester, and now I feel like I’m a part of a community where we all come together for one common purpose: to better Brandywine. It makes my time here more productive, and I feel like I’m able to be more than just a student. Through the clubs I’m involved with, I was able to form new friendships and connections, and it all adds to my college experience.

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

Mansilla: My favorite memory was the All-U Day trip to University Park. It was my first Penn State football game, and I had a blast. The crowd was energetic, the music was blasting, and all the Penn State fans were super excited. The game was great because we ended up winning; that was the cherry on top of a great day. I can’t wait to go back next year.

Brandywine: What’s been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Brandywine?

Mansilla: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned at Brandywine is to be okay with change. Although change is scary, it’s for the best. Ever since I got here, so much has changed, like being away from family and living on my own, but change is what shapes us into who we are today. I can look back on my struggles and the changes I’ve had in my life and see how it’s shaped me into the confident, independent woman I am today.