Penn State Brandywine student Ava Clements is majoring in communications and is a reporter for the Lion's Eye.
Year: Third
Major: Communications
Involvement: Reporter, Lion’s Eye; honors student, Cooper Honors Program
Brandywine: What was your deciding factor in coming to Penn State Brandywine?
Clements: My deciding factors when I was choosing to attend Penn State Brandywine came down to a few features. The first is the academic programs that are available on campus; they largely align with my career goals. Along with that, the close-knit community and location were huge appeals to me.
Brandywine: How did you choose your major?
Clements: I chose my major with a lot of back-and-forth thinking. I became interested in communications through previous courses I took and the close connections I made with the professors in that major.
Brandywine: What challenges have you faced at Brandywine if any?
Clements: I’ve faced little challenges at Brandywine. Inevitably, each semester brings new adjustments, but nonetheless, it encourages new experiences and not too many struggles.
I’d say the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of personal growth. This comes from fostering relationships, engaging with diverse perspectives, and balancing my academic and personal development.—Ava Clements , Penn State Brandywine third-year student
Brandywine: Who at Brandywine has supported you, and how?
Clements: All my professors have supported me, especially Karen Theveny (assistant teaching professor of communications). When I changed my major to communications, she was there to help me every step of the way. My advisers have been great too; they’re really attentive whenever I need anything.
Brandywine: What made you interested in joining Lion’s Eye? What do you enjoy most about it?
Clements: I love writing; it’s one of my favorite pastimes. I was just introduced to the Lion’s Eye last semester. I looked through it and found it so fascinating. It’s really cool that we students can go around campus, find our own stories and produce them. I’ve been exploring all the options of what I want to do after I graduate, and this experience has definitely made me want to go into investigative reporting.
Brandywine: What advice do you have for students who are looking to get involved?
Clements: My advice would be to go into everything with an open mind and not let fear hold you back from experiencing or exploring new interests and forming new connections.
Brandywine: With your involvement at Brandywine, how has your time on campus been impacted?
Clements: With my involvement, my time here has been impacted only positively. I have been given the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with my peers and to truly flourish in my academics.
Brandywine: What's your favorite memory you've made at Brandywine?
Clements: My favorite memory I’ve made came from the time I spent with Global Programs. This past May, I took a trip with Global Programs to the south of France. It was my first time out of the country, and I was so fortunate to have experienced it with my fellow Brandywine classmates. We visited places like Nice, Marseille and Monaco, to name a few. It was an awesome experience.
Brandywine: What has been the most valuable lesson you've learned at Brandywine?
Clements: I’d say the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of personal growth. This comes from fostering relationships, engaging with diverse perspectives, and balancing my academic and personal development.
