Nick Pananos is a second-year finance major at Penn State Brandywine.
Year: Second
Major: Finance
Involvement: Associate director, Brandywine Benefitting THON; member, Student Government Association (SGA); member, Student Initiated Fee committee
Brandywine: What was your deciding factor in coming to Penn State Brandywine?
Pananos: I was born and raised in Delaware County, so I know this area really well. I also wanted to be close to family, so Brandywine seemed like the best place.
Brandywine: How did you choose your major?
Pananos: I had a family friend who was a finance adviser at JP Morgan, and he always told me about his job. I thought it was really cool, so I decided to give it a try.
Brandywine: Who at Brandywine has supported you, and how?
Pananos: Patton Vo (director of campus development) has helped me out a lot. He was my first-year seminar instructor, and he helped guide me a lot during my first year of college. Don Brennan (assistant director of residence life) has helped me out a lot as one of the Brandywine Benefitting THON advisers. He’s helped me a lot both in and outside the club.
Brandywine: What made you interested in joining Brandywine Benefitting THON? What do you enjoy most about it?
Pananos: My family works with kids — we own daycares — so I’ve been around kids for a long time. When I heard about THON, all I could think about was, “What if the kids I work with had to experience childhood cancer?” The thought of that is terrible, and it motivated me to join THON to help make a difference.
What I enjoy most about being a part of THON is getting to hang out with my fellow club members and being able to raise money for the kids.
Brandywine: What advice do you have for students who are looking to get involved?
Pananos: Just be yourself. Also, it doesn’t matter what your niche is. There’s something at Brandywine for everybody.
I’ve definitely become more confident in who I am, and I’ve become more charismatic because of my involvement.—Nick Pananos , second-year finance major, Penn State Brandywine
Brandywine: With your involvement at Brandywine, how has your time on campus been impacted?
Pananos: I’ve definitely become more confident in who I am, and I’ve become more charismatic because of my involvement. I’ve been able to put my name out there more.
Brandywine: What's your favorite memory you've made at Brandywine?
Pananos: Going to University Park last year for THON weekend was probably my favorite memory during my time at Brandywine. It was a great experience that allowed me to get to know my fellow club members more.
Brandywine: What has been the most valuable lesson you've learned at Brandywine?
Pananos: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that patience is key. If you wait long enough, something good will happen.
