VALLEY FALL/WINTER 2009
TAYLOR SWIFT
Shares the biggest love lesson she’s learned …and so much more!
RECESSION PROOF:
How to get involved and build your résumé now
FALL FASHION It’s all about statement jewelry, the color red and knee-high boots
ADDERALL
Valley blows the lid off of University Park’s dirty little secret
MULTI-FACETED
A Special Tribute to P.J. Maierhofer in Her Final Semester as Penn State’s Blue Sapphire with commentary by President Graham Spanier
FALL/WINTER 2009
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Table of Contents 27
14 24
DECORATING101
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Letter from the Editor
12 Ask the Staff: What’s the worst gift you’ve ever received?
WE ARE...BEAUTIFUL! 13
4 Ways to Prevent HPV
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PSU Water vs. Your Hair! Hair products that fight the harsh chemicals in campus water
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Boom, Boom, Pow! Get fit and learn self-defense at the same time
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Working Out from Home Fitness class moves converted to at-home workout routines
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College Cookin’ Easy recipes from PSU moms
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Beauty On the Job Beauty products student workers depend on
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Decorate to Focus A new annual article to help you decorate with colors that inspire positive emotions
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Make It or Take It Cool accessories for any dorm or apartment, and ways to make them on your own!
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Design Dilemmas Our editor-in-chief answers all of your decorating questions
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Home Schooled Friends from all over the country decorate their townhouse with personal touches from home
ENTERTAININGU 26
Hey, Mr. DJ Valley interviews the man behind the music you listen to on the weekends
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Taylor Swift Talks to Valley The mega star answered our questions while visiting Penn State on tour
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The Battle Behind Broadway Overalls Adam Nye and Krysta Genovese reveal all the secrets behind Greek Sing 2009
30 Face Value Our beauty editor’s three golden makeup rules VALLEY MAGAZINE
Throw a Woodstock Party! Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Woodstock in style
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35 COLLEGIATE COUTURE
PSYOU, YOU, YOU 47 48 48 49 50 51
Special Résumé Building Package
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Cover Story: True Colors A special tribute to P.J. Maierhofer in her final semester as Penn State’s Blue Sapphire
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Welcome to My Life: Alyse Schroeder
Get Involved! The Red Cross Club A Study Guide to Studying Sudying Abroad: Sophomore vs. Junior Year Facebook: How it can get you a job Mastering the Art of Interning
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Runway to Valley’s Way Looks translated from Bryant Park to Pollock Road
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Woman of Style: Risa Zucker
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Best Dressed List What fashion lovers are wearing around campus this semester
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The Perfect Outfit For a Rec Hall Workout Cute clothes for the gym
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Date Night: Nittany Mountain Vineyard & Winery
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Break Out of the Pack! Backpacks are so high school
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Eye Candy This season’s hottest jewelry
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Manage Your Money Tips for students of all ages to manage their spending
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What to Wear A staple piece to get you through an entire day
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Love Across the Spectrum One LGBTA student finds support through Penn State
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Code Red The season’s most contagious trends
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The Study Steroid Valley blows the lid off of University Park’s dirty little secret FALL/WINTER 2009
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President/Editor-in-Chief: Devin Tomb Creative Director: Shikeith Cathey Design Director: Melissa Bechtold Managing Editor: Erin Mawe Beauty Editor: Marina Matteo Beauty Writers: Jessica Brown, Johnie Gall, Jayne Greenwald, Lyndsay Luff, Michele Mendelson, Stephanie Nassib Culture Editor: Maggie Stuart Culture Writers: Jeanne Drouilhet, Abby Foust, Carley Lang, Monica O’Donnell, Holly Shok, Alexandra Voigt Design Editor: Michelle Turli Design Writer: Stef Davis Entertainment Editor: Taylor Larouche Entertainment Writer: Haley Blum Fashion Editor: Jen Hoffman Stylist: Christine Bove Fashion Writers: Ross Marcinizyn, Julia Nguyen Web Editors: Hannah Bracale, Elysia Mann Graphic Designers: Megan Crouse, Antoinette Francis, Jessica Gottschalk, Jared Hilliard, Magdalena Krawcyzk, Marissa Nagy, Lisa Shen, Annie To, Jessica Uzar Photographers: Debra Cohen, William Krill, Maxwell Kruger, Rich McOrmand, Jaime Miller, Jessica Rommelt, Ann Sciandra Contributing Writers: Krysta Genovese, Adam Nye Administrative Assistant: Jennifer Robinson
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FALL/WINTER 2009
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Vice President/Managing Director: Efe Obaigbena Assistant Managing Director: Nora Snoddy Finance Director: Ali Trombetta
Advertising Directors: Monica O’Donnell, Stephanie Verbanets Advertising Assistant: Christina Kim Advertising Team: Rachel Abraham, Ellie Auer, Catherine Clawson, Alex Gold, Allison Hoffman, Alex Lutz, Emily Schade, Bernadette Staino Event Directors: Alex Farrell, Melissa Manetakis Event Assistant: Erin Donahue Event Photographer: Fiorella Otero Event Team: Yoma Acholonu, Kate Arendas, Amina Bobb, Amanda Hartmann, Margaux Leone, Jade Martinez, Stephie Mastrobattista, Chris Mouser, Tiffany Nguyen, Raquel Ortega, Sarah Preston, Megan Quirk, Jasmine Rushum, Emily Silsby, Laura Tucker Marketing Directors: Brittany Latney, Lauren Williams Marketing Assistant: Carley Lang Marketing Team: Yasemin Baris, Joanna Blake, Abby Harnish, Kirsten Hurley, Lauren Kuefner, Jennie Lichtenstein, Kimberly Mouser, Brianne Murphy, Jasmine Rushum, Mallory Shore, Maggie Stuart Creative Design Team: Leslie Herscher, Victoria Maggio, Jennifer Makulowich, Maria Miller, Danielle Morelli Advisers: Pamela Monk, Ron Smith Cover Shoot: Dress provided by Mr. Charles Hair and makeup provided by Designer’s Denn
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from Editor
R
Letter the
ecognize this story? A freshman at Penn State is totally overwhelmed – big school, even bigger list of organizations to join. Eventually, the right one is chosen, and this freshman creates a group of friends with similar interests as his or her own. Soon they all become best friends and do everything together. After all, they like the same exact things. Isn’t this a typical story on a college campus like our own? P.J. and I during her cover shoot. We traveled all But there is a problem here. They like the same exact around campus, including Beaver Stadium and Hintz things. Family Alumni Center! This issue is all about breaking stereotypes and opening up our minds. There are hundreds of student organizations on campus, and although it’s impossible to get to know all 44,000 students, it would be a waste to go by first impressions, unwilling to appreciate the vast amount of talent we have at Penn State. If Anna Marie DiPietro had gone by first impressions, she would have never befriended our Fall 2009 cover girl, P.J. Maierhofer. (DiPietro actually nominated Maierhofer as a surprise!) While on the field of Beaver Stadium shooting Maierhofer’s cover (see page 52 for the story, “True Colors”), DiPietro told me that she always assumed Maierhofer would be “snotty” because she is the Blue Sapphire. Discovering just the opposite, DiPietro and Maierhofer have formed a deep friendship that I truly admire. Valley’s first issue was criticized for having too many articles about boys, and a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People and Allies community challenged us to represent them. Turn to page 59 where we talk to Emma Cowie, a member of and strong advocate for the LGBTA community, who has found a home and lots of support at Penn State. Let me take this time to say that Valley fully supports the LGBTA community, and we hope Cowie’s story will motivate others to share the same feeling. Although Maierhofer’s and Cowie’s stories are special treats just for this issue, we’ve added a new feature to our magazine that will introduce you to a different student organization every semester. We are calling it “Get Involved!”, and with all of the blood drives on campus throughout the year we couldn’t think of a better organization to start with than the Penn State Student Red Cross Club. Turn to page 48 to read all about their efforts. I hope you’ll finish this issue with a new sense of pride for your university. Over the years I’ve really come to appreciate how encouraging Penn State is when students want to fulfill their academic and extracurricular goals, whatever they may be. Of course, there’s always work to be done when it comes to diversity, but I hope this issue will serve as a start toward enlightenment and acceptance. After all – We are…Penn State! For the Glory,
Devin Tomb
Editor-in-Chief
Do you have a diverse story to share? Or
“Only the open-minded can be at peace, for they alone see reason for it.” - Meditations from A Course in Miracles
are you part of a new student organization that could be featured in the next issue? Email me at det5019@psu.edu.
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Askthe Staff
What’s the Worst
Gift
you’ve ever received?
“It was around Valentine’s Day, and my boyfriend at the time mailed me something because we were in a long distance relationship. I opened it up, and I got a rock from the ground. He decided it was somewhat heart shaped and sent it to me as a present.” -Joanna Blake, promotions team
“A denim purse that looked like the top part of a pair of jeans…complete with a bubble butt.” -Jeanne Drouilhet, culture writer
“A purse made out of coarse green and brown sheepskin. It was so rough that it was uncomfortable to touch. According to my aunt, it was a ‘hit’ back in Georgia. It hasn’t left my closet since I received it two years ago!” -Bernadette Staino, advertising team
“Bright purple, fluffy gloves and a matching scarf. I still have them!” -Johnie Gall, beauty writer
“One Christmas I received one of those digi pet toys. It was seriously way too much responsibility for my 9-year-old brain, and it caused me a lot of stress. The pet died in a matter of days.” -Shikeith Cathey, creative director
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we are...beautiful
PSU WATER vs. YOUR HAIR! We found the best products to fight against damage from harsh water and rejuvenate parched strands! By Jayne Greenwald
Penn State water is tested annually by various chemistry classes. In November 2008, Jackie Schefkind, a junior majoring in biobehavioral health, tested water all over campus for her experimental chemistry class. She discovered some surprising results. “Chemicals, such as calcium and magnesium, contribute to the hardness of tap water at PSU,” Schefkind said. More specifically, the high calcium levels present in hard water contribute to dry, lifeless hair and flaking of the scalp. It’s important to continuously protect hair against these harsh chemicals, and there are several products that do so effectively.
1 Pureology Purify Shampoo and Conditioner are excellent for
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removing residue caused by hard water minerals, as well as other harmful impurities, such as chlorine and styling products. (Looks Hair Design, $27 each)
2 Redken Blonde Glam Shampoo and Conditioner remove minerals from hard water, specifically on blonde hair, and promote clean, bright and shiny strands for all hair colors. (Looks Hair Design, $12.95 and $13.95)
3 Biolage Hydrating Shampoo and Biolage Conditioning Balm restore hydration and encourage healthy, soft and glossy hair. (Supercuts, $15 and $22)
4WAYS TO PREVENT HPV
Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, affects more men and women across the United States than any other STD. HPV is a virus that affects the skin and mucous membranes and can cause cervical cancer. Sometimes people infected with the virus don’t even know they have it. Follow these four easy steps to help prevent HPV. By Stephanie Nassib
1. Get vaccinated Gardisil is a vaccine that helps prevent HPV. It is available for young women between the ages of 12 and 26, and it’s given in three doses. The vaccine prevents four types of the virus, including the infections that can cause cervical cancer in women. Talk to your doctor first to make sure you understand the benefits and side effects of the vaccine.
2. Use protection Of course the safest and most effective way to protect yourself is to abstain from sexual intercourse; however, if you are sexually active, then you and your partner must always take the proper precautions. Using a condom consistently can greatly reduce your risk of getting the infection. Keep a supply on hand!
Facts from University Health Services
After a total of 321 HPV tests were given between September 2008 and September 2009, 94 women tested positive for HPV.
3. Limit your sexual partners Limiting the number of people you have sex with decreases your chance of getting HPV. It is important to know your partner’s sexual history. This is especially true because he or she could easily have the virus and unknowingly pass it on to you. Always make sure you ask questions to keep yourself informed about your partner’s past.
All Penn State women are encouraged to get checked at least once a year.
4. Get tested frequently Even if you have been vaccinated, it is still crucial to get tested for the virus at your gynecologist’s office. Regular screenings for cervical cancer can assure you that you are keeping yourself safe, and it can alert you of medical issues you need to take care of. It’s also important to keep informed of new safety measures.
Women who smoke and have HPV have a harder time clearing the virus out of their system because smoking suppresses the immune system. FALL/WINTER 2009
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we are...beautiful
Boom, Boom, Pow! With eight* reported sexual assaults on campus so far this semester, it’s time to take action! Jessica Brown explains how to get in shape and learn self-defense by signing up for boxing classes at State College’s Titan Fitness Center.
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hat better time is there to start a new workout routine than fall semester? Once the cold, gray weather sets in, we need workouts that allow us to be active indoors. This is exactly what pushed me to try boxing last year. And with sexual assaults becoming more and more of a problem on campus, there’s no time like the present for other female students to try it out, too. Boxing is an energy-packed activity that requires a lot of self-motivation. You set personal goals and reach them through competition. It is a wonderful workout because it is a holistic approach to cardio. The arms, thighs, calves and chest are the main muscle groups worked during boxing. It’s all about repetition of movements—punch, punch, block, punch, punch, block. Self-defense is stressed because you learn practical maneuvers to defend yourself from common moves attackers may use. Some girls may think boxing is a guy’s sport. The biggest hurdle I had to overcome before joining the class was my own self-consciousness and fears of getting hurt or not being able to keep up. But there are other girls in boxing classes, and they all feel the same way! Courtney Rogaski, a Penn State senior, is among many other girls who are giving boxing a try at Titan Fitness Center in State College. Just like me, she felt awkward at first. “I was intimidated by the lack of girls; this was something new for me,” she said, “but I felt safe in the environment.”
This semester is her first time attempting boxing classes. “I had always walked by Titan [Fitness] on my way to school, and it caught my eye,” she said. “Originally, I was just looking for weight loss, and boxing is great for that. But now my main goal is to gain more self-defense.” If you are looking for a change of pace this winter, Rogaski strongly suggests giving boxing a try. “It offers so many benefits. I think more girls should do it. I definitely plan on continuing with boxing—it’ll keep me in shape and will make me feel safer.” Even if you’re a treadmill junkie or a gym rat, boxing can To take a class, contact: offer a different outlet for stress Paul Zelinka and conditioning—not just Titan Fitness physical conditioning—but mental 412 W. College Ave. conditioning. After my first punch, State College, PA 16801 Phone: (814)-235-1015 I felt empowered and strong. Email: info@titanfitness.com It’s amazing what self defense Web site: www.titanfitness.com training and cardio can do to boost your physical and mental Group classes are $60 per month; Private endorphins! classes are $25 per Instead of following the crash diet session fads this winter, try eating healthy and (Gloves, wraps and taking a few boxing lessons. You’ll mouth guard are included) not only look great walking to class and out at night, but you’ll feel just a little bit safer, too.
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*As of our press time, this number was based on reports from the Penn State Police and The Daily Collegian.
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we are...beautiful
Working(out) from
Home
When temperatures fall below freezing in State College, it’s hard to find the will for the White Building. While a gym workout is ideal, Lyndsay Luff converts moves from Penn State fitness classes to short, at-home workouts.
Penn State’s Fitness Department showed us three moves from two of their most popular classes, “Kickboxing Aerobics” and “Butts & Guts.” Do these moves during the commercials of your favorite TV show, and you’ll pack a surprising amount of exercise into your schedule!
Push-ups 1) Lie on your stomach with your palms to the floor and your elbows touching your ribcage. 2) Straighten your arms, keeping your neck and head in line with your spine. Squeeze your buttocks without arching your lower back. 3) Lower your body to the beginning position without your torso touching the ground. 4) Do 10 reps of 10 pushups each.
Planks Math Lesson A one-hour episode of Gossip Girl has about 15 minutes of commercials, while a two-hour episode of So You Think You Can Dance has about 30 minutes of commercials. If you watch an average of 1 1/2 hours of television each night, do these exercises throughout each commercial break and you’ll have already completed 135 minutes of exercise out of the recommended 150 minutes per week!
*These are supplemental recommendations made by Penn State Fitness. Normal exercise routines combining cardiovascular and muscular conditionaing are still needed to produce health benefits.
1) Lie on your stomach
and begin in step one of the push-up position, with your palms to the floor and elbows touching your ribcage. 2) Instead of placing your palms on the ground, as you did for the push-up, bend your arms and place your elbows on the floor, keeping your hands in fists and arms parallel to each other. 3) Do 10 reps, holding for 10 seconds each.
Wall Sits 1) Keeping your feet
shoulder-width apart, stand with your back touching a wall without your legs or heels touching it. 2) Slide your entire back down the wall, as if you were sitting in a chair, bending your knees at a 90 degree angle. 3) Do 10 reps, holding for 10 seconds each. FALL/WINTER 2009
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College Cookin’
we are...beautiful
Learning to cook can be challenging and stressful for college students. Four Penn State moms shared their favorite recipes with Michele Mendelson to help students eat healthy and quickly create a delicious meal.
Vegetable Casserole Submitted by Robin Smulofsky, mother of Jaci Smulofsky, junior-kinesiology 1 red pepper 1 green pepper 1 carrot 1 zucchini 1 canned mushrooms 1 onion 1 green onion 1 tsp. corn facula cabbage (julienne) bean sprouts Chop all vegetables except bean sprouts and place in a bowl. Heat frying pan and spray with vegetable spray. Place mixed vegetables into a pan and let cook 15 minutes. Add bean sprouts. Thicken with cornstarch dissolved in cold water. Makes four servings.
Chicken Caprese
Submitted by Randi Tacher, mother of Ariel Tacher, junior-sociology 1 chicken breast 1 package of Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice (whole grain brown) 1 oz. of mozzarella cheese 1 plum tomato 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar 1 tsp. black pepper Grill a piece of chicken breast for eight to10 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Cut one slice of mozzarella cheese and melt over chicken breast. Slice tomato into thin slices and place on top of cheese. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar over chicken, cheese and tomato. Garnish with black pepper. Heat Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice (whole grain brown) in microwave. Drop equal-size scoops into a muffin tin and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool and serve. Makes one serving.
Mom’s Easy Blueberry Muffins Submitted by Lori Johnson, mother of Julie Mancinetti, junior-business management
Shopping List: 1 box yellow cake mix 1 small can of unspiced pumpkin 1 cup fresh blueberries
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Stir together cake mix and pumpkin until well blended. Add blueberries when mix is consistent. Drop equal-size scoops into a muffin tin and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool and serve. Sprinkle leftover blueberries over plates to add a bit of extra fun!
Chicken Mango Salad Submitted by Laura King, mother of Liz King, junior-nursing 1 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tbsp. honey 1 tsp. ginger 1/4 cup olive oil 1 grilled chicken breast 1 mango romaine lettuce Whisk lemon juice, honey, ginger and olive oil in a bowl. Cut grilled chicken into slices. Dice mango into small pieces. Place lettuce into another bowl with mango and grilled chicken. Drizzle lemon juice, honey, ginger and olive oil on top and serve. Makes one serving.
Beauty on the Job
[
]
we are...beautiful
For some girls, college means hitting the books and a part-time job. Johnie Emma Gall talks to three students who find that working hard doesn’t have to mean taking a break from looking great!
Jane Fryer Job Description: Waitress Where: The Waffle Shop
Everyone dreads the long lines outside of The Waffle Shop on football weekends, but Fryer works hard to make sure breakfast is worth the wait. She battles the grease, sweat and butter with the help of her five-star beauty weapons. Clock In: Fryer washes her face before and after work with Clearasil StayClear Skin Perfecting Face Wash. (Sold at most drugstores, $4.49) Opening Hour: CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Mascara in Black Sapphire holds up through Fryer’s eight-hour day. (Target, $6.99) On a Break: Fryer touches up with Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm. (Sold at most drugstores, $2.99) Clock Out: She runs home to wash the smell of syrup out of her hair with Herbal Essences Drama Clean Shampoo. (Sold at most drugstores, $4.29)
Katie Skaggs Job Description: Desk Attendant Where: Penn State Fitness Center You’d have a hard time finding Skaggs in smokey eye makeup while she’s stacking weights at work, but she’s a pro when it comes to the fresh and natural look. Clock In: Skaggs prepares her skin for the sweaty cardio room with Neutrogena Oil-Free Deep Clean Cream Cleanser. (Walgreens, $5.25) On A Break: L’Oreal Everpure Volume Shampoo and Conditioner give her hair volume and keep it soft throughout the day. (Sold at most drugstores, $6.99) Clock Out: Skaggs washes off the day with Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Body Wash. (Sold at most drugstores, $6.99)
Kaitlyn Smith Job Description: Cocktail Waitress Where: Indigo Nite Club Cutting up fruit for hours, running around in heels and remembering 30 drink orders at a time is all in a night’s work for Kaitlyn. But she needs more than a sharp memory and a lot of patience when she shows up for work. Clock In: Smith uses a teasing brush on her straight hair, then she sprays her roots with “Play Dirty Spray Wax” by Short Sexy Hair. (Sold at most drugstores, $10.99) Opening Hour: She smooths on “Teint Idole” foundation by Lancôme, followed by concealer to help beat the club’s humidity. (Sold at most department stores, $40) On a Break: “So Aglow” After Sun Spray gives Smith’s skin a subtle shimmer. (Bath & Body Works, $17) Clock Out: Smith still has gorgeous eyes after a long night because of Too Faced eye shadow palettes. (Sephora, $34) FALL/WINTER 2009
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Face Value
We’ve all done it - made common makeup mistakes that make all the girls stare (and not in a good way). Marina Matteo shares three golden rules for applying makeup. Photography by Ann Sciandra
Golden Rule No. 1
Evenly apply mascara
Even if you don’t wear a lot of makeup, a little bit of mascara makes a big difference. Too much of it, however, makes a big problem. When applying mascara, look down and hold the wand stationary at the base of the lashes. Blink your eyes to apply the mascara from the base to the tips. Only apply one or two coats – more than that and your eyelashes will begin to clump. An amazing mascara for separation and lengthening is Maybelline Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara. This new technology is perfect for aiding the mascara-challenged. (Maybelline Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara, CVS, $12.99) 18
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Golden Rule No. 2 Match your foundation to your skin tone Never purchase a foundation without first testing it on your skin in a room with natural lighting. (If you’re in a department store, this may mean having to step outside and check the applied foundation with a compact mirror.) A general rule of thumb is to choose a foundation that is one shade lighter than your skin tone. When applying, do not stop at the jaw line but blend down underneath the chin and into the hairline. In general, it is much easier to apply a pressed powder foundation than a liquid. Try M.A.C. Cosmetics Studio Fix Foundation. It gives the perfect coverage and comes in every possible shade! (M.A.C. Studio Fix Foundation, Nordstrom, $26)
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Golden Rule No. 3
Choose complimentary colors for cheeks, lips and eyes
This season’s bold, bright lipsticks and killer blue eye shadow are not for everyone. When picking makeup colors, skin tone should always be taken into consideration. Pinks and beiges are flattering on fair, “cool” skin tones, while deeper shades flatter darker, “warm” skin tones. As for eye shadows, blue eyes are complimented by shades of brown and gold, green eyes by violet and brown shades, and brown eyes can work with almost any color, though purple shades accentuate them the most. A full-proof blush for almost any skin tone is NARS blush in Orgasm. (NARS blush, Sephora, $25)
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decorating101
FOCUS
Decorate To:
Navy blue evokes feelings of pride, unity and honor for many Penn State fans, but according to House Beautiful, one of our school colors can also help us study. Read on to learn how decorating with navy blue can help you FOCUS. By Michelle Turli
Color is the seasoning of our lives; it can spice up any dull room and adds flavor where none might exist otherwise. But can decorating with color be more than just the fun part of design? Dr. Morton Walker, a professional medical journalist, spoke in his book “The Power of Color” about how colors can subtly affect how we feel mentally, physically and emotionally. So why not pick the colors that will set the right mood in our lives? Incorporating color psychology in the design of our dorms and apartments can change the way we think, live and feel on a daily basis. The color blue is said to have a calming effect, bringing peace and tranquility to our minds. However, the shade of blue matters—too light a shade of blue can be too soothing, causing you to want to rest instead of work. According to the September 2009 issue of House Beautiful, a deep blue will “purify your thinking, so you can cut through the clutter and discover what is most important in your life.” Perfect for your desk area or study space, navy blue can help to encourage efficiency. With homework, exams, clubs and other extracurricular activities on your plate, this is the ideal color to help you focus. Get creative and find ways to color your life with navy blue.
In just a quick trip to Target:
Use this navy blue fabric bin to store school supplies near your desk. Buy a set of three to add a bit of style.
(Canvas storage bin, Target, $9.99)
Throw a few of these pillows on your bed or couch to study comfortably and focus at the same time. (Hopsack pillow, Target, $12)
Study in a well-lit room with this navy blue desk lamp. It’s adjustable arm is the perfect study tool. (Architect desk lamp, Target, $17.99)
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decorating101
MAKE IT or TAKE IT
Stef Davis shows you how to decorate your home away from home without breaking the bank. Feeling ambitious? Try the do-it-yourself “Make It” ideas. Or, if you’d rather buy your way to a beautiful bedroom, check out our “Take It” products, available at local stores or online. “Be Square” Wall Art ($8-$10 for a set of three) Brighten up your walls by adding your own unique style and personality with this easy and inexpensive craft. Jo-Ann Fabrics has everything you need: A 3-pack of 11’’x 14’’ canvases ($4.99), thumb tacks and small swatches of your favorite fabric ($1-$2 per swatch). Stretch the fabric tightly over each canvas and tack them together on the back corners. Arrange the canvases on the walls however you prefer – stack them vertically, place them horizontally or even on a diagonal. Sometimes it’s good to be square!
T-shirt Blankets ($14) Most of us have a drawer full of old T-shirts, and this easy craft puts them to good use. Buy a piece of fleece from Jo-Ann Fabrics or a fleece blanket ($14) at Wal-Mart. Next, make a square template with a piece of poster board. Trace the template on each T-shirt and cut so the blocks are about the same size. Sew multiple T-shirt squares onto the fleece to make your own patchwork design. 22
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Rasterize Photos (Free!) Rasterize? It sounds painful, but this do-ityourself craft definitely won’t hurt you or your wallet. Turn your favorite photo into a poster-size piece of personalized wall art. Up close it looks like a bunch of little dots, but as you move farther away the dots come together to form a picture right before your eyes. The best part about it? This one’s a freebie. Save money on ink, and use one of Penn State’s computer labs to print out your masterpiece. Go to www.http://homokaasu.org/ rasterbator to get started.
Canvas Wall Art (Urban Outfitters, $14.99$28 and Target, $19.99) Don’t have the time to create your own funky wall art? No problem. Stores such as Target and Urban Outfitters have done the work for you with their pre-made canvas wall decorations that come in a wide array of designs. Check out these stores’ Web sites for an even bigger selection.
Pulled-together Posters ($5-$30, local stores) Transform random posters into wall décor by choosing prints that complement each other. For example, get black and white posters with one item in color to make your posters pop, or choose a theme like “New York City.” Also, black poster frames will really pull your room together. For the widest selection of cheap posters, check out Wal-Mart, posters.com or the HUB’s poster sale held each semester.
School Spirit Blankets ($29.99-$99.99, Student Book Store) Check out the Student Book Store for absolutely adorable blankets for your bed or couch. A blue or gray sweatshirt blanket with the Penn State logo tells everyone that you bleed blue and white. It’s perfect for those cold State College nights because it gives you the comfy feel of a sweatshirt, but the warmth and size of a blanket. If you want to splurge a little, the SBS also has a cute patchwork blanket made out of PSU T-shirts with sayings such as “Peace. Love. Lions.”
Design Dilemmas Q A
decorating101
There is a reason why dorm rooms and college apartments typically aren’t featured in magazines like Elle Décor and House Beautiful. Clashing bedrooms and second-hand furniture are just part of the problem. Devin Tomb helps make your living space worthy of a double-take. My roommate and I have contrasting bed ensembles – our two sides of the room completely clash. What can we do to tie the room together without taking away from our personal tastes?
If your bedspreads clash, then I’m going to assume that they’re each pretty colorful. To pull the room together, you and your roommate should invest in neutral-colored bedding accessories such as throw pillows and blankets. (Think black, brown, beige or white.) Matching accessories will make it seem like the neutral shade is your common theme, and each of you just added a little bit of color with your comforters. Look for spaces in your room that haven’t been decorated yet, and decorate these areas together. Most dorm rooms have bulletin boards, so cover them with matching fabric, either in the neutral you used for your bedding accessories or with a similar color that appears in each of your comforters (if there is one). Storage is another easy way to hide mismatched belongings. Buy matching bins and baskets at Target or Wal-Mart to store things like textbooks, toiletries and other products that don’t need to be displayed. Finally, window treatments are often overlooked in a dorm room but can really be used to tie a small space together.
Q
We have one closet in our room and enough clothes and shoes to fill three. How do we maximize the limited space we have in an orderly fashion?
A
The first focus is to get as much space out of the closet as possible. Use wire hangers as opposed to plastic ones because they save a ton of space. Many clothing rods are hung in the upper-middle area of the closet, leaving a lot of unused space overhead. If you’re handy, install a flat board above the clothing rod to create a shelf for storing sweaters and jeans. Put a few plastic drawers on the floor inside the closet to store additional clothing, or use the space to store shoes on a rack. After you’ve exhausted all of your closet space, bring out the bed risers. (Target sells sets of four for $7.99.) Since two-person bedrooms usually have a small closet, space underneath the bed is key for storing sweatshirts, sweatpants and T-shirts. Other inexpensive storage savers are standing clothing racks to hold dresses and quality garments (try the Garment Rack with Shoe Shelf, Bed Bath & Beyond, $29.99) and Space Bags (available on Amazon.com) to store off-season clothing. If you’ve tried all this and you’re still looking for storage, you might just have to send a few things home!
Q
We have a TV, a sound system, our laptops, printers to match, game systems and a slew of other plug-and-play electronics. In such a small space, how do we hide and organize all of the cables and wires so they don’t take away from the room?
A
Any electronics that aren’t used on a daily basis shouldn’t be left out in the open. Wrap up the cables and store video games, music equipment and other accessories in a decorative basket or container. Unfortunately, for a college student, a laptop is pretty essential. Make your laptop part of the design by purchasing a colorful desk pad and coordinating desk materials, like stationary, a pencil holder and a lamp. Make your desk a functional and fun place where you want to spend your time. Not all electronics have to be placed together, either. Put your iHome in a separate spot from your television. Hide the printer underneath your desk, as opposed to on top of it. To hide cables, make sure to detangle each cable or wire and wrap them together with electrical tape. Many college desks have a built-in hole for cables to go through, so arrange electronics like lamps and laptops so that cords fall neatly through this space. FALL/WINTER 2009
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decorating101
F
or senior Ali Trombetta, “It’s nice to come home to a place you enjoy and is comfortable to you.” Her fun, uplifting apartment certainly accomplishes both. When she and her four roommates brought couches, one green and one purple, from home to their Apple Alley townhouse, some may have foreseen a design disaster – but not these girls. United by the lime green curtains and a colorful, intricate patchwork wall-hanging (Patchwork Mum Wall Décor, Pier 1 Imports, $79.95), these couches fit right in. “I always like to have what I call ‘family time,’ where we all hang out or watch TV together,” said Hannah Welch, another of the five Kappa Alpha Theta sorority sisters who live in the townhouse. “It was important for us to invest in making this space special, since it’s our last year in college together.” Their living room is simple, yet it has a soothing feel to it, welcoming anyone who walks through the door. An Orgel floor lamp from IKEA (Ikea.com, $19.99), with a unique lampshade made of handmade paper, and a matching table lamp bring light to a room that already shines.
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“Lighting definitely adds warmth to any apartment,” said Trombetta. “It makes our space feel homier, especially with unusual lamps like these.” An island counter with five wooden stools, often used for entertaining over dinner and drinks, separates the kitchen from the living room, but both spaces are decorated with pink, purple and green accents, pulled from wall decorations in the living area to tie the room together. Adding life and color to the dull, beige walls is a fitting piece of wall art reading “cheers.” (Pier 1 Imports, $29.95) The wall art is available in other phrases including “wish,” “laugh” and “love,” but the word “cheers” fits the group of friends the best because of their love for entertaining and making “everything into a celebration,” Trombetta said. Here, Trombetta and Welch, along with their roommates Jen Noel, Colleen Davis and Claire Otteni, were able to work together to create a home-like feel – even though “home” is defined differently by each. “We all come from different places around the country,
decorating101
Home Schooled
but that’s what makes this space unique,” said Welch, who lives the farthest from Penn State in Norman, Okla. The girls’ bedrooms give them a chance to show their individual personalities and styles. Welch’s bedroom, the only single bedroom in the townhouse, features couture photographs as well as a photo of snowy Times Square in New York City, located across the street from her summer internship at MTV studios. Photos of Florence, Italy, where she studied abroad last spring, are also a special part of her room, said Welch. Upstairs, her roommates have also incorporated personal elements from home into their college living spaces. Though Otteni and Trombetta came to Penn State from very different hometowns, Otteni being from Raleigh, N.C., and Trombetta from Pittsburgh, Pa., they came together not only through friendship but through their similar taste in design. The roommates, who have lived together since
Many people are familiar with the phrase, “home is where the heart is,” but home doesn’t have to be left behind when you come to college. Michelle Turli brings you into a State College apartment where five girls create a feeling of hominess through inspired, creative and well thought-out design.
their second semester at Penn State, have chosen black and white bed ensembles throughout their four years in college. Trombetta said they chose red during their first two years together to give the room a “romantic” feel but wanted a change for their senior year, and so the two began collecting turquoise accents over the summer. “Black and white is easy to work with,” said Trombetta. “The turquoise blue accents really make the room pop.” Making for unusual wall décor, Trombetta took black and white patterned fabric from IKEA’s fabric selection, stretching and framing it to complement her bed ensemble and add a bit of ingenuity and flare to the room. Otteni did her part by framing photos in either black or teal frames to balance the girls’ choice of colored curtains. A teal blue wooden night stand separates their beds and also adds the simple touch of color that the girls had in mind. Taking a different route to Trombetta and Otteni’s bold space, Davis and Noel chose to design their bedroom in a way that would have a calming effect on those who entered. “We wanted our room to give you the kind of feeling you would get when you walked into a house at the shore,” said Davis. By using a soft white as their common color, they each chose separate but personal accents for their sides of the room. Davis’s bedroom wall is adorned with enlarged photos that she took on a weekend trip in Galway, Ireland while studying abroad in Florence, Italy, as well as a black and white photo above her bed of old, weathered boats resting on the shore. Noel’s desire to incorporate the color orange into the room led her to a floral theme, choosing prints of various flower arrangements to decorate the walls around her bed. “The pattern and prints were a nice mix of art deco and modern tastes to make a bold yet calming statement,” said Noel. Though each room in this apartment was designed with a different color scheme in mind, these five friends found a way to come together under one umbrella, paying attention to one prevailing theme, “It feels like home.” According to Welch, an apartment that feels like home does not have a specific blueprint, “It just needs to be welcoming for all.” FALL/WINTER 2009
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entertainingu
Hey, Mr. DJ Electro DJ John Khuu wants to re-mix the soundtrack to your weekend, if you’ll give him the chance. Haley Blum caught up with the self-taught DJ to talk about his mixes and why he just can’t sit still.
J
ohn Khuu prefers the couches over the table and chair combo in the basement of Irving’s restaurant in downtown State College, the location of Valley’s interview with the DJ. Or at least he thought he did before dropping onto the stiff wicker love seat. “Whoa, this is not as comfortable as it looked,” he said with a goofy laugh. The white MacBook he set on the coffee table was adorned with colorful stickers: MTV, Penn State Snowboarding Club, and a familiar blue logo. Apparently his laptop accepts Lion Cash. The senior, from Mount Joy, Pa., has always been a computer person. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been good with computers. Computers are just the thing that I do,” said Khuu, an information sciences and technology major. “I rarely watch TV. 26
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I’d rather just be on a computer youtubing or listening to music.” Khuu began creating his music early in his sophomore year in college, shortly after being introduced to electro by a friend. The DJ, who now has fraternity house and apartment parties on his performance resume, cites the group Boys Noize as early inspiration. The music Khuu makes through programs on his computer has the familiar techno “uhnz uhnz uhnz” beat, some funky sound effects, and a mash-up of songs you may or may not have heard before. “My main focus is electronica, electro and house,” he said. His often hour-long mixes thump with energy, beg you to stop standing awkwardly in the corner and just dance, move, whatever. If you haven’t heard of him or his music, you’re in the majority. He sends out his creations via Facebook events to people who he knows “would actually listen to my music. I’m just curious if people are going to expand their horizons and give it a shot. If people want to listen to my mixes, I’m more than willing to give them to them.” His skepticism rises from the observations he’s made from his years in Happy Valley. “Penn State is really into mainstream hip-hop. It’s all
new hip-hop,” he said. Though the club scene in State College is considerably mainstream by those standards, he has DJ’d at Indigo and The Cell Block, mixing new and old styles of hip-hop to please the crowd as well as himself as an artist. “When you’re a DJ, you really want to express what your style is,” said Khuu. “If people are telling you what to play, you have no expression.” Throughout the interview at Irving’s, John Khuu talks fast, but not nearly at the clichéd rate of a mile a minute. Instead, John Khuu lives a mile a minute. “I do a lot of things. I’m into photography now. I play guitar, and I used to be in a band in high school. I play the sax. I’m teaching myself to do other things. I try one thing, I excel at it, and I move on right away, but I still do everything. I just keep picking things up.” At the moment, those things happen to be running in the cross-country club, working as a Relay for Life overall chairperson, snowboarding with the Penn State club and hosting the popular Indie 500 show for Lion FM radio. “I hate sticking in one thing. It’s not for résumé reasons; it’s just for my personal self-fulfillment. My level of happiness goes up higher when I do that stuff. People ask, ‘Why are you so busy?’ and I just say, ‘I don’t know. I’ve got things to do.’”
Rock out in style with these adorable music accessories, all available in downtown State College.
Jimi Hendrix picks (pack of 12), Rainbow Music, $4.99
Philips Mix and Match earbuds, CVS, $14.99
Lowrider headphones by Skullcandy, Student Book Store, $39.99
entertainingu
Taylor Swift Talks to Valley When Taylor Swift came back to her home state for her Aug. 29 performance at the Bryce Jordan Center, Devin Tomb and Taylor Larouche couldn’t help but ask a few questions they were dying to have answered.
“Yes, I got to meet her! It was one of the best experiences of my life, hands down.” -Carley Lang
ift, Taylor Sw g (junior), Carley Lan or) umpf (juni Chelsea G
Valley: Why did you decide to come to Penn State as part of your Fearless Tour? “It was so easy Taylor Swift: I’m from Pennsylvania, so I love playing in to tell Taylor was my home state. When I was in school in Pennsylvania, having fun out everyone in my class wanted to go to Penn State when there with the fans. I loved they graduated, so I’ve always wanted to play there. singing along Pennsylvania crowds are amazing to play for, and it’s to all her music awesome playing at Penn State! and enjoying the Valley: If you weren’t a world famous singer and had extras - videos, stage sets, gone to college instead, what would be your major and everything!” why? Seniors Alex Frank - Victoria Schils lin, Katie Kaulius and Swift: I would probably want to do something that Victoria Schils combined organization and creativity. That’s my favorite thing about what I do. If I hadn’t done this, I might have gone into interior design or advertising. I think of commercials for products all the time, and I think that would’ve been a fun job if I wasn’t in music. “We all loved how she Valley: You’ve said in other interviews that you’ve got so emotional and written or co-written more than 500 songs. Which into her music while performing. Seeing song are you most proud of writing and what’s the Taylor Swift at Penn State story behind it? really was the perfect Swift: I’m most proud of writing “Love Story,” way to start the year.” because it’s so crazy to think that I wrote that - Catherine Clawson song on my bedroom floor, and it’s been played in Catherin e Claw countries I’ve never even been to! I love the idea Greff (s son (sophmore ) Brittan (s ophmore ophmore), Em of old-world love, and how it might be able to y ily Silsb ) Vaness y a S chmitt conquer all. Also, it was fun to give Romeo and and Brie (fres Zeiler(s ophmore hman) Juliet a happy ending. ) Valley: Your hair always looks amazing! What do you do to give it those perfect blonde curls? Swift: Thank you! I have naturally curly hair, so I don’t put any product on it. I just curl it to define the spirals. If I spray any hairspray on my hair, it’s harder to throw it “The around. Throwing my hair around is pretty necessary for concert was me. awesome. Valley: Selena Gomez said in a recent Seventeen Taylor Swift was even interview that you are her go-to friend when she needs better than I relationship advice. After going through some rough expected!” breakups of your own, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve - Lindsay learned that you want to share with our readers? Schnitt a, am Rud cker, S x Verch Swift: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is when to stop u Z a is ores R itke, Ale communicating. I’m not a fan of being “friends” if someone Sophom tuck, Jamie L nitt h n e c ll dsey S Carly E has been cruel about the breakup. There’s a certain point and Lin of no return, and keeping someone as a friend after the fallout can sometimes mean nothing but pain and wishful thinking for you. FALL/WINTER 2009
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The Battle (behind) Broadway Greek Sing is always one of the most exciting (and competitive) events of the year for the Greek community. This year, Executive Director Adam Nye and Public Relations Director Krysta Genovese take you behind the scenes during the events leading up to Greek Sing 2009: The Battle on Broadway.
April 21, 2009
Phew! The first organizational meeting was smooth sailing! This meeting is usually a stressful one for the organization chairmen, who have to compete in a lottery to pick their musicals for Greek Sing 2009. The chairmen had 50 different musicals for the organizations to choose from, which ranged from the new sensation, Legally Blonde, to classics like Peter Pan. We think everyone was pleased with the musicals they picked. Alpha Xi Delta and Phi Sigma Kappa made an interesting choice and picked the unfamiliar, 13 the Musical. On the other hand, Delta Gamma, Acacia and Alpha Sigma Phi went for a safe choice with Fame. Now that musical selections are over, chairmen can finally start picking out songs and writing scripts! Greek Sing, here we come!
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Chi Omega, D elta Chi and A lpha Kappa A performing P lpha eter Pan
August 30, 2009
After a long and sunny summer, school is back in session at Penn State. We want to reach outside of the Greek community and show the rest of Penn State what this event is all about. The executive committee members aren’t the only ones hard at work. Some of the organizations, including Alpha Phi and Delta Tau Delta (performing How the Grinch Stole Christmas), have already started practicing! This just goes to show you how determined some organizations are this year. We cannot wait for the Greek Sing season to get into full swing!
ha Psi
pa Alp nd Kap a i P a m Phi, Sig edding Singer Pi Beta W e h T ing perform
September 23, 2009
The semester is flying by and the first dress rehearsal has finally arrived! This month has been hectic, especially with sorority and fraternity recruitment, but the organizations have been hard at work! Delta Gamma, Acacia and Alpha Fame in costume
Sigma Phi performing
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hi Beta ilon and P s p E i h P a lpha, Sigm tume Zeta Tau A ary Poppins in cos M g in perform
Sigma
All of the fraternity and sorority pairs did a great job. Zeta Tau Alpha, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Phi Beta Sigma had an awesome and creative performance with Mary Poppins. We were surprised by their creative and original choreography. Adrienne Davis, of Alpha Chi Omega, was a beautiful singer and did an amazing job as Ariel from The Little Mermaid. There is definitely a lot of competition this year! It’s going to be exciting to see the battle heat up.
September 29, 2009
Delta Delta Delta and Pi Kappa Phi performing High School Musical 3
The annual Greek Sing Kick-Off Party was tonight, and it was a success! This highly anticipated event showcases a preview of each organization’s show to introduce new members to Greek Sing and give everyone else a taste of the competition. We had a record-breaking attendance, and everyone seemed to have a great time. All of the organizations did a stellar job and rocked the house. There was a first place tie between the triads of Alpha Xi Delta, Phi Sigma Kappa and Delta Sigma Theta performing 13 the Musical and Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Alpha Order and Kappa Sigma performing Movin’ Out. It looks like these two groups might be the front-runners for this year’s competition!
october 19, 2009 Kappa Alpha Theta, Ka ppa Alpha Order and Kappa Sigma performing Movin’ Ou t
It was an exciting day for the Greek community. We hosted a promotional event, the Greek Sing Extravaganza, which was held in the HUB Robeson Center. We sponsored a Red Cross Blood Drive
and featured a lot of performances, including dance squads, singing groups and the singing talents of Pan-Hellenic Council president, Mairys Joaquin, of Delta Gamma. We also had every group show off their costumes for their performances, and we saw some really cool stuff. Pi Beta Phi, Sigma Pi and Kappa Alpha Psi (performing The Wedding Singer) had great 80s costumes, including vintage prom dresses! Everyone really enjoyed the event, and we were able to spread the word about Greek Sing!
November 1, 2009
Greek Sing 2009 was a success! We packed Eisenhower Auditorium to its full capacity and gave everyone a great show. All of the organizations did an amazing job, and we really think this was the best Greek Sing ever. The dedication that our Greeks pour into their musicals is impressive and mindblowing. We are so proud of their ability to successfully recreate famous musicals and make them their own. This event is unlike any other in the country. It not only gives members of Greek organizations an opportunity to showcase their talents, but Greek Sing also provides a creative outlet to many individuals who may never get to experience something like it. In addition, all of the proceeds from Greek Sing benefit the Gayle Beyer’s Scholarship, which was awarded to members of the Greek Community.
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Throw a Woodstock Party! In honor of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock and the release of the feature film “Taking Woodstock,” Valley threw its own version of the legendary festival. Taylor Larouche helps you do the same.
Decorations: Peace signs, flowers and tie-dye galore. With the abundance of wall tapestries and hookahs Penn
State students own, rounding up decorations like these shouldn’t be a problem. Burning incense also adds a unique touch to the funky atmosphere. (Daisies and sunflowers, Woodring’s Floral Gardens, $1.50 – $3.50 per stem, depending on season)
Dress Code:
This shouldn’t be too difficult to put together, since we’re currently in the midst of a bohemian-chic renaissance in the fashion world. Woodstock attire that you may already have mixed into your wardrobe includes: braided headbands, large sunglasses, tie-dye shirts and anything that showcases the ever-popular peace sign. Be creative, but not fussy; Woodstock was about peace, love and music, not high fashion.
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Food:
Residents of Woodstock, N.Y. handed out peanut butter sandwiches when the concert-goers ran out of food. Colorful sugar sprinkles were added to Valley’s brownies to give them a psychedelic touch. Pop Rocks were also a popular choice at Woodstock.
Music:
Since, unfortunately, we can’t experience Woodstock for ourselves, this playlist will create a night of music that will take you to the land of peace, love and hippies. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Woodstock” Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart” Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love” Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxey Lady” Sly & The Family Stone’s “Everyday People” The Who’s “My Generation” Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bootleg”
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Woman of
Style: Risa Zucker
Penn State student designer Risa Zucker gives Valley the inside scoop on her trendy Valley: How did you get into headbands and her mission to make her designing headbands? dreams a reality. By Jen Hoffman Risa Zucker: Fashion and drawing have always been passions of mine. Two summers ago I took a fashion design class in Florence, Italy, and I fell in love. I’ve been playing around with designs and a needle and thread ever since. Valley: What inspires your designs? Zucker: Honestly, anything I love and think other people would love to wear. Nothing simple! Anything fun and flirty. Valley: Why did you choose to design headbands? Zucker: My first headband was something I made for myself! My friends took notice and started asking for me to make them some. I began making and selling headbands to all of my friends, my sisters’ friends and colleagues.
Runway to Valley’s Way
Valley: What makes headbands special? Zucker: They add a glamorous twist to any outfit at an affordable price. This summer I paired them with jeans and a T-shirt while my sister would wear them to work and then out in New York City with her friends. They are one of the most versatile accessories. Valley: What do you hope to do in the future? Are clothes in the works or do you want to stick to making accessories? Zucker: My sister and I have always wanted to have our own clothing store as well as our own line of clothing and accessories. The success of these headbands has given me confidence, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make that dream happen!
Valley transforms this season’s hottest runway looks into everyday outfits with a high fashion vibe. By Ross Marcinizyn Learn to love a new spin on the classic Little Black Dress by sporting a oneshouldered look.
Stock up on timeless classics you’ll get long-term wear out of like a neutralcolored trench or destroyed skinny jeans. Burberry
Lanvin
(Seven for all Mankind Josephine cropped destroyed denim jeans, Mr. Charles, $200; Tulle beige trench, Mr. Charles, $94.90; Minnetonka ankle length dark brown fringe boots, Barefoot, $50; Shiraleah red messenger bag, Mr. Charles, $72) 32
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(Double Zero oneshouldered dress, Mr. Charles, $38; Elie Tahari, leopard pumps, Mr. Charles, $398; Hollow hoop earrings, Mr. Charles, $13)
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University Park’s
Best
Dressed
Penn State students. Penn State events. Penn State style. By Jen Hoffman
List
Aubrey McGuire, Alli Schreib, Emily Schade, Natalie Such, Tiffany Bartoles and Hilary Rota
Rachel Hochstadt and Lindsay Schmitt
First Row from Left to Right: Victoria Maggio, Alexi Biondo, Sophia Perri, Alex Chappell, Alyssa Sweeney Second Row from Left to Right: Brandon Schifrien, Mark Switzer, Kevin MacDonald, John Albrecht
Nicole Pitts, Stephanie Gironda and Brittany Porcek
Alex Verch, Jasmine Ahmadi, Steph Poller, Risa Zucker, Allison Hoffman and Rachel Hochstadt
Think you have great style? Send your photos to valleymag@gmail. com
Karnesha Slaughter, Paulina Jones and Terhea Doaty
Mallory Shore, Jess Hanth, Sam Charleston and Liz Dabrow FALL/WINTER 2009
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The
Perfect Outfit For:
A Rec Hall Workout Planning to workout after class? Pick up these pieces to hit the gym in style.
By Jen Hoffman
(American Apparel tri-blend short sleeve women’s track tee, Metro, $22)
(Hard Tail tie-dyed foldover waistband yoga pants, Metro, $72)
(American Apparel acid wash california fleece zip hoody, Metro, $38)
(Puma Flipper sneaker, Barefoot, $75)
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collegiatecouture
Break Out of the Pack! Big Buddha “Erin” Bag, Barefoot, $86
“Mellie Bianco” Saddle Bag, Barefoot, $89
Big Buddha “Jimi” Bag, AJ Fine Footwear, $90
Jen Hoffman mixes things up with alternative styles that will make it fun to carry books to and from class.
Fashion Express Tan Bag, Barefoot, $65
Big Buddha “Monterey” Bag, Barefoot, $82 Big Buddha “Mari” Bag, Urban Expressions Zipper Two Handle Bag, southmoonunder.com, $54
Barefoot, $85
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collegiatecouture collegiatecouture
Glitz and Glamour Only the daring can pull off this statement necklace, but it’s worth the risk. (Gold necklace, Rag and Bone, $24)
Make a Statement Stand out with a bold necklace that will keep all eyes on you. Pair it with a simple dress or top to make your outfit pop! (Strand necklace, Metro, $20)
Chain Reaction
Throw this necklace on, and before you know it the rest of your friends will have it too! (Flat chain necklace, Access, $14)
In Full Bloom
Summer flowers wilted a long time ago, but you can still brighten up your outfit with this flower ring. (Flower ring, Access, $32)
Eye Candy This fall, let your jewelry take center stage. Julia Nguyen finds statement pieces in State College to compliment your outfit and keep your wallet full.
Heavy Metal
This silver trio is a new twist on last season’s thin, bangle bracelets. (Chunky bracelet, Rag and Bone, $20)
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The ABC’s of
WHAT TO WEAR Busy day ahead? Julia Nguyen finds one staple piece that will make the transition from day to night effortless and elegant.
10 a.m.
Meeting with your Advisor Make sure to dress maturely and tastefully for meetings with your advisor or professors. Skinny jeans paired with cute flats dress down the billowy top, and the woven purse adds texture to this outfit.
Shirt: Piacere Di Piu bead tank, Access, $42
Bag: Big Buddha brown woven purse, Metro, $82
Jeans: Levi’s super-low skinny jean, Metro, $49.95
Shoes: Steven Madden Pasion flats, Barefoot, $65 38
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2:30 p.m.
Lunch with your Boyfriend Wearing black and brown together is one of the easiest fashion rules to break. The brown belt and boots offset the black purse and leggings, and they still keep your outfit dressy enough for a lunch date.
9 p.m.
Night out with your Closest friends Boyfriend blazers are perfect over mini-dresses. Compliment the vibrant color of the top with a yellow clutch and strappy heels. This outfit is ready for a night out on the town and still looks effortless. Blazer: Boyfriend blazer, Metro, $49.95
Belt: 80s belt, Rag and Bone, $12
Bag: Big Buddha black bag, Metro, $85
Tights: Black leggings, Metro, $24
Bag: Yellow clutch, Metro, $28
Shoes: Steve Madden ‘Cybul’ boots in Cognac, Barefoot, $95
Tights: Black leggings, Metro, $24
Shoes: Chinese Laundry peep-toe booties, $120
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Code Red
Dangerously contagious winter style spreads across campus Photographs by Shikeith Cathey
The environmentalists This page: Jack BB Dakota faux fur vest, Mr. Charles, $55.90; Vintage red slip, The Rag and Bone, $15; Cosabella lace black slip, Jezebels Boutique, $78; Vintage Furla Bag, Ravens and Rubies, $130 Next page: Sophie B. Black Corset, Jezebel’s Boutique, $32; Intimately Free People black sequence skirt, Connections, $48; Final Touch pink faux fur jacket, The Roost, $38; DKNY woven hobo, Ravens and Rubies, $139, Red stockings, Jezebel’s Boutique, $4.75
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The rebels This page: Black 80s mesh shirt, The Rag and Bone, $10; Black pants, personal collection; Yag Couture leather jacket, Connections, $68; Free People black dress, Connections, $108 Previous page: Double Zero black zipper dress, Mr. Charles, $28; The Original Cheryl Creations black leggings, Connections, $28; Alternative Vintage soft white T-shirt, Connections, $22; Guess black leather jacket, Connections, $138; We The Free black skirt, Connections, $64; Black tights, Jezebels Boutique, $4.75; Bullet bra, The Rag and Bone, $35; Black jacket, Mr. Charles, call for price (814)-238-3042; Free People black leggings, Connections, $52; White lace tank top, The Rag and Bone, $10; Black jacket (comes with a dress), The Rag and Bone, $35; Red suede 80s belt, The Rag and Bone, $15; Black harem silk pants, The Rag and Bone, $24; White 80s “Members Only� jacket, The Rag and Bone, $24; Black and white 70s checkered pants, The Rag and Bone, $16; Red blazer (comes with dress), The Rag and Bone, $54
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This page: Tulle black trench, Mr. Charles, $79.90; Sayami cashmere red squiggle scarf, Mr. Charles, $98; Sayami cashmere red rouched gloves, Mr. Charles, $60; Betsey Johnson silver bag, Ravens and Rubies, $154; Black fishnet stockings, Jezebel’s Boutique, $5.75; Jack BB Dakota Jiva Grey Dress, Mr. Charles, $48; Flying Tomato pleather grey jacket, Mr. Charles, $76; M. Miller scarf, Mr. Charles, $138; Andrew Marc Lexie red bag, Ravens and Rubies, $263; Red and black sunglasses, Ravens and Rubies, $10; Alythea studded vest, Connections, $44; Red and black 80s sequenced dress, The Rag and Bone, $39; Faux fur bag, The Roost, $42; Red stockings, Jezebels Boutique, $4.75
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collegiatecouture
The trendsetters This page: 80’s Espirit black jumper, The Rag and Bone, $19; Tulle red peacoat, Mr. Charles, $59.90; Medallion necklace, Ravens and Rubies, $20; Kate Spade leopard tote, Ravens and Rubies, $349; Black jacket, Mr. Charles, $549.90; Jack BB Dakota redshank coat, Mr. Charles, $64.90; M. Miller headband, Mr. Charles, $100; Survival black turtleneck, Mr. Charles, $36; White and black sunglasses, Ravens and Rubies, $10
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résumé builder
BUILD YOUR RÉSUMÉ! 101 Road to Success, PA 16802 (123)-456-7890 · mssuccessful@psu.edu
Objective: To give you the tools you need to land your dream job, even in a recession!
EDUCATION A Study Guide to Studying Top five dos and don’ts when prepping for an exam
Page 48
Studying Abroad: Sophomore Year vs. Junior Year Two students tell their stories and allow you to decide!
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WORK EXPERIENCE Mastering the Art of Interning What you should know from the moment you walk in the door Tips on getting through the coffee runs and Excel spreadsheets How often to stay in touch after the internship is over
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LEADERSHIP/ACTIVITIES Get Involved! The Penn State Student Red Cross Club Page 48 Read the first installation of this annual article! All you need to know about getting involved with the Red Cross on campus
INTERESTS Facebook: How it can get you a job Turn your profile page into an online résumé!
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REFERENCES Valley magazine: valleymag@gmail.com
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Get Involved! The Red Cross Club So you’re a dedicated blood donor who sacrifices an hour or two every time you’re eligible to fill up a bag with the red stuff. But what is the group behind these drives, the Penn State Student Red Cross Club, really all about? Valley checked in with Jim Harvey, the club’s vice president, to see how you can get involved! By Haley Blum If Blood Isn’t Your Thing…
Warm Weather and Willing Students…
“One of the reasons we have such a great blood collection program at Penn State is because the students here are wonderfully receptive,” said Harvey. What is a blood drive’s biggest obstacle? The weather forecast. “Warm, cloudy days are the best for us,” he said. “If it’s too cold, no one wants to go outside. If it’s too warm, no one wants to go inside.”
More Than Just Blood Drives…
The club goes far beyond collecting blood. “We educate people on how to successfully donate whole blood, double reds and platelets; teach CPR and first-aid classes; offer courses to become CPR instructors; train people for disaster response and preparedness; prepare comfort kits for victims of disaster and help plan the Centre County American Red Cross’s annual Paint the Town Red Benefit,” said Harvey. As a student organization, the club is also an active participant in THON, raising nearly $32,000 last year, in addition to Homecoming and Relay for Life.
A Study Guide to Studying
“We have several members who volunteer so much of their time [to campus events through the Red Cross Club] because they can’t, or do not like to, donate blood,” said Harvey. “A person just like this, whom I met two years ago at her first blood drive, was terrified to go anywhere near the donor beds. By the end of that year, she got so involved that she ran for, and won, a position as our secretary. Just last fall, she overcame her fear and donated blood for the PSU-MSU Blood Donor Challenge.”
What You Make of It…
To be counted as active, a member needs to complete 15 hours of service with the club each semester, said Harvey. Service hours can be racked up by helping out at fundraisers and blood drives, instructing CPR and first-aid classes, or even by simply donating blood.
Sign Me Up…
The club meets at 7 p.m. every other Monday in 101 Thomas. To join, Harvey said prospective members can simply come to a meeting or email the club’s secretary, Kari Haffelfinger, at klh5207@psu.edu, to be added to the Red Cross Club list-serv. There is no cost to join the club. Check out www.psuredcross.org for more information.
We know. Cramming isn’t the best way to study. Here are five new and improved ways to help you ace your next exam! By Holly Shok
Do save Facebook for later. Logoff of the social give yourself a break. Your mind can only absorb 1.networking 3.soDomuch Web site before the lure of stalking takes over at once. To avoid information overload, take a and studying is put on the back burner. Study in a room without a computer, or, if one is necessary, study for one hour at a time before giving in to the urge.
2.
Don’t study with “background noise.” Studying in silence is the best way to focus. Separate noise and studying by listening to music to relax during a study break, or scheduling in some exam prep before your favorite TV show comes on. Phones also contribute to unwanted noise. Put your cell on silent, especially if you’re studying in a public place.
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five minute break for every hour that you study! Breathe, stretch and relax!
4.Don’t go it alone. Sometimes two heads, or even three,
are better than one. Study buddies can be motivating and a great way to look at topics from a different point of view. One caution: Study groups can have the opposite effect if they become too social.
5.Do read the directions. If it’s a paper or a project you’re
doing, don’t think of directions as a waste of time. A lot of valuable information is in these guidelines, and you’ll risk losing unnecessary points on an assignment by skipping them.
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Studying Abroad: Sophomore Year vs. Junior Year (A Guide to Studying Abroad)
Studying overseas is one of the best ways to broaden your horizons while in college. Alexandra Voigt interviews two students about their experiences and the pros and cons of going abroad.
, with a Rachel Blumfeld Rachel Blumfeld, far left , right, posi friend at a S ng with a . ain Sp in nds frie panish carn group of ivale.
scene while A picturesque Seville, Spain.
Central Pennsylvania is a great place to live. But for many students, studying abroad and experiencing other cultures trumps four solid years in Happy Valley. Joan Kurylak, a junior majoring in business, knew she wanted to study abroad years before college. She found her opportunity through the Smeal College of Business’ Sapphire Leadership Program and spent the spring semester of her sophomore year studying in Montpellier, France. By studying overseas during her sophomore year, Kurylak said she didn’t have to worry about landing a summer internship right away, she didn’t have to sublet her apartment and she was able to finalize her minors early into her college career. “I knew I wanted to fit in a french minor and an international business minor, and by going abroad I was able to do that earlier,” Kurylak said. One concern many students have is that they will get homesick while overseas. Halfway through the program, Kurylak said the culture shock and the constant demand of speaking only in French finally caught up with her. “There was a period of time when I felt a bit numb from all that I had been seeing, but it went away,” said Kurylak. Hobbies like drawing, cooking, exercising and even watching American TV shows online helped Kurylak fill her temporary longing for home and allowed her to refocus her attention on making the most out of her time in France. Rachel Blumenfeld, a senior majoring in health policy and administration, had been anxiously anticipating a semester abroad just as much as Kurylak. However, she felt that it was in her best interest to thoroughly experience Penn State before departing for Seville, Spain. “I was able to experience college life for my first two-anda-half years, and by that time I was older and more mature,” Blumenfeld said. Another goal of Blumenfeld’s was to take as many
s in
walking to clas
Joan Kurylak, left, looking out to the Swiss Alps.
Spanish classes as possible to improve her language skills before being immersed in a foreign culture. Blumenfeld, who thought of herself as independent even before her travels, said she loved being thrown into an unfamiliar environment. On her fourth day in Spain, Blumenfeld was scheduled to meet her host mother and was momentarily petrified for the entire experience. “I barely understood anything she was saying to me,” she said, “but I knew it was going to be absolutely amazing.” Blumenfeld said she eventually built lasting friendships with her host family and knew that even through all of the challenges, she was right where she belonged. “There were days when I would sit outside in front of the 2,000-year-old cathedral I passed on my way to class or the Rio Guadalaquivir just to think about how lucky I was to have that opportunity,” Blumenfeld said. Both Kurylak and Blumenfeld said they returned to the United States as two completely changed individuals with more independence and self-confidence, and they have the stories to prove it. “I feel more confident in my abilities to take care of myself, and I have a better understanding of how different two cultures can be,” said Kurylak. Blumenfeld said she considers the European lifestyle to be much more laid back and stress-free than life in the United States. “I brought back these ways of life with me and have learned to ignore the hustle and bustle of the American lifestyle,” she said. Whether you are a determined individual with an established set of aspiring goals, or you are currently enrolled in the Division of Undergraduate Studies and are hoping your experience abroad will guide you toward the right path, a semester abroad is the right answer regardless. Now it’s your turn to determine which year suits your personality the best.
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facebook: How it can get you a job! Think Facebook does more harm than help when it comes to landing your dream job? Think again! Abby Foust makes your page work for you.
Spread the Word. Status updates are conveniently located right next to your profile picture, so use them to your advantage. Let employers know when you are attending a career fair on campus, starting a new internship or preparing for an interview. These updates are the perfect way to confirm that you are ready for a job.
Wall We are...Penn State! Information Networks: Penn State
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Basic Information Photograph from your best angle. The first thing employers will see when they navigate to your page is your profile picture. Choose a photo that expresses your interests but shows you in a positive light. Use a snapshot from a semester studying abroad in Florence, Italy or from a Penn State football game. A professional image will make it easy for your potential boss to picture having you around the office.
Personal Information Interests: Interest them! Employers already know what you are interested in professionally, so inform them about what you enjoy doing outside of the office. List the recent books you’ve read, and post quotes to convey your positive attitude and ambitious personality. Having strong interests means you have the ability to be dedicated, and that’s exactly what employers are looking for. Activities: Get involved! Being involved in extra-curricular activities is a must, especially at a university with so many organizations to join! The “Activities” section on your page should list clubs, Greek life, intramural sports or volunteer work that you’re involved in on campus. Knowing how to balance work and free time is especially important when you receive your first full-time job.
Work and Education Employer: Share your work experience. The “Work and Education” section is just like an online résumé. List your major, minor and graduation year under the “Education” section. Posting previous internships and highlighting the important responsibilities you had will show employers that you are qualified for the position. 50
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Mastering the Art of Interning So much effort goes in to designing the perfect résumé, writing the flawless cover letter and giving the 5-star interview for an internship. But what happens when you actually get one? Devin Tomb explains what to do, what to say and how to dress – from start to finish.
Make your boss’s life easier. You may have been at the top of the résumé pile to get your internship, but know that you are at the bottom of the totem pole when you walk through the office door. Although making copies and getting coffee may seem mundane, making a busy VP’s life easier will go a long way. If, at the end of your internship, he or she thinks of you as someone who is eager and dependable, those coffee runs will result in a flawless evaluation for Human Resources and a great recommendation for years to come.
Think, “How can I answer this myself?” While intern supervisors are usually happy to answer questions, look through resources around the office or online first, then go to another intern, then go to an entry-level employee or assistant, and then ask your boss. A problem is a problem, but you’ll look much better if you present it while also proving that you’ve thought through and exhausted all other possibilities.
Smile while you work. Supervisors get it; they’ve been Pay attention to how the office works. Every there. Clearly it’s not fun to log lengthy spreadsheets, but that’s not going to stop employers from assigning you one. It simply has to be done, and you’re in the seat to do it. The internship lasts, what, three months? Smile from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and then complain all you want at 5:01 p.m., when you’re out the door and no one with the same email domain can hear you. Don’t be afraid to give constructive suggestions at the end of or even during the internship, but remember that being an intern isn’t meant to be glamorous.
office is different. Some are loud, with employees bustling from desk to desk. Others are quiet, with workers communicating mostly through email. How do people enter the office? How loudly do they speak while talking? Mimic these behaviors – but with caution. Just because a superior writes “Hey K,” instead of “Dear Katie,” in an email, it doesn’t mean you should, too. Employees want to know they are respected by their interns, and it’s best to always be professional.
Dress the part. Odds are executives in the company are not going to have much contact with you throughout your internship, but they can still see you. If your cleavage is hanging out of your shirt, and your pants look like they were airbrushed on your legs, you’re saying, “I don’t respect your dress code, and I don’t respect you either.” But if you walk in with a tasteful blazer and dress pants, you’re sending the message, “I am competent, and you can trust me to handle some responsibility around here.”
Network. As an intern, you’re surrounded by tons of people who are doing exactly what you want to do after you graduate, so it’s smart to meet with as many people as you can while you’re there. Ask mid-level employees to go to lunch one day, and even a VP might have time for a quick cup of coffee. Don’t forget to keep in touch after the internship is over. A holiday card is the perfect way to make your supervisor remember who you are, while also avoiding a reputation of only contacting him or her when you need something.
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TRUE COLORS She twirls for a university of blue and white, dazzling us during each halftime performance as Penn State’s feature baton twirler. For five years, we’ve known P.J. Maierhofer as the Blue Sapphire. Now, it’s time we get to know her as a person. Written by Devin Tomb and Erin Mawe
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hen we thought about whom we’d like to interview for this story, first on our list was Pam Maierhofer, the mother of Penn State’s beloved Blue Sapphire, or feature baton twirler, Pamela Jo “P.J.” Maierhofer. Armed with questions about Maierhofer’s childhood, work ethic and practice schedule, we were surprised when she had a question for us. “People really don’t know who she is, do they?” For the past five years, P.J. Maierhofer has managed to capture the attention of 107,000 football fans, throwing her baton as high as her smile is wide. We’ve spent so much time watching her, but her mother was trying to tell us that there’s a person behind the glittery white costume and red lipstick. In fact, just a few weeks from now, Maierhofer will twirl as the Blue Sapphire in her final halftime show, and even she will have to take a look at who she is without any batons in hand.
P.J. at the Lion Shrine with her trophy after winning Miss Collegiate Majorette of America
Off the field, Maierhofer’s bright personality and cheerful outlook on life have attracted a close group of friends who think of her as just “Peej” rather than “the Blue Sapphire.” Anna Marie DiPietro, a senior majoring in nursing, and Christa Harmotto, a 2009 graduate who is now a member of the U.S. National Women’s Volleyball Team, became close friends with Maierhofer over Monday night dinners at their favorite State College restaurant, Faccia Luna. DiPietro met Maierhofer through mutual friends and said she initially thought Maierhofer would be “snotty” because of her star-status on campus. “P.J. at one point told me that she never thought we’d be friends either,” DiPietro said, laughing as she looked to Maierhofer during her cover shoot. (Maierhofer wanted DiPietro there the entire day.) “We had these preconceived notions of each other – the blue band member and the sorority girl.” Their friendship grew to a level of honesty that has caused DiPietro to turn only to Maierhofer on bad days, seeking out what she calls “P.J. advice.” “Most people just say what you want to hear,” said DiPietro. “But she gets me out of my cynical mentality and puts a positive spin on things. She’s the only one who’ll say to me, ‘Maybe you were wrong.’” Using one night in particular, DiPietro explained why she was so wrong about Maierhofer when they first met. “P.J.’s boyfriend was up for the weekend – and she hardly ever gets to go out – but they had planned on going out that night,” she said. “I was upset about some boy, and they took 54
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me out to dinner, sat for an hour talking to me in the car, went out and then one episode into whatever TV show I was watching at home, she came home with coffee and a muffin for me. She’s always in my corner.” While DiPietro and Harmotto are like sisters to Maierhofer, it isn’t necessary to be in her inner circle to get a sense of who “Peej” is. “Everyone recognizes her – she is the face of Penn State – but she treats everyone the same,” said Harmotto of her best friend. “She gives them a welcoming hello and a big smile, whether she knows them or just met them. Just say hello to her one day walking through town, and you’ll know what I mean.” While everyone recognizes Maierhofer as the Blue Sapphire, others know her through involvement in THON and Homecoming events. Maierhofer served as an entertainment captain for THON 2009, leading a team of about 20 students to plan the pep rally, which, because it boasts appearances from the football team and other student athletes, is one of the most popular and highly anticipated events throughout the 46-hour dance marathon. Maierhofer, who majors in public relations, said she enjoyed the experience so much that she organized this year’s Homecoming pep rally as a special events captain. “Generally, [the Blue Sapphire] is supposed to be focused on herself, and that wasn’t really me,” said Maierhofer. “When I got here, I was ready to turn the style of Blue Sapphire into more of a student leader.” It’s not just students who see Maierhofer as a role model for Penn State. Even University President Graham Spanier has noticed Maierhofer’s willingness to go above and beyond her role as the university’s feature baton twirler. “P.J. is not only one of the most athletic and talented baton twirlers of all time; she is an incredible ambassador for Penn State,” said Spanier. “She is very involved in student organizations and looks for ways to promote the university.” Although Maierhofer has discovered new things she loves at PSU, it’s baton twirling that is closest to her heart. In fact, it’s in her blood. Maierhofer is the daughter of Pam Maierhofer, who owns and operates the ShowTwirlers baton studio in Altoona, Pa. It was at this studio that Maierhofer and her sister, Jamie Mattas-Starr, first learned to twirl. When Maierhofer was 10 years old, she went to see her mother’s student perform as a member of Touch of Blue, Penn State’s majorette squad, and saw the Blue Sapphire perform for the first time. “After the game, they let us come out on the field,” she said. “I remember running around with my arms wide open, saying to my mom, ‘I’m gonna be her someday.’” During summer breaks and on Sundays during the school year, Maierhofer returns to her mother’s studio to train groups of elementary school and high school baton twirlers – and it is now Maierhofer who is the Blue Sapphire they all look up to. “She tells me to have a Blue Sapphire in training! kind, warm smile and to focus
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From the cover: Blaque Label asymmetrical one-shoulder black dress, Mr. Charles, $75; Vintage ring, The Rag and Bone, $12 From page 52: Red 70s gown, The Rag and Bone, $35 This page: Farinaz Taghavi white ruffled top, Mr. Charles, $190; BB Dakota black lace miniskirt, Mr. Charles, $28; Pearl and chain necklace, Mr. Charles, $25; Shoes from personal collection
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psyou,youyou on my goals at school, too,” said Carley DeBernardis, 16, of Altoona, Pa., who has been a student of Maierhofer’s for four years. “She’s amazing when she performs, and when I watch her I think someday I’d like to be Blue Sapphire.” Maierhofer’s role as Blue Sapphire is so much more than the 10 minutes we watch her twirl in Beaver Stadium. On game day, Maierhofer has already been through three performances before leading the Blue Band onto the field for their halftime performance. Maierhofer’s day begins as early as 6:30 a.m. with a bowl of maple and brown sugar oatmeal, her favorite. Following breakfast, she heads to the Blue Band building where she and Touch of Blue stretch and join the Blue Band to run through the halftime show. Next is the president’s house, where she and the Nittany Lion perform along with a 20-member pep band for President Graham Spanier’s closest friends. Her favorite performance of the day; however, is TailGreat, where she twirls in front of fans who, according to Maierhofer, “really want to be there” since most football fans are tailgating by this hour. “It’s the closest to home for me because it’s like competing, being inside on the gym floor. It’s fast-paced – I can do whatever – so it’s fun,” she said. After a short visit with her mother, Maierhofer joins Touch of Blue and their coach, Heather Bean, for a pre-game huddle. “You hear all the noise, but you get calm for a second,” she said. “The football team comes through, the drum major blows a whistle and the whole band says, ‘Drums are out!’ and we just go.” Even more intimate than the pre-game circle Maierhofer shares with Touch of Blue is a moment where she remembers her father, who died in a car accident when Maierhofer was only 3-years-old. “Before the tunnel, my favorite thing to do is look up to the north end zone to see if the seats are all filled. I look to see where he’d be sitting,” Maierhofer said. “He’s there. I know he is.” During recent games, she also remembers the late Andrea Birdcreek, a world-renowned baton twirling champion and coach. Before passing away in 2006 from a 16-year battle with breast cancer, Birdcreek trained Maierhofer through hundreds of award-winning competitions and paved the way for her to become Blue Sapphire. “She wasn’t just a coach – she was my friend; she was part of my family. She was that person who, no matter what, never gave up on me,” said Maierhofer. Even after her death, Birdcreek’s mentorship lived on through Maierhofer, who in July 2009 won the most difficult competition in the country for collegiate baton twirlers. As the current Miss Collegiate Majorette of America, Maierhofer has mastered the art of baton twirling, but her title didn’t come easily. Maierhofer was a serious contender for the title the previous year, during the summer of 2008, but came in third place. “It about destroyed P.J. as a child her,” said Maierhofer’s mother. 56
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Maierhofer explained, “It wasn’t that I was mad because I didn’t win, it’s just such an investment. I haven’t had internships and jobs like my friends have; it’s training like any other athlete does. It is your full-time job.” In a rare period of low spirits, Maierhofer said it was her personal coach, Terri Dobos, of Pittsburgh, Pa., who helped her overcome her fear of losing again while deciding whether or not to compete in 2009. “At one point she finally said to me, ‘If you’re afraid to lose, Performing at a Marc Jacobs fashion show in 2005
you’re never going to see what you can do,” said Maierhofer. “I knew the investment my mom and she had made in me, and from that point on I was like, ‘I’m gonna get this! Nothing is gonna stop me.’” Maierhofer spent another summer putting in full days of training, and in July 2009 she competed against 50 collegiate twirlers from all over the United States in 1-, 3- and 4-baton twirling competitions, a strut competition, and a modeling competition. “I was just thinking in my head, ‘Come on, you better give this 112 percent because you’re going to miss it when it’s done,’” Maierhofer said on her winning performance. “I tear up every time I watch P.J. perform, especially now when they announce her as Miss Collegiate Majorette of America,” said DiPietro. “She makes it look so effortless – like any one of us could run out onto the field and throw three fire batons in the air and catch them all.” Maierhofer has lived with the title of Blue Sapphire for five years now, and she said it’s something that she carries with her “24 hours a day, seven days a week.” But soon enough, Maierhofer will twirl on the field of Beaver Stadium for the very last time, a subject that made her tear up during our interview. “I don’t talk enough about how special the Blue Band is, and one of the special things they do is, during halftime, they take a knee, and the Blue Sapphire twirls all by herself. I’m so scared,” she said. “I don’t know what it’s going to feel like to have to twirl and not have them moving around me.” Up until this point, Maierhofer has had goals that she molds her entire life around, from becoming the Blue Sapphire to winning the Miss Collegiate Majorette of America competition. Now, she said she is looking forward to the unknown. “I think that at some point in life, everyone deserves to go on an adventure,” she said. “You’ve always got something special about you that makes you who you are, and the person you’re going to become. I’m excited to see what I do next.” So are we, PJ. So are we.
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Welcome to My Life:
Alyse Schroeder By Carley Lang Most Embarrassing Boom Running Moment: “After falling off of a log while competing, I mooned the entire crowd, including ESPN cameras, while pulling myself back up.” Best Boom Running Memory: “I set the fastest time in the semi-finals of the STIHL Timber Sports Series at 10.9 seconds. The closest time to that was my finals time of 11.1.” Pre-Competition Ritual: “I always tell myself, ‘just run!’”
Valley: How does it feel to be the youngest boom running world champion? Alyse Schroeder: It’s completely unreal. I wasn’t favored in the competition. The fact that I outran the favored participant still takes my breath away. Valley: How did you get involved in boom running? Schroeder: I’m from Hayward, Wis., and timber sports are really popular there. I started logrolling when I was 7, became a professional at 16 and then started to boom run. I’ve been doing it my entire life. Valley: How do you train for something like this? Schroeder: I run every day and do a lot of fast feet exercises. I run backward on the elliptical, too, because boom running involves both [fast feet and running backward]. During the summer, I train on the logs for two hours a day. Valley: What else are you involved in? Schroeder: I’m a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, I’m on a Homecoming committee, and I’m a member of Women in Science and Engineering. I’m also really involved with blood drives.
Claim to Fame: 2009 World Champion Boom Runner in the STIHL Timber Sports Series
Valley: Do you see boom running still being a part of your life in the future? Schroeder: Definitely. The age range for competition is 15 to 39. I’ll keep doing it until my body just can’t handle it anymore. It’s such a passion of mine, and I love the rush I get from competing.
Date Mount Nittany Night: Vineyard & Winery
Looking for a sophisticated date? We found the perfect location for a romantic evening getaway. By Monica O’Donnell
A couple shares a special momet while touring the vineyard.
If sipping wine while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Happy Valley appeals to your senses, spend your next date at the Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery. Located only eight miles away from downtown State College,
the vineyard is the perfect setting for an evening of wine tasting and will provide a refreshing break from the typical dinner-and-a-movie date. This family-owned winery has produced 190 award-winning wines, including a recent gold medal for its Mountain Mist wine in the 2008 Great Lakes Wine Competition. The winery also offers tours that are affordable for college couples on a budget. For $5 a person, you can enjoy a full tour and sample six different wines from the vineyard’s featured list, which includes a variety of sweet and dry wines to fit your taste preference. Treat your palate to a sip of Tailgate Red, a fruity red wine and a customer favorite, according to Gene Proch, the vineyard’s manager. Proch said the view is part of why the winery is such a romantic experience. “If you come here, you certainly will enjoy the ambiance,” he said. “The vineyard and winery are located high on Mount Nittany, and we have a great view looking toward Tussey Mountain. The tasting room is right out in the middle of the vineyard, and it is a very ideal setting.” For a romantic night out, head over to Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery and schedule a tour. No reservations are required, and the hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday, 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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Manage Your Money
Erase the fear of looking at your account balance by budgeting your money now to save for the future. With the advice of Phillips Financial Aid Services, Maggie Stuart creates a financial guide for your situation. Pay attention to what you buy. Spend a month
Evaluate and plan for big expenses. Textbooks
Research the best type of loan for you. If your
keeping track of everything you spend money on – from tuition payments to orange juice – in a notebook or on a computer spreadsheet. Record all of the little things you spend money on daily, estimating if you missed a purchase here or there. Do this while saving all of your receipts, and at the end of the month take a look at what was necessary and what could be cut next month. (You could also do this in a week, and multiply the total by four to estimate what you’d spend in a month.)
always come at a huge cost for college students. Visit Web sites like Chegg.com and Half.com, which sell used textbooks at cheaper prices than student book stores. Make sure you have money put aside for important things, like tuition and rent, before splurging on new clothes or dining out. Visiting expensive coffee shops like Starbucks just twice a week adds up to almost $40 a month! Noticing where to make cuts in your budget will help you cover costs that aren’t optional.
parents are helping you pay for college, one of the first loans to apply for is the Federal Plus Loan. With this loan, your parents can borrow money to help them pay your tuition each semester. Penn State has a direct lender rate of 6 to 7.5 percent. If you’re ready to borrow money in your own name, apply for a Private Alternative Loan. These loans have no fees and payments can be deferred until graduation. Parents can co-sign and rates will depend on their credit.
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Start saving now. Saving money can be difficult in college, so take advantage of working and saving money during the summer months. Aim to save at least 80 percent of each paycheck. If this isn’t realistic for you, any amount of money saved is a step in the right direction. Juniors and seniors should start thinking about long-term saving. Bonds are minimalrisk investments, and you can get money faster. Longterm investments include mutual funds and stock market shares. Choose reliable stock like Wal-Mart, Disney or Coca-Cola Co.
Love Across the Spectrum Many students face judgment during their high school and college years, but it can be an especially trying time for members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People and Allies community. Maggie Stuart talks to one student who is working to promote acceptance on campus. Unlike the colorful office in the Boucke Building, the HUB-Robeson Center LGBTA office is decorated subtly, with only one poster and a rainbow button or two on the inside. Here works Emma Cowie, a prominent figure in the LGBTA community. Cowie, a junior majoring in nutrition, makes it her mission to reach out and help other LGBTA students. Cowie identifies herself as a “queer” and said she feels accepted at Penn State because it is a bigger community. For that reason, she thinks it’s a little easier to be an LGBTA member here than in her hometown of Johnstown, Pa. Cowie particularly recalls how her mother discovered her sexual identity. “My mom saw a note I had written in my backpack. She asked me if I was gay, and I answered yes,” said Cowie. “Then she asked me if I was happy. I answered yes. She said she would support me.” Cowie lets out a smile. “I love my mom.” Cowie came out when she was 14 years old and about to enter high school. “My mom always told my sisters and me that she didn’t care what we did or who we became, as long as we were happy,” she said. But being out in high school is a double-edged sword. “I was comfortable with who I was, but I also had to deal with everyone else
and their reactions,” she said. “The people who cared weren’t my friends.” The compassion her supporters have shown has inspired Cowie to help others who are struggling. During her summer job at a Christian horse camp, she started mentoring peers who were having a rough time getting others to accept their sexual orientation. Cowie knows people who were excluded by friends, banned from activities and even disowned by their parents. “Luckily this hasn’t happened to me,” she said. But even at Penn State, there is still some discrimination. She glances toward the religious mob currently gathered in protest outside the HUB to prove her point. “When I’m with my girlfriend, sometimes people stare out of confusion or disgust, but we just ignore it,” she said. “Sometimes there is the occasional drunken jerk, but we also have supporters. The last president of our club was a straight male.” When it comes to reporting acts of hate or discrimination, Cowie said the administration at Penn State is usually very helpful. “For the most part I’m comfortable here,” she said. “Like with everyone else, you just have to find your group of friends and a place to fit in.” Cowie has certainly made
Cowie performing at the Oct. 19 Student Drag Show, held in the HUB-Robeson Center.
a place for herself at Penn State. She first became involved by volunteering at the LGBTA resource center. “It’s a great place to feel safe,” she said. “The directors are amazing to talk to.” According to Cowie, one can use the center to meet people, borrow books and movies, find references or just hang out. Now she is the president of LGBTA Student Alliance and encourages other students and friends to get involved. There are six LGBTA clubs on campus, ranging from African American organizations to
social groups. “But the most important thing for students to do in order to feel comfortable with themselves is just to talk to someone,” she said. Cowie has been lucky enough to gain the support of those around her. She has used her positive experiences to promote acceptance and said she hopes that everyone in the LGBTA community can eventually feel comfortable with who they are. “One person might date girls. One person might date boys. It’s not a big difference – we are all pretty much the same.” FALL/WINTER 2009
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psyou,youyou
the Study
Steroid
To adults, Adderall is just like any other prescription drug used to treat a medical condition. To students, it is a tempting and easily accessible study aid. Jeanne Drouilhet explains why Adderall is becoming a problem on campus.
A
dderall, a stimulant drug, has proven effective for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder, or ADHD; however, its use without a prescription is becoming more and more popular among college campuses. Penn State is no exception. “You hear a lot of people talking about Adderall like it is nothing,” said Kelly Rippin, a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. “Everyone knows someone who has used it to study or someone they can get it from.” Students on college campuses are quickly discovering that taking Adderall allows them to focus for hours on end, typically to pull “all nighters,” according to Rippin, who said its use is “common knowledge” among students, but that “adults don’t really know it’s going on.” Although professors and parents may be unaware that students are taking Adderall, pharmacy workers are noticing an increase in Adderall prescriptions. “It seems like they are just handing [prescriptions] out like lollipops,” said Steve Marks*, 20, a Penn State student who works at a local pharmacy. “The use of it has just been overblown.” Marks said before he came to Penn State, he had “never even heard of Adderall.” Now he said he’s starting to notice how many prescriptions are being filled. Even without a prescription, students can still obtain the coveted 60
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“study drug” for the cost of a bag of cough drops. Based on an informal online poll of Penn State students, a majority of students who took the survey said they were able to buy Adderall at a cost of $5 or less. (Some students who took the survey said they were able to get the pill for free.) Among those who said they have taken Adderall, a third reported that they took it for the “speedy feeling.” “[When I took Adderall] I couldn’t fall asleep easily, and when I did fall asleep, I’d have a nightmarish dream and wake up again,” said Marks, who said he has taken Adderall to study before. “I also got overheated and sweaty and felt like my heart was beating out of my chest,” he added. “I don’t plan on taking it anymore because of how it made me feel.” Rippin said that with so many students taking Adderall on campus, “It’s hard not to be curious about it when you hear how well someone did on a test.”
Rippin, who said she has watched friends take the drug during heavy study periods throughout the semester, such as mid-terms and finals week, worries about the affects it can have on the body. She said without a prescription, “You never know how your body will react to it.” A simple visit to WebMD. com reveals several side affects commonly associated with Adderall, including a loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in heart rate. Additional side effects that are less commonly experienced include a weak feeling, headaches, dizziness and paranoia. Cindy Treasone, a nurse in Downingtown, Pa., stresses that no one should take the drug unless they have a prescription. “No prescription medication should be taken unless prescribed by a doctor. Adderall can make you very hyper and can give
you a rapid heart rate,” said Treasone. “No one should use this drug without a doctor monitoring it. We check on patients taking Adderall monthly to monitor the effects.” According to WebMD. com, Canada has recently suspended the use of Adderall due to the sudden deaths of 12 children who took the drug. Students may be reaping the benefits of taking Adderall by acing exams and keeping up with schoolwork, but there’s a reason why it’s considered a taboo topic. It can have very negative side effects, especially if taken regularly without a prescription. Its use is eerily similar to the use of steroids in sports, according to Rippin. Just like athletes can be tempted to use steroids in order to perform better in a competition, Rippin said, “It really makes me wonder about the expectations professors have if people have to take Adderall to do well.”
*Student’s name was changed due to the condition of speaking under anonymity.
FALL/WINTER 2009
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