She took the scenic route to Penn College, exploring two other universities and seven different majors before landing where she did. But, Stevie will tell you the journey was entirely worth it. Day in and day out, she was challenged to dream bigger and inspired to be better. For that, she will be forever grateful.
My freshman year at PCT, I needed to figure out what I wanted to major in. Walking through campus I realized how many events were being held for the students. That was when it hit me: Events bring people together. That was what I wanted to do, bring people together. After my classmates and I designed our own event for class, I realized how much I loved watching an event come together from beginning to end. Being able to be there through every step of the event process to the end when it is time to clean up, I loved every second of it.
When I was studying Business Administration: Sport and Event Management, events were being held every day. Being able to know the ins and outs of holding an event and making a client’s day special is what I strived to learn. I thoroughly enjoyed being there for every step from beginning to end. Most jobs you either see the start, the middle, or the end of a project, but when it comes to an event planner, you get to see the whole project right to the very end and I love that!
A fun project I worked on was the Coffee and Conversation event my classmates and I held in April 2019. We were able to host our own event for the college to help our classmates. Seeing how the school runs an event and being able to learn from my professor, as well as my classmates, on their strengths and weaknesses was very eye opening into my future career. I thoroughly enjoyed this project; it made me realize I was in the right major!
Having that mix of practical and theory, I was able to balance out my hands-on experience while also learning in the classroom. The hands-on experience got me out of my comfort zone and put me right in the center of what I wanted to do. If there was any question in mind of my current path during theory work, the practical experience was able to assure me that I was on the right path.
Penn College provides you with a dynamic environment to collaborate and encourages students to contribute by sharing their perspectives. Penn College is known for hands-on work. We are known to show results in everything we do. With the positive of small class sizes and numerous amounts of labs dedicated for students to work, there is no path you will ever go through alone. Faculty members prove day in and day out that they want you to succeed. You will always be at home when you come to Penn College. The mountains and the small town atmosphere make you feel like you are a part of something bigger than the college. With numerous amounts of majors, you will surely be a good fit at Penn College.
The business school became my family. Every faculty member went above and beyond for me day in and day out. They shaped me into the adult I am today. My constant drive to be a better person in and out of the workplace is because of them. Every faculty member has stayed after hours just to make sure I understood the teachings. The business school wants to see you succeed and will be there every step of the way to make sure you cross that finish line.
“Having that mix of practical and theory, I was able to balance out my hands-on experience while also learning in the classroom. The hands-on experience got me out of my comfort zone and put me right in the center of what I wanted to do."
Stevie Petrison
When it came time to dedicate the Woodlands Bank Innovation Lab, Stevie was asked to lend a student perspective. With a number of innovation courses under her belt, all taken in the collaborative learning space, Stevie was a natural fit for the spotlight.
Many college students kick back for the summer and take a breathier. Not Stevie. She put her business skills to a good cause, planing and promoting a fundraiser that raised $5,500 for an organization that supports pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Grateful for the experiences afforded to her at Penn College, Stevie was first in line to say 'thanks' to those who supported her journey. Check out her video. Learn more about Stevie's adventures. And see how powerful the generosity of others can be.
When Stevie was asked to be the student speaker during her graduation ceremony, she was incredibly honored. In her speech, she gave shoutouts to the instructors who pushed her along the way, the students who made the journey memorable, and the community she grew to consider a family. She closed with a quote from Winnie the Pooh, "How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
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