As I walked from Smeal to the Berkey Creamery while visiting Penn State in 2021, I could feel a meaningful sense of community. I have been deeply engaged in my high school, serving in leadership roles, including Class President, DECA CEO, and Ski Club President. Throughout my involvement, I have been able to connect in unique and effective ways with many individuals from various social groups, and this is one of the many reasons I am applying to Penn State.
During my freshman year campaign for Class President, I wanted to do something different, not the classic posters on the wall with cheesy slogans, but something that would make a splash. I began writing sticky notes, stack after stack, in preparation for the morning: “Vote John Doe for Class President.” Arriving at school early, I immediately got to work, plastering every single freshman locker with sticky notes. By 7:20, freshmen began pouring into the halls, staring in awe at the hundreds of yellow notes. By the end of the day, Roger, our favorite janitor, and I picked up all of the sticky notes that had made their way around the building.
Halfway through freshman year, we went remote, and as Class President, I felt responsible for connecting us. I requested photos from classmates to share their experiences while we were apart. The contributions were amazing, and I created a twenty-minute video montage of our classmates; we strengthened our bond by sharing our families and home lives. COVID sidelined the “sticky note morning” for the next two years, but moving forward to senior year elections this spring, the much-anticipated sticky note display proved once again to be the central part of my fourth campaign. Although I was running unopposed, the sticky notes were a nostalgic throwback. COVID may have separated us for a time, but we were returning to normal life and a promise of a bright year ahead. And Angel and I swept the halls for the last time.
Running was one of the best decisions I made during high school. It enabled me to connect with my community while holding a position where I could make a difference. I cannot wait to be a Nittany Lion and participate in Class Government, and I will bring my sticky notes with me to Happy Valley! Go Lions!
