UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — One Penn State student’s successes both in and out of the classroom have led to her being named the College of Communications student marshal for fall commencement ceremonies Dec. 17 in the Bryce Jordan Center.
Sabrina Evans, a Schreyer Honors College student, will graduate with both journalism and English degrees.
“It’s really exciting, just because you spend all this time putting in effort with the grades and stuff like that, and in the end you’re kind of like, ‘What is that all going to get me?’” said Evans, a Binghamton, New York, native. “I think this is an exciting and nice way to be rewarded for that, but at the same time, having all of the other stuff that you’ve been doing considered as well.”
Evans, whose parents both attended Penn State and met while in college, was heavily involved in extracurricular activities. Her experiences with Valley Magazine, a student-run life and style magazine, gave Evans real-world experience.
As a sophomore at Penn State, she joined the web staff at Valley. She liked it so much, she became a journalism double major after that. After working her way up to managing editor and then editor-in-chief, Evans made the most of her opportunity.
“I really enjoy the creative, more abstract story-telling side of journalism,” said Evans. “Valley kind of gave me that outlet.”
It also gave her hands-on experience doing things like leading others, working with printers and designers, and more. While she said she learned a lot in her classes, she appreciates the “well-rounded experience” Penn State provided.
During her time at the University, Evans piled up the internships. This past summer, she spent time in New York City as an editorial intern for both Lippincott Massie McQuilkin Literary Agents and Ayesha Pande Literary. In addition, she has been an editorial intern for GreenGale Publishing LLC, State College Magazine and Town & Gown Magazine. In the future, she hopes to work at an independent publishing house.
“It’s kind of related to my English major as well as my communications major because I really fell in love with editing,” said Evans. “I wouldn’t have known that I love working on other people’s writing if I hadn’t done journalism and worked as an editor.”
Now, Evans is excited for the fast-approaching December graduation so she can put the skills she has learned to use, and get started on her career.
“It’s exciting and scary at the same time,” said Evans.
During commencement ceremonies, Evans will be escorted by Russell Frank, an associate professor in the Department of Journalism.