UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Like many Penn State students, Marisa Vanness decided to attend the University for the opportunities, pride, and familial ties. However, she never thought that it would become her “home away from home.”
“I decided to attend Penn State because they offer flexibility of multiple interests,” said Vanness, a Schreyer Scholar. “For me, in particular, they offered international politics, which is quite unique to be able to study as an undergraduate student. Not to mention, my family loves Penn State! It was a natural fit.”
With language and communication for a cause guiding her journey as a student, international politics gave her the ability to explore an interdisciplinary major that covered topics of human rights, global poverty and global ethics, while examining the overall political environment of the world.
“My cousin works for the U.S. Department of State and suggested I look into it, especially as solving conflicts diplomatically is a trait that is sometimes lacking in the world of politics, but is something I am so passionate about,” said Vanness. “Also, I just love the idea of being a global citizen.”
Vanness has been selected as the 2019 international politics student marshal. At the College of the Liberal Arts commencement ceremony on May 4, she will be escorted by faculty marshal Lee Ann Banaszak, professor of political science.
Vanness excelled in her academics but also did not leave any rock unturned in terms of her student involvement.
“Outside of the classroom, I have been lucky to be involved,” Vanness said. “I have been involved with the United Nations Campus Advocates, the Penn State International Affairs and Debate Association, and Penn State Global Brigades.”
Her involvement in these organizations not only fulfilled her student involvement interests, it also provided a close-knit family at Penn State. Additionally, these organizations allowed Vanness to learn more about the world around her and all of the opportunities for one to make a difference, she said.
More recently, Vanness has been involved in research that is working towards improving children’s health.
She said, “It has been quite an amazing learning experience and has been very eye-opening.”
As a student at Penn State, there are a myriad of exciting courses that students can take; however, some leave more of a lasting impact on one’s educational experience, according to Vanness. She took an honors chemistry course during her sophomore year that did just that.
“Dr. Bevilacqua’s chemistry class changed the way that I studied and learned, completely,” she said. “The course taught me so much, but the relationship that I was able to build with an esteemed professor in the field meant more. He believed in me as a student and was extremely helpful to me as I struggled with the difficult concepts and material.”
Another course that has sticks out in Vanness’ memory was one that concerned gender in politics and was taught by Banaszak, her thesis adviser as a Schreyer Scholar.
“After taking this course with Dr. Banaszak, I wished I had taken more women’s studies courses, because this course, and her tutelage, changed the way I looked at all of the systems around me," said Vanness. "This course is the definition of a transformative learning experience.”
Following commencement, Vanness plans to work and study for the MCATs in order to apply for medical school. She hopes to incorporate international relations later into her career.
“Penn State has given me so much, and I am incredibly grateful for it all," she said.
This is the eighth in a series of stories on the 22 student marshals representing the College of the Liberal Arts at the spring 2019 commencement ceremony.