College is pretty universally four years of unopened textbooks, new friendships, nonstop parties and too many experiences to count. Still, for the students who chose Happy Valley for their further education, a few traditions and landmarks define their time spent at Penn State.
“Penn State!” soon follows anytime you hear the words “we are,” whether you’re in the football stadium or out to dinner. And not giving the appropriate response just feels wrong.
Wearing blue and white symbolizes more than just the school colors. You bleed blue and white and your clothes reflect your school spirit. You make room for the sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, sweatpants, mittens, and socks, no matter how stuffed your closet already is.
Your crowning moment was when you were finally lucky enough to get a picture with the mascot (and it’s still your profile picture). You also get points if you have a picture with the famous lion statue.
And FTK is the most important acronym you know. Staying on your feet for 48 hours has never been more fun or more rewarding, and it restores your faith in humanity.
What’s the point of having all the local cab numbers on speed dial? You know no one’s going to pick up during football weekends. Even Uber hits you with that crazy surge during this time of need. Although there are a few options for transportation, no doubt it’s a cruel world.
Breakfast (or brunch) just isn’t the same anywhere else. You can count on seeing that guy from the party last night there too, because where else would all the hungover kids be?
There is no bad flavor. You’re convinced.
It took a little bit of practice, but you can finally walk around and know where you’re going. Plus you’re prepared for next time you go to Times Square, because its population density is basically the same.
Tailgating is taken to a whole new level in Happy Valley and it’s basically the only thing that gets you through the week. Cheering your team on with your friends is the only acceptable way to spend a Saturday.
And your sophomore 15. And your junior 15.
What better way to spend an afternoon than sitting in front of the Willard building and hearing about all the reasons you’re going to hell?
Just don’t trust them.
Those halftime shows take forever to put together and playing during the game is the best way to get the crowd energized. Marching band has never been cooler.
You know all of your debate points better than the notes you were supposed to study for that test tomorrow.
You’ve played Frisbee on the lawn and rallied in front of it, but you’ve never set foot inside of the building. For all you know, it’s filled with puppies.
They just never work.
You go to a school with 40,000 people and you still see people you know on your way to class. It’s like a magic trick.
You’re not even upset about it.
There’s nothing like a stadium full of people singing the Alma Mater to make you feel right at home.
You couldn’t be prouder of your school and you love being a Nittany Lion. We are!
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