Amanda Hildenbrand 

Junior in Mechanical Engineering

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What high school did you attend?

North Allegheny Senior High School

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What activities (clubs) are you involved in outside of WEPO?

Girl Scout Saturday Outreach, Campus Crusade for Christ, SWE, Human Powered Vehicle Competition Team, WEP, Learning Assistant for EDSGN 100

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What Internship/Co-Op/Study Abroad or Research experience have you had?

Studied Abroad in San Sebastian, Spain, Disney College Program, Mission Abroad in Berlin, Germany

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Why did you choose to come to Penn State?

I chose to come to PSU because I knew I wanted to be an engineer and there are a lot of clubs and activities to join in order to explore my major. I also came because of the Penn State Alumni. Penn Staters like to hire fellow "Staters". The likelihood that I could have that common ground with someone in an interview is higher. One of the most important reasons I came to PSU is WEP and the support the program gives to women in engineering! WEPO'16 prepared me so well for my freshman year!

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What is your best Penn State or engineering memory?

The Ohio State game freshman year! My shoes were frozen to the stands and I could not feel my hands, but I have never cheered so loud in my life as when we got that interception and ran to the other end zone. WE ARE!!!

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What did you wish you knew as a first-year engineer?

I wish I understood that everyone gets a bad exam grade at least once in their college career. Most of the time it will not determine your chances for an internship or future career goals. Learn from your mistakes, and move on.

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What was your favorite class you took as a freshmen?

I really enjoyed my Egyptian Mythology class and my EDSGN 100 class.

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What is a fun fact about yourself?

I participated in the Disney College Program during Spring 2018. I worked in the parks as a Character Attendant, took a Disney engineering seminar, and networked with Disney engineers.