Ambassador projects pride, passion during revisit to vo-tech school
Friday, January 13, 2023
Before starting her final semester this past week, Lauryn A. Stauffer returned to Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School while on holiday break as part of the "Rep Penn College" program coordinated by the Admissions Office. Under the initiative, begun during the 2021-22 academic year, students are provided training and supplies to take on the road for potential recruitment of future Wildcats.
A proven advocate for Penn College and for her automation engineering technology: robotics & automation major – including service as a presidential student ambassador, a College Relations student assistant and as the on-screen guide for an online campus tour – Stauffer talked with four young men during a second trip to her alma mater.
An electronics student there for three years, she also met in 2021 with students of Glenn Milositz (her former electronics instructor, now dean of students) and with members of the school's SkillsUSA team.
Three of the students in her most recent group are interested in electronics, and the fourth will continue his HVAC education at Penn College in the fall.
"They asked so many great questions regarding student life, class sizes and finances," said Stauffer, scheduled to graduate in May. "Being able to communicate the stories that I have gained from Penn College was so helpful to them, since they are able to relate to where I came from as a student."
The school recently became a partner in Penn College Dual Enrollment, offering college-level instruction in masonry and food safety.
"I am so glad I was able to help guide them with this information from a student perspective. It was also nice to go back to my vocational school, being able to see the transitions over the last four years," Stauffer said. "I am so proud of where I started from and, looking back at my education, I wouldn't change a single thing that I have done. I appreciated being able to showcase my story and what I have learned from going to Penn College, and letting students know that this place is absolutely amazing!"
Students wishing to "Rep Penn College," returning to their home schools over Spring Break, should contact Jen M. Cullin-Hetrick, associate director of admissions.
Photo provided