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Major: BBH and Psychology
Lion’s Pantry Experience: Shift Manager 2021, Intern 2022-2023
Other Penn State Involvement: Public Relations Chair for Minorities in the College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), Research Assistant, member of the African Student Association (ASA)
Post-Graduation Plans: Attending Temple University to obtain my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
What has your experience at The Lion’s Pantry taught you?
My experience at The Lion’s Pantry has taught me how much I love to help others and give back to the Penn State Community.
What would you want freshmen and new students to know about The Lion’s Pantry?
Take advantage of the free resources that are provided just for you! I wish someone would have told me about The Lions Pantry my freshman year.
What Lion’s Pantry accomplishment are you most proud of?
Holding office hours and working on the Amazon Wishlist!
Please share a favorite memory from working at The Lion’s Pantry.
My favorite memory at Lion’s Pantry was Canstruction 2022.
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Major: Nutritional Sciences
Lion’s Pantry Experience: Volunteer since 2020, Intern Fall 2022-Spring 2023
Other Penn State Involvement:Gamma Phi Beta Member, Student Nutrition Association, THON Hospitality Committee Member
Post-Graduation Plans: Going to graduate school to get my Masters in Science in Clinical Nutrition at Rutgers University
What has your experience at The Lion’s Pantry taught you?
My experience at The Lions Pantry has opened up my eyes tremendously. It taught me that everyone has their own battles they are dealing with, regardless of how they may be perceived from the outside.
What would you want freshmen and new students to know about The Lion’s Pantry?
If I had the opportunity to tell freshman about The Lions Pantry, I would tell them it has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my entire college experience! I would tell them that they are not only making a difference in so many lives, but that they will get to make such genuine connections and friends that they will keep forever!
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Major: Human Development and Family Studies
Minors: Deafness/Hearing Studies and Rehabilitation Human Services
Certificates: QRP Training, Darkness to Light Certification, FERPA Training Certificate, Youth Mental Health
Lion’s Pantry Experience: Canstruction® Volunteer (2022) and Engagement Director (2022-2023)
Other Penn State Involvement: HHD Ambassadors, Student Network Engagement Intern, Peer Career Assistant, Students United Against Poverty
Post-Graduation Plans: Obtain Masters in School Counseling from New York Institute of Technology
What has your experience at The Lion’s Pantry taught you?
My experience at The Lion’s Pantry has taught me transferable skills that I will be able to use in certain settings such as organizational, time management and communication skills. This has also brought an awareness to me about food insecurity at University Park, and I was glad to work with other executive members on the board, but student managers, and interns to keep fostering the growth of having food and resources to the Penn State students.
What would you want freshmen and new students to know about The Lion’s Pantry?
This is a great way to get involved and to give back to the community. Other than placing this on a resume, this is an opportunity to gain leadership skills.
What Lion’s Pantry accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am proud of being an Engagement Director. I never thought that I would hold an executive position during my time at Penn State but my friend, who was the President encouraged me to apply. If I didn’t listen to her, then I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to have such an amazing experience and work with amazing people!
Please share a favorite memory from working at The Lion’s Pantry.
Helping with Sunday Workdays with the Facility Coordinator and Cub Pantry Coordinator. This was a way for me to be apart of the logistical side of the pantry where I usually don’t work in that area of the pantry.
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1. What are you most excited about regarding your new role with The Lion’s Pantry?
Working directly with the student leaders and volunteers, as well as hiring the inaugural Pantry Interns.
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2. What are some of your short- and long-term goals for the Pantry?
Short-term goals are to open the renovated pantry, hire our interns, and learn the ropes. Long-term goals are also to learn the ropes!
In the short time I’ve been in this role, I’ve recognized that I need to adjust my approach as a student advisor to best support the student run – student led nature of the Lion’s Pantry Student Organization. Learning how to support, rather than direct, will be an important focus for my first few semesters.
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3. What is your past academic and/or professional experience?
Prior to joining the Pantry, I held a Director of Major Gifts role for the Smeal College of Business here at Penn State. I’ve been with Penn State for 7 years now, which is hard to believe. I’m very grateful.
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4. What is your favorite part about the Penn State community?
All the steps I see the students, my colleagues, university departments, and university leadership taking to truly create a culture of diversity, support, and acceptance. We have a long way to go and I’m all in.
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5. What are your interests and hobbies outside of work?
I like quilting and am a long-term armature. It’s nice to have an outlet where perfection is a rare happy accident and never a requirement.
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6. What recipe would you recommend our patrons and community members try with their food from The Lion’s Pantry?
I’m a big soup lover! I’d recommend a vegetarian lentil soup with crackers, not quite a recipe but still delicious.
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Who is Nithika Menon?
Nithika Menon is a sophomore majoring in data sciences. She serves as a Lion’s Pantry Manager.
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The Lion’s Pantry Involvement:
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Lion’s Pantry Manager (3 Semesters)
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Why did you decide to join The Lion’s Pantry team?
I volunteered in a soup kitchen through middle and high school. At Penn State, I was looking for an opportunity to continue work surrounding food insecurity, and I found The Lion’s Pantry.
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What is your favorite part about working with The Lion’s Pantry?
Seeing regulars on my shift. It lets me know that people appreciate the option to rely on our services.
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If you could talk to an incoming student interested in joining The Lion’s Pantry, what would you like them to know about this organization?
If you want to be a part of mitigating food insecurity at Penn State, then join! The organization always always needs volunteers.
Blog, Features, Uncategorized
Who is Mia Petrucela?
Mia Petrucela is a freshman majoring in chemistry. She currently serves as a Lion’s Pantry Manager.
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The Lion’s Pantry Involvement:
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Lion’s Pantry Manager (Beginning Fall 2022)
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Other Involvement and Extracurriculars:
- No Refund Theater
- Nittany Chemical Society
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Why did you decide to join The Lion’s Pantry team?
I’m really passionate about food security and ensuring that people in my community have access to the food they need, and The Lion’s Pantry is a great chance to support that mission.
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What is your favorite memory of being a Lion’s Pantry Manager?
So far it’s been getting to know others who share my passion during work days and manager shifts!
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What is your favorite part about working with The Lion’s Pantry?
I love knowing that I can make an important difference to people in my community and their well-being.
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What are you most looking forward to for the upcoming academic year with regard to your role with the Pantry?
I’m excited for Canstruction, getting to work with other organizations for food drives, and to see what kind of an impact we can make this year!
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If you could talk to an incoming student interested in joining The Lion’s Pantry, what would you like them to know about this organization?
I would want them to know how friendly everyone who works with the Pantry is, and how important the Pantry is to our community in helping eliminate food insecurity.
