Kaitlyn Maley

Question #1: What inspired you to pursue the major you are in?

Growing up, I was always interested in food. I loved cooking in the kitchen and baking treats for my friends. I also had a strong interest in science as well. I enjoyed biology and chemistry (not physics), so I looked for something that combined both my love for food, and my love for science. Food Science is the perfect major for me because I get to understand more than the science behind food. The major encompasses the entirety of food production and the skills you need to be successful in any career within the industry.

Question #2: What has been the best part of your time in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences?

The College of Agricultural Sciences is not like the other colleges at Penn State. The community and atmosphere are what make this college stand out. My favorite part about this college is the people who are a part of it. I’ve always felt welcomed and cared about within the college. The faculty and professors are amazing, and I know that I can count on them if I ever need support.

Question #3: What do you wish you would have known as a new student at Penn State?

College is more than just academics; it's more than extra-curriculars. A really big part of Penn State is the people you meet. My advice to new students is that the people you interact with are going through or have been through experiences similar to your own. It’s important to get to know one another and support each other. Throughout my first year, I learned that setting up study groups with classmates is a really good way to stay engaged in a class. This is only one example of how networking with other students can help you. Penn State is a university that has students and faculty with a variety of experiences. Use that to your advantage, and learn not only from the class, but from each other.