Alumni Spotlight: Katie Alesi formulating an inspiring future at Penn State

Katie Alesi is exhuberant; that much, no one disputes.

Some know her as North Penn’s premier early bird, regularly arriving more than half an hour early to school during her senior year. Many recognize Alesi for her immaculate Spanish pronunciations, still lingering in the hallways of B-pod. Still others remember her friendly smile and well-deserved reputation as a person you could always count on for an insightful compliment, directions, or even that elusive Beatles lyric.

Her high school years may be over, but Alesi is just getting started. As a Clinical Laboratory Science major, she’s well on her way to an impactful career in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

What is your favorite part of college?

“I love college so much! Quite frankly, it’s hard to pick just one thing I love about Penn State. . . I love the beauty of the campus and I love the school spirit. But I suppose if I had to choose just one thing, as cliché as it may sound, I love the freedom. College is immensely different from high school, and having the freedom to narrow your academics to the degree that suits you best is so nice.Not to mention the freedom to learn from your own mistakes. Having your parents guide you is always great, but sometimes there are things in life that you simply have to gather from your own experience. College is not only about what you learn in the classroom, but also about yourself and others.”

What do you miss most about North Penn?

“North Penn was a second home to me for three years. I miss the people that added so much life to the halls and brought smiles to my face. Don’t be surprised if you see me after school hours visiting the ones that left such an impact on me.”

What is your advice for high school students?

“High school students are applying for colleges, and many see this time as stressful.  The best advice I can give you is to do what you believe will make you most successful. Don’t let others make your decisions for you. When you’re in college, all the decisions suddenly become yours, and that’s why it’s important to make sure that you choose the school that will make you happiest. Choose a major that suits you.  If your parents both went to the same school, sometimes there’s pressure to attend that school, but just remember you still have the choice to go elsewhere. If your parents tell you to be a doctor, but your dream is to become a marketing major, follow that dream. It’s your life! Not your parents’ lives, or anyone else’s life for that matter. Additionally, remember that if you don’t get accepted into your favorite school, you will find another school on your list that will make you happy. Try not to worry too much; everything will fall into place.”