Alumni Spotlight: Jenna You packs her North Penn pride while traveling abroad

North Penn Graduate: Class of 2015

While attending North Penn High School, Jenna You was seen as the epitome of an active student. Throughout her high school career, You was involved in North Penn’s Goodwill Ambassadors, National Honor Society, Key Club, art, lacrosse, cross country, and track and field. Since Graduating from North Penn High School she has been given many opportunities that help to expand her knowledge of the world. As she travels to different cities in Europe, she brings with her the same spirit she carried with her through the halls of North Penn.

1.What/where are you currently studying ?

I am currently undeclared in a Liberal Studies program, and I am studying abroad in Florence, Italy.

2.How has studying abroad impacted you? What are some experiences that have stuck with you?

I’m only just getting towards midterm season, so I can’t say studying abroad has impacted me greatly (yet). However, one thing that impacts me everyday is the culture. Italian culture is much different from the American (and my Korean) one, and shows me that there are flaws in the United States, and traveling to different countries has shown the same thing as well, many things that could be changed. But of course, it also shows me all the great things in the U.S. that I should be thankful for. Overall, I’ve become more curious about other cultures (and I’m always comparing and contrasting). Living in a foreign country for more than a month has taught me very different things. It’s unlike visiting a country as a tourist or as a missionary because you’re living here. This is your temporary home. Even though I live a block away from some of the most iconic works of art and architecture, and even though I’m squeezing past tons of tourists everyday, I always try to be aware of where I am and how this is most likely a once in a lifetime opportunity. On the other hand, what also impacts me is how the college community itself is much smaller here. I’m so used to waking around and not knowing 99% of the faces around me, so it’s nice to have a campus and be connected to almost everyone.

3.What impact did the North Penn School District have on you?

North Penn had a huge impact on me, and I’m very thankful because I don’t know how my life would be if I hadn’t gone to North Penn. All the teachers, faculty, and staff have impacted me in one way or another, teachers who have inspired me in my studies and in art, and coaches who showed me a lot about perseverance. I definitely would not be here  without them. I would list names, but honestly, every single teacher has had an impact on me although they may not know it. And of course athletics had a great impact on me because I still run almost everyday and I still play lacrosse. Even though the level of competition at North Penn was so high, and the practices were so hard, I’d say it was all worth it in the end.

4.How did attending North Penn High School prepare you for college?

Attending NPHS prepared me very well for college. First of all, after taking a bunch of AP courses, I’d have to say my first year of classes was very easy. Second, because NPHS was a huge school in terms of numbers, being at a large school like NYU is not difficult. And with everything combined, taking challenging courses, being involved in art, and participating in athletics, it wasn’t too difficult for me to manage my time. The only problem I had was probably sleeping too much. Overall, North Penn helped me develop my strong work ethic.

6.What are some things about college that stick out to you? What do you like about NYU?

The things that stick out to me about college are very personal. I went into college without any expectations, really, and I would say the first year was very difficult for me, so what stuck out to me most is how college revealed to me that you are more vulnerable than you think you are. Being at NYU is different than most colleges, and you really learn to be independent. Sometimes it’s nice going to a college in Manhattan and basically becoming a New Yorker. But sometimes it’s not. To be honest, during my first year, I was pretty lonely; I spent quite the majority of my time by myself. I was not happy most of the time like I was in high school. Overall, I struggled a lot. But because of that, I also learned a lot. I learned a lot about myself and what I needed to grow as a person. And of course, I  learned that through all the tough times, never forget that your family is always there for you!

7.What are your future plans?

There’s so much, actually, too much I want to do that I haven’t been able to decide. But, you’ll find that when you get to college, most people don’t know, and that’s perfectly normal. I’ve talked to so many people about their jobs and their majors. I’ve spoken with a career coach. I’ve done a mentorship. And I’m still talking to my advisor, my parents, my friends. I may just never know, and I’m ok with that. I’m just going to have to  wait and see what God as in store for me.