Rhonda Kumer
Adult Learner
Communication & Media Studies
Erie, Pennsylvania

It is small enough to manage getting to classes, but also has a feel of a large campus because of the amount of green space that surrounds it. I enjoy having smaller class sizes and not getting lost in the crowd.

Rhonda Kumer is a returning adult student who was accepted to two other local colleges, but she chose Behrend because of the significance of the Penn State name.

At age 38, Rhonda was somewhat hesitant with learning next to students 20 years younger than her. “I was apprehensive about speaking out in class because I did not know the ‘classroom culture’ of the twenty-first century,” she said.

Due in part to a course that worked on group communication skills, Rhonda became more comfortable interacting with traditional students. “It has been cool to hear students yell at me across Bruno’s Cafe or somewhere around campus,” she said. “It gives me a sense of belonging on campus.”

When asked what she thought future students should know about Behrend, Rhonda said, “It’s an ideal campus for the first-time away-from-home student. There are many organizations in which they can gain a sense of belonging. They should not be afraid to ask for help. Most importantly they should familiarize themselves with the many resources that are available to students at Behrend.”

Would Behrend be Rhonda’s choice again?

“Absolutely,” she said. “Beside the name of Penn State, the class sizes are a plus, the professors are relatively available when you need help, and it has a decent multicultural atmosphere.”