Diwash Dahal

I completed my associate degree at a community college. However, they didn't offer a bachelor's degree and I had a thirst for more education. My previous institution had an articulation agreement with Penn College, which made it much easier to transfer in my credits and my classes.

I felt that Penn College had better technology than most colleges. I went to see a number of different colleges and felt the technology elsewhere was lacking. The equipment in the labs at Penn College was the same that I saw when I was interning and working for companies over the summer.

It's not too large, but it’s not a small campus either. It's just the right size. You’re going to find communities that are the perfect size. If you're just here for the academic and the hands-on experience, you have the Madigan Library where you’ll find people who are here to study and improve their educational skills. If you're a student who also wants to enjoy the college life, we have the Campus Center where we have the pool tables. You can go there to enjoy some food and hang out with friends. 

The classes here are much different than I saw in other colleges when I toured them. Here, it's more hand-on than just constantly lectures and professors standing talking. And professors go all out. If you're interested in a class, they're going to give you more resources to do better things. For example, I took advantage of office hours for extra help and, at this time, one of my instructors introduced me to a new coding language. 

The aspect I like best about Penn College is that I am almost a guaranteed job. Some college students wait eight to nine weeks to find a job. At Penn College, you're almost guaranteed a job when you graduate. That's the best thing, because I want to start my career as soon as I can when I graduate. 

Yes. I attended it my first semester. There were around 300 employers who come and want to hire students. Five of my friends got hired right at the Career Fair! They didn't even have to do an interview. Companies saw their skills and offered them jobs on the spot.

Are you a lecturer learner or are you a hands-on learner? If you're a hands-on learner and you want more of the professors’ time then this is the college. Second, do you want a cheat code in life? At Penn College, there's a high chance of employability. For me, I don't want to wait eight to nine weeks trying to find a job. Here, I can graduate and almost be guaranteed a job. Plus. I'm working with equipment that I’ll be using in my future job.

Yes. I was able to get a career and technical education (CTC) scholarship. I was in a computer networking program at my CTC so got a scholarship right off the bat. I also received a few other scholarship opportunities. All of this really lightened my financial burden.

I am completing a summer internship with Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R) as their Event Technology intern. As an HE&R intern, I have a wide range of responsibilities, and a unique work style compared to other interns. I troubleshoot various types of technology, ranging from credit card machines to network cabling in the Villas. Unlike the typical Hersheypark internship, my position comes with a high level of responsibility and access. I have full access to HE&R facilities, including data center rooms that are typically restricted to upper management. I also have my own cubicle in the administration office, where executives such as the financial officers and vice presidents of the park work. Additionally, I collaborate with other departments, including Technology Services and Telecommunications, to set up technology for events at the stadium. Recently, I worked on the Kendrick Lamar concert, which involved a 16-hour shift! This internship has been an amazing experience, and I would love to join HE&R full-time if a position becomes available.     

My dream job is to become a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at a company like Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R)—an organization with a unique and meaningful mission. I say this because HE&R is committed to helping children in need break the cycle of poverty. Nearly all of the company's profits go towards funding the Milton Hershey School, supporting future generations of students in need. I aspire to be a CTO at a company that truly values its employees. I want to be the kind of leader my team can rely on for technical guidance and support. I also want to travel, speak, solve complex problems, and, most importantly, connect with people.

Penn College is helping me design the career of my dreams by providing the connections, leadership opportunities, and technical skills I need to become a strong and effective leader. This college is preparing me to back up my words with action. It’s one thing to say you’re a strong leader or that you know how to solve problems but in the real world, you have to actually do it. Penn College gives me the confidence to follow through and perform under real-life conditions. I’m also developing a deep understanding of the concepts and environments related to my career, thanks to professors who are seasoned professionals with years of industry experience. Their guidance is helping shape me into the leader I aspire to become.

There are many things I would love to say to those who have invested their time and money in me, but the most important is this: an investment in me doesn’t just benefit one person, it has a ripple effect. You’re not just investing in a student; you’re investing in a future leader who values people, not power. I want to be a friend, not just a co-worker. I want to be someone who wants to bring smiles, passion, and unique leadership into the professional world. Too often, we see managers who lack the real skills needed to lead and connect with others. I want to change that. I want to lead with heart, purpose, and integrity. Your investment helps make that vision possible and, for that, I’m truly grateful.