<p>It really upsets me that people are deferring from coming here. I’m currently a freshman here and could not be happier with my decision. Yes, the scandal is horrific and obviously detrimental to the name “Penn State”. But, everyone here is so supportive. Every one of my professors addressed the issue, allowing us to talk about how we felt and really make sure they know that we have someone to talk to. I would definitely not change my mind about coming here. Still, even today with everything going on, I still love it here. Penn State is still such a great place. We (still) are Penn State!!!</p>
<p>I was angry at first at the students rioting. The students who actually did damage have been or will be arrested. The police department is working on video. Wouldn’t asking a penn state applicant in the job interview about this be borderline illegal? Wouldn’t a background check take care of this?</p>
<p>Upon further reflection of the riots, I am not even blaming the students who participated non-violently. They were angry at their administration for firing those who admitted to handling the situation wrong but were still on payroll, but Joe Paterno was fired. Also, these students world was turned upside down by people they trusted. I feel the 7 stages of grief could be applied here - shock and denial, guilty and pain (although they didn’t do anything), anger, depression, upward turn, reconstruction and acceptance. Are you really going to blame them the rest of their lives for their reaction? This holier than thou attitude makes me very uncomfortable Between 5 and 10% of the school population was there and the total student body is being painted with a broad stroke. I have seen estimates of the candlelight vigil between 10,0000 and 20,000…but that doesn’t make for good tv.</p>
<p>I’m sure everyone has already read the stories of news crews encouraging students to act more riotously and prompting them on what to say on camera. I just want to add that the local paper today mentioned the first person who was charged in relation to the riot. He was 44 years old. Student? I doubt it.</p>
<p>Sure, “We are, Penn State,” and thirty years from now “We are, still thinking about the scandal”. </p>
<p>There are over 400 other colleges and universities that one could select that wouldn’t have a negative connotation 30 years down the road. </p>
<p>I used this analogy before but I think it fits… If someone mentioned “Columbine High School”, what do you think about?..</p>
<p>…that’s right. You thought about the actions of 2 people who destroyed lives and marred that entire community. Do you know what you didn’t think about? The fact that approximately 2,500 students have graduated from Columbine since that horrific incident with great IB prep educations.</p>
<p>When you think of Penn State thirty years from now, guess what you and employers everywhere will think of?..</p>
<p>Sure, they will think of the scandal, but I think recruiters are smart enough separate the despicable actions of a former coach and some administrators from qualified students looking for jobs. </p>
<p>My neighbors’ son, who will graduate in May, just got a call from Microsoft. They are flying him out for an interview. </p>
<p>Eastcoastbound22, I am guessing you are a student, without a lot of actual experience in the business world.</p>
<p>if an employer is ignorant enough not to hire me because of a scandal that I had no involvement in, then I wouldn’t want to work for them in the first place.</p>
<p>All in all, after a few week we will feel stupid for bring this disturbed and for not paying attention to the kids.</p>