Meet senior Andrea Parks! Andrea is a Hospitality Management major, focusing on Event Planning. She also has a minor in music with the trumpet.
Originally, when Andrea was looking for schools she was looking for a culinary school because that is what she was interested in at the time. Her older sister was at Slippery Rock, and she told her that IUP had a culinary school. So, Andrea visited IUP and discovered she wanted to focus more on hospitality instead of culinary, and she came here to the main campus, loved it!
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Here at IUP, Andrea is involved in quite a bit. She is the president of Meeting Professionals International, vice-president of Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society, secretary of National Residence Hall Honorary, co-social chair or Sign Language club, a member of Eta Sigma Delta Hospitality Honors Society, and the Head Community Assistant of Putt/Delaney residence halls. When asked how she feels about her organizations, Andrea said “I love all of these organizations. Not only are all of them amazing resume builders, but I have met some great friends through them. Like any organizations on campus they help you make connections and have a fun time doing what you love, I will always recommend organizations to people. They change your life!”
(Andrea pictured with the National Honor Society.)
I asked Andrea what her favorite memory at IUP was so far and she stated, “My favorite memory at IUP so far would have to be very recently, becoming a part of IUPs Crimson Court this year. I was just elected the Crimson Court Representative for the college of Health and Human Services. So crazy! Also, another awesome memory would be attending Sign-a-thon last year with IUPs Sign Language club. We got together in Pittsburgh with the deaf community and we signed the song How Far I’ll Go. That was a cool experience.”
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During her remaining time at IUP, Andrea is looking forward to making the most out of her last year here. She is going to go to a bunch of events, maybe snag some more free merch (because who doesn’t want more t-shirts?). On her tough days, Andrea turns to music. She loves just sitting down, putting some great music on, and having time for herself.
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Andrea’s advice to underclassmen is: “Have fun and get involved. I understand college is stressful with classes, work, and even the annoying “hold on your account.” Take time for yourself. Step out of your shell, join a sport, a club, your res halls RHC, Greek life, WHATEVER! Just go out and do it! I promise, you will love it.”
(Andrea pictured with the Putt/Delaney staff.)
Lastly, Andrea would like to add “To all my other Cleveland/ North East Ohio family here at IUP… GO TRIBE!”
(Andrea with her sisters.)
I happen to know Andrea personally, and she is one of the sweetest people I have ever met! If you see her on campus, be sure to say hi because I promise you won’t regret it!