Catching up with Eric Beideman

Many North Penn students remember Eric Beideman from his Low Down appearances on the morning show (yes, that guy with the bow tie), his articles for the Knight Crier, and his time as a baseball catcher. Now that he has graduated, Beideman spends his time at Wilkes University, still playing baseball, and still staying academically involved and challenged. Check out his freshman year college experience that includes a few words of advice for high schoolers!

Why did you decide to attend Wilkes University? “Along with my decision to play baseball here, I decided to come to Wilkes after I was accepted to the honors program and took a tour with my honors mentor. She made me feel like I was right at home and that the university truly wanted me to be there.”

What is your favorite aspect of the college life? “I love the autonomy of college. No one tells you when to do things or how to do things, and decisions are truly left up to the students. It allows for a true feeling of freedom. Unlike high school, when individuality is restricted and neglected, in college, individuality is promoted. In turn, the campus feels truly diverse.”

What do you miss most about North Penn? “The one thing I miss most about North Penn is getting to wake up every morning and spend all day with friends I’ve had for years. Don’t get me wrong, I love my friends I’ve made here at Wilkes. But there’s a special bond you have with your childhood friends which I don’t believe can be replicated in the four years of college.”

What advice would you give to high schoolers? “If I had to offer a piece of advice to high schoolers, it would be to cherish and enjoy your high school experience, especially seniors. High school seems rough and I remember wanting to rush it along and hurry off to college as fast as I could, however, that thought process is naïve. Looking back on my high school experience, I’m thankful for everything. The ups, the downs. The highs, the lows. You don’t realize it, but every day you walk into North Penn, you’re slowly molding yourself as an individual. You are creating your adult self and developing who will you become for the rest of your life. While I love college, I realize how great of an opportunity I was afforded at North Penn and I’m grateful for every minute of it. Don’t rush it. Enjoy it.”

What is your most prized possession in your dorm? “My most prized possession in my dorm by far is my blender. Protein shakes, smoothies, and chopped nuts are whipped up in my Magic Bullet daily.”

What is your go-to campus food? “We have an on campus restaurant (which is free 3 times a day with my meal plan) called “Which Witch,” where I get sandwiches from daily. My go to Which Witch sandwich is a sausage egg and caramelized onion sandwich, which I like on white bread. I like my Witches.”

Do you have any advice for making friends in college? “For me, making friends came pretty easily, as my teammates on the baseball team quickly became friends. However my advice to incoming freshman on how to make friends at college is simple. Put your pride aside and ‘do things’. Go to the ice cream socials in your hall. Go to the pickup volleyball tournament in the campus square. These things may seem silly and may be awkward at first, but this is how you find your people. For many of you, you haven’t started from scratch making friends since kindergarten. It was awkward at first then, and it will be for most of your first 2 weeks at college now. Don’t lose heart, don’t run away, don’t be a recluse. Trust me. Your entire college experience won’t be that awkward.”