Alumni Spotlight: Peyton pursues passion at PSU

Inspired by her high school English teachers, Madi Peyton, graduate of the class of 2016, is studying Secondary English and Communications at Penn State University, aspiring to share her passion with others. The NP alum hopes to return to NPHS one day to teach English.

“After college, I want to come back to my hometown and hopefully begin student teaching in the area to eventually get a full time job at North Penn. I would love to work there,” explained Peyton.

Peyton, a former staff writer for the Knight Crier, was actively involved in the NP community; she was on the NP Dance Team, anchored for the NPTV Morning Show, served as a member of the National Honor Society, went to states twice with FBLA, and functioned as a captain on the spirit and morale committee for Mini-THON.

How are you involved at PSU? “I am a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority. I participate in Greek sing, which is a short skit with dancing that the frats and sororities do together. I am on an Operations Committee for THON 2017 and was the Airbands Chair, which choreographs a short dance for their committee to perform at an all OPP committee event.”

What impact did NPSD have on you? “North Penn helped shaped me into the person I am today. The school gave me countless opportunities to get involved and made me want to continue that throughout college. It also taught me how to be a leader as well as work together with others to get the job done. I have taken those skills and applied them here at Penn State and so far have found only success.”

How did NPHS prepare you for college? “Though Penn State is still giant compared to North Penn, its size definitely helped with the adjustment. However, I do miss only walking about 3 minutes indoors from class to class, whereas here my shortest walk is about 15 minutes in the outdoors, no matter the weather.  Also, the diversity at NP really related to Penn State, and that has helped me with making friends who aren’t always the same as I am.”

What do you miss the most about NPHS? “I miss the familiarity of North Penn. I always knew what to do and when to do it. College is way more independent and self-driven, so if you don’t put the effort in, you will not do well. I loved walking around North Penn and seeing so many friendly faces and being able to strike up a conversation with them. Now, I pass people daily that I may never see again. I also miss the relationships I had with my teachers. For some, they were almost like friends to me. Sitting in my 300 person lectures, I really feel like just another face.”

What do you enjoy most about college? “College has brought so many great things that it is hard to narrow it down. I love the people it has brought into my life. With only a month left in the semester, I have come across amazing friends who make my day a little bit brighter. When it was my birthday, they all decorated my room and left gifts on my bed, which was such a heartwarming thing to come home to after a day of classes. The best part about college is just being able to knock on someone’s door and say, “Hey, want to get lunch?” Or, “Anyone want to come over and talk?” I’m surrounded by great people, and I feel very lucky for that.”

What are your future plans? “I hope to continue on a THON committee each year at college, as well as hopefully join a club dance team. Also, I plan to spend my senior year full time student teaching as a part of my major requirement.”

What advice do you have for high school students? For students applying to college? “My advice would be enjoy every second of high school. Go to sporting events, smile at people you normally wouldn’t, and get involved in a new club. High school is what you make of it, and the more people you come in contact with, the more rewarding the experience will be. Though this is far off, do not underestimate the syllabus. Each teacher will give you one, and that will be the outline of your entire semester. No more writing when assignments are due on the board or giving reminders for upcoming quizzes. It is solely up to you to keep track of the work you need to do. I highly recommend a large calendar on the wall of your dorm room and a daily planner (I still use one). Oh, and the exams in college are a lot harder than high school. No more study guides! Make sure you take the time to study and really know the material. That first exam may be a big wakeup call as it was for me, but as long as you buckle down and readjust, you will be just fine. All in all, college is a new and different experience that you can turn into the time of your life. Make new friends and get involved, and things will seem way more comfortable. However, North Penn was a great time of my life that I would definitely consider my prime. That school is like no other, and cherish every moment there. Good luck with applications, and have an awesome senior year. It only comes around once!”