KC Senior Spotlight: Brandi Marlin

What college are you attending next year? 

Slippery Rock University

What is your major?

Exercise Science Pre-Occupational Therapy

How did you decide on your major?

I have been teaching gymnastics since I was 14 and I have had the chance to meet and teach many different families and kids, including special needs children. Many of these children have had a profound impact on my life and have taught me many life lessons. In my career, I always knew that I wanted to go into the medical field and have close relationships with my patients. I learned about Occupational Therapy through some of the families I taught and from the moment I learned about OT, I knew it was where I belonged. The field of Occupational Therapy gives me the ability to make life-long connections and use my creativity to better someone’s life. It will be a long 6 years before I get my degree, but it will be 100% worth it. 

What is the job you hope to have after college?

I would love to be a pediatric Occupational Therapist at a hospital like CHOP.

What were you involved with throughout high school?

I was involved in NPTV, Knight Crier, Link Crew, Future Health Occupations Club, Dual Enrollment, and Youth Education Association. Being a part of these clubs has taught me so many life skills that I will need in college and for the rest of my life. I will forever be grateful to these clubs and the teachers who were a part of them. 

What would you like to say to all the clubs and activities you have been involved in?

I want to say thank you for pushing me. The person I was entering high school in 10th grade is not the person I am today. Three years ago I didn’t know who I was or who I wanted to be. I struggled to find something I was passionate about or really wanted to do. Every day for me was wake up, school, homework, sleep, repeat. Through clubs like NPTV and Knight Crier I found excitement. I found new stories to tell, breaking news, and events that changed people’s lives. Getting to tell and share news and stories has become something I am very passionate about. It has taught me how to conquer my fear of public speaking. I became more self confident and proud of myself. As a senior, I have no fear of speaking in front of crowds or presenting myself to a new person. All I can say to all the activities I have been a part of is thank you thank you thank you. I do not know where I would be without these experiences. 

What would you like to say to NPHS and NPSD now that we will no longer be returning to finish the year?

I want to say thank you for the experiences. There have been so many ups and downs through my 13 years in this district, and I would not want it any other way. I have learned so many lessons that I will carry with me throughout my life. I will hold my North Penn memories close to my heart forever. Thank you for everything. 

What piece of advice would you give to underclassmen?

Do not give up. Life is hard and there will be so many problems along the way; there will be heartbreak, rejection, bad grades, and thousands of other problems. Every obstacle can either build you up or tear you down, and it is up to you which it will be. I faced a lot of challenges throughout high school and sometimes I did let obstacles tear me down, and that is okay. Sometimes things will get to you emotionally or physically, and that is okay. Remember that as long as you try your best and work hard, you will end up where you are supposed to be, even if at times it may seem like your world is turned upside down.