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!
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.”
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.
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!