Name: Brittany Thomas
Major: Ecology, Evolution & Behavior
Hometown: Bethel Park, PA
Year: Senior
Activities on Campus: Lion Ambassadors, Her Campus, Project Paws, Theta Phi Alpha, Welcome Week, Concert Committee
Favorites:
Food: Green Apples
Animal: Panda
Movie: We Bought A Zoo
Artist/Band: I don’t really have a “favorite”, I listen to everything but I’ve listened to Dave Matthews Band since I was really little.
Season: Fall
This or That:
Coffee or Tea: Coffee
Film or Novel: Oh that’s a tough one, film because I don’t ever have time to read anymore.
Sweet or Salty: Sweet
Apple or Android: Apple
Dressy or Casual: Casual
Why did you choose to come to Behrend?
I originally applied to Thiel and was set on going there until I saw the campus and realized it was smaller than my high school campus. So I panicked and on the way home from Thiel, stopped at my sister’s and finished my application for Penn State. I accepted my admission my very first visit. I loved the scenery and feel of the campus so I knew immediately that I wanted to come here.
What is your favorite hobby?
My favorite hobby would have to be crafting. I love it so much, it’s super relaxing and fun. I love being outdoors just as much so whenever I get to craft outside, I’m in my happy place.
What advice would you give to people who LOVE to craft, but aren’t the best at it?
Keep trying and don’t give up. Just like a sport or learning an instrument, the more you practice the better you get. Crafting takes a lot of patience and trial and error so you have to be willing to take the time to do it. You can do anything you set your mind to, just keep trying!
If you could do anything in the world, what would be your dream job?
I think I have a tie between being a professional crafter (or like the next Martha Stewart but without the jail time) or the director of a zoo. I love, love, love animals and that’s actually what I’m working towards now, is being able to work with animals and run a zoo.
How much coffee do you drink since you work at Paws?
I used to HATE coffee. Absolutely hate it. Once I started working at Paws… and being a college student, that changed. I used to drink iced mochas every single day but now I just have three drinks a week max.
Why did you join Her Campus?
I never really thought about joining until someone asked if I wanted to and I was like, “ya know what, sure why not!” It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I love writing for and being a part of Her Campus. I’m not really one to express my feelings but Her Campus has allowed me to do so while writing articles and in turn has helped me grow as a person.
Who is your greatest role model?
I think it is a three-way tie between all my siblings. Since, they are all older than me I have been looking up to them ever since I could remember. They each have specific things that I look up to but I have never favored one more than the other. My brothers and my sister have each gone through different experiences so I know that I can always ask any of them advice on almost anything.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
That’s a tough one. I see all these really advertised, touristy places which look really cool to visit, but I really want to visit a lot, if not all, of the seven wonders of the world; specifically Victoria Falls. I also really like the idea of visiting places with a lot of historical significance, so battlegrounds would be kinda cool too.
Where do you picture yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I would like to be kicking butt and taking names. No, just kidding. I would love to be working in a zoo or wildlife refuge while having a small side business for my crafts. Having my own home with a husband, big yard, and some pups would be awesome too.
What is one thing you’ve always wanted to do but were too afraid to try?
I’m a firm believer in trying things at least once so I don’t think I’m afraid to try anything… except most foods. I’ve tried quite a few things and left my comfort zone. But I have wanted to go skydiving for so long. I know I will absolutely freak out but that’s part of the fun.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I wish people would realize that while we, as humans, are a huge part of the world, there is still so much out there. We share this planet with so many animals and we treat them and their homes so badly. I would change that, for sure. We can’t recreate animals once they go extinct, we can’t sprout new limited resources. Once they are gone, they are gone. I, for one, want to be able to take my grandchildren to see certain animals like giraffes and polar bears instead of reading about them in stories.
Thank you for the wonderful interview Brittany! HCXO