“Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State” and similar random podcasts

Are you a Schreyer Scholar looking to connect with Scholar Alumni for career and life advice? Or perhaps you are a recent graduate looking to take the next step in your career, or are a prospective Scholar looking to learn more about the College. When our Scholars submit their honors thesis, they ring a ceremonial gong to mark the completion of their honors experience. #FollowingTheGong is a show that features conversations with Scholar Alumni and friends with stories and advice on how to maximize your Scholar experience, prepare for your career and further education, and make new connections with a strong network of Scholar Alumni that blazed the trail before you. Episodes are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays when Penn State classes are in session and are available on major platforms.

Overview:

Diana Adams ’13 Berks is the Executive Director of Brevard Heart Foundation, co-owner and Community Engagement Coordinator of Rock Paper Simple, and a Council Member for the City of West Melbourne in Brevard County, Florida which come on the heels of a seven year career in elementary education in Florida where she earned numerous awards, including Teacher of the Year for her school and the Dr. Theron Trimble Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year award for the state of Florida. She earned a BS in Elementary Education with Honors from Penn State Berks in 2013, followed by a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida and is currently working on her Doctorate in Public Administration from Valdosta State University. Diana discusses many topics that can be helpful to Scholars of all stripes. After sharing her experience coming to Penn State at a non-traditional age, staying at a Commonwealth Campus, and moving out of state for her first teaching job, Diana discusses making a career change in her 20s, working in non-profits, small business, and public administration. She also shares thoughts on making the most the thesis and Scholar experience and overcoming personal adversity.

Guest Bio:

Diana Adams ’13 Berks is the Executive Director of Brevard Heart Foundation, co-owner and Community Engagement Coordinator of Rock Paper Simple, and a Council Member for the City of West Melbourne in Brevard County, Florida. In each of her roles, she seeks to address community needs by using data and relationships to make a positive difference in her community, in particularly the fields of business, healthcare, and local government. Prior to her current roles, Diana was a teacher in Florida for seven years, where she earned numerous awards, including Teacher of the Year for her school and the Dr. Theron Trimble Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year award for the state of Florida. She earned a BS in Elementary Education with Honors from Penn State Berks in 2013, followed by a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida and is currently working on her Doctorate in Public Administration from Valdosta State University. With her life dedicated to public service, Diana knows the value of connecting with others for the betterment of our communities and is happy to speak further about education, business, grants, and municipal government. Please feel free to connect with her at LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-adams-010853179) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/blondiebookworm/)

Episode Specifics:

In this episode, Diana shares her insights on:

· Choosing Penn State Berks for being close to home and the smaller campus feel and the Honors College for the intellectual community it provides

· Pursuing an education major and selecting the right level for you – and test driving as a first-year student

· Starting college earlier than is “traditional”

· Balancing student teaching with writing a thesis, and using that thesis in interviews and in the classroom

· Brining life experience and identity to influence your thesis topic and research

· Job searching outside of Pennsylvania and ideas for job search research generally

· The ups and downs of being an elementary school teacher

· Making the decision to leave teaching and pursue new opportunities

· Handling your inclination to say “yes” to every opportunity

· Getting involved in municipal government – both as a citizen and as a leader

· Keeping a grounded approach to success through serving others

· Lessons from getting SCUBA certified despite a physical disability

· Thoughts on mentorship