Nate's Story

NAME: Nate Blass
HOMETOWN:Carlisle, Pa.
MAJOR: English, Secondary Education Certification

FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHIPPENSBURG:

The amount and variety of clubs on campus means that there’s always something to do, despite being in a small town.

TWO INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT ME:

Upon graduating, I intend to get certified to teach social studies, general science, and middle school mathematics. Some day I hope to have the chance to drive a rally car.

CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS/SPORTS/ACTIVITIES:

President, New Student Orientation Committee; Co-Overall Chairperson, SHIP Mini-THON; member, Circle K

SCHOLARSHIP:

I have had the Bill Goodling Teacher Scholarship, the Clarence Schock Foundation Scholarship, the Shirley Fry Fox Scholarship, and the Dev Hathaway Memorial English Scholarship. With the help of these scholarships, I’ve been able to remain involved on campus, in the community, and in the classroom with only a work-study position for income, rather than needing a part-time or full-time job. The generosity of each benefactor has allowed me to enjoy college instead of simply going to class.

MOST MEANINGFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT SHIP:

I’ve had a number of similar experiences when writing final essays for English classes: I’d have an idea that I wanted to write about, but I wasn’t able to find the necessary research to support the position I wanted to take. Through discussions with my professors, I was able to choose different topics that were still interesting and meaningful to me. The opportunity to have discussions and collaborate with faculty is one of the most beneficial aspects of the learning process at Shippensburg.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES:

Through Circle K, the collegiate branch of the Kiwanis family, and now with the creation of SHIP Mini-THON, a group that raises money for the Four Diamonds Fund (Hershey, Pa.) and its mission of Conquering Childhood Cancer, I’ve been highly involved in community service throughout college.