Name: Mia Parise
Majors Advised: Political Science
International Politics
Social Data Analytics
Hometown: Scranton, PA
Educational Background:My undergraduate degree is from Penn State. I received a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Stage Management. I also have a minor in Dance. After working in the industry for a short period of time, I returned to school and received a Master of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Scranton; I am certified to teach K-6 in PA and NJ.
Something most students don’t know about you: I have an extensive background in dance including Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern. I am a classically trained Ballet dancer and these days I enjoy teaching children and adults. I have performed in many Classical Ballets including over 100 performances of The Nutcracker. I have always had a knack for remembering choreography and during a snow storm half the cast couldn’t make it so I performed 5 different roles in one show!
If you could do college over again: If I could do college over again or at least give advice to my younger self, I would tell myself to slow down and enjoy all that college has to offer. I went through college at hyper speed and didn’t take advantage of all of the resources and opportunities that were available to me. If I could do it over again, I would study abroad at least once, as well as participate in an internship. Also, I would have made time to participate in the Dance team or some extracurricular sport. Though I loved my college experience, hindsight tells me that the real world would still have been waiting for me even if I slowed down and took time to engage in those opportunities; of course now I know they would have enhanced my experience and allowed me to enjoy it even more. I love that as an Academic Adviser I can use myself as an example to help encourage my students to explore all PSU has to offer and help to connect them with all the great opportunities out there!
What you like most about your job: I love that my job gives me the opportunity to meet new people and learn all about their interesting lives and goals. My students inspire me every day with their passions and impress me with their motivation, drive and their accomplishments. I feel lucky to be able to play a part in their journey’s and help them reach their academic goals.