Finding a balance between academics, extra-curricular activities and a social life is something that many college students struggle with. But if you can pull it off, the lack of sleep and missed nights out with friends will all be worth it. Bryana Manning is an English and secondary education major and one of Cabrini’s recipients of the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges Award.
“I was super excited,” she said. “I know that it’s a big accomplishment and a big award to be recognized for. I felt proud of myself I guess. I called Samm [Murray] right away because I know she applied for it and we were both so excited when we both received it and I talked to a couple of my other friends.”
While staying on top of her studies, Manning is also the vice president of the Campus Activities and Programming Board, a member of Student First Education Consultants and Pennsylvania State Education Association, an orientation coordinator for summer orientation 2016, an orientation leader, a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society for Leadership, Sigma Tau Delta National Honor Society and Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society.
Manning is very grateful to be one of the award recipients. “Everything is just coming together because, you know, you get the grades for having academic excellence but you might not necessarily be recognized for all the other outside things you might do, particularly with leadership and service,” she said. “I see that shown in everyday life with people I’m affecting and people I am helping in the community, but as a whole it just feels really nice. It feels like my efforts are being appreciated and that I am giving back to the community and now they are giving back to me after four years.”
To be considered for this award, back in December Manning and the other recipients had to fill out an application and submit their resume, letter of recommendation and a short personal statement about why they should receive the award. In March a list went out congratulating all the honorees.
Manning’s family was also thrilled that she was receiving this honor.
“They were super proud of me and they were all saying that everything I’ve worked so hard for was finally showing and that everything that took a toll on, not my education because I still have good grades, but everything outside of a grade is being recognized for,” she said. “So things like leadership and service were put into light.”
Manning and her fellow award recipients will be receiving their awards at a special ceremony the Saturday before commencement.
