UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Being from Harrisburg, Maryah Burney considered attending colleges farther from her hometown before looking into Penn State, a school less than two hours away. But after her acceptance to the Schreyer Honors College, which was prompted by a family friend who encouraged her to apply, she began to take the idea seriously.

Burney, a junior studying digital/print journalism with a sociology minor, attended a few Accepted Students Programs — including “Achievers Weekend,” hosted by the Student Minority Advisory and Recruitment Team (SMART) — and started to form relationships with who would become mentors to her throughout her Penn State journey.

“After talking to people like Gary (Abdullah) in the College of Communications and getting to hear from other students who were here firsthand, I really realized that I don’t think I could have the experience that Penn State would provide at any other school,” Burney said.

‘Going for it’: The Presidential Leadership Academy

Because some of her friends were applying to the Presidential Leadership Academy (PLA), Burney decided to go for it. The PLA aims to develop students into leaders who can navigate life’s "gray areas," often using critical thinking skills that will be cultivated in the program. Accepted students attend special events and field trips and have access to a mentorship program. The PLA accepts 30 new second-year students each academic year for a total enrollment of 90 students.

Burney met Director Melissa Doberstein and learned more about the program’s prestige.

“What I most admire about Maryah is her courage to speak up and to share her experiences with peers,” Doberstein said. “She is invested in people and truly bringing people together to learn from one another from all backgrounds.”

Burney is thankful for her acceptance into the PLA because she has had the opportunity to interact with people such as Penn State President Eric Barron, the deans of the honors college, and some of her now-closest friends.

 “Without PLA I don’t think I would’ve had those people in my life,” Burney said.

Burney added that PLA helped her when she was struggling financially, even aiding her so she could travel to an academic conference that she desired to attend.

“It’s been such an enriching experience,” Burney said.

Uplifting communities as a leader and an individual

At age 16, during her junior year of high school, Burney’s older brother passed away. She described him as her “constant cheerleader,” always positively influencing her throughout high school, mentoring her and offering a shoulder to lean on. In her PLA application, Burney said she explained how his passing inspired her philosophy as a leader and as an individual. His “good spirit” had such an impact on her that Burney said she tries to instill that spirit in others to encourage them to uplift their communities.

When Burney came to Penn State for New Student Orientation (NSO), she remembered instantly feeling out-of-place as one of few Black students at the event. This feeling continued during her first year on campus, she said. She felt stares during classes and was even once called a racial slur by another student.

Difficult experiences such as these take a mental toll, she said. Nonetheless, Burney is optimistic about the future at Penn State and in communities beyond. As a society, she said, “we definitely have a long way to go, but I think that we’re making the steps that are necessary toward (progress).”

Burney said it may be tough for many to understand the barriers to college entry that students of color have had to face. She reflected on how it feels to have the “isolating experience of getting to hear the people in the row behind you be instant friends and having no one want to sit next to you.” Because of this, Burney encourages students who are white to positively and respectfully engage students of color in their classes.

Mentorship — and more

Burney has found numerous mentors at Penn State who have helped her move forward and be successful, namely Gary Abdullah —  assistant dean for diversity and inclusion in the College of Communications — and Dr. Lynette Yarger — the assistant dean for equity and inclusion in Schreyer Honors College. Both have helped her receive financial aid and have supported her academic efforts.

“I can roll up to Gary’s office after having a bad day and there is a tissue, a water bottle and some Hershey’s Kisses waiting on the desk for me when I need them,” Burney said.

Yarger is a faculty champion for the course Burney co-teaches through the Students Teaching Students (STS) program. AFAM 297 “Anti-Blackness in America” offers an exploration of how Americans have been impacted by systems of inequality and anti-Blackness. Burney said Yarger has always been available to her in times of need.

“She reminds me of my mom so much; I see her and I just feel so comfortable,” Burney said. “I don’t think the honors college would be moving toward being in a better place without [people like] her, and I really hope that the University continues to cultivate faculty like her who go beyond their basic responsibilities of teaching and publishing papers.”

Forming connections

Additionally, Burney serves as president of the Bellisario Alliance for Multicultural Students (BAMS) and will continue in the role for the 2022-23 academic year. BAMS aims to foster a welcoming atmosphere for underrepresented minority students based on race, gender, sexuality and more.

Burney wanted to get involved with BAMS because she desired to connect with other students of color.

“(BAMS) has been such a refreshing experience,” Burney said. “I hope the loneliness of college is subsided for many students because of this place that I have helped create with so many other amazing people.”

BAMS meets at 7:30 p.m. every other Thursday in 103 Willard Building.

‘Find your community’

For prospective students of color who are interested in coming to Penn State, Burney said that while the work continues regarding racial justice, “that doesn’t mean don’t come here.” She encourages students to go out of their way to find a supportive community at the University and start getting involved.

It’s easy to see other students’ college experiences and feel jealous, said Burney. “But then I remember that I’m cultivating my own, and that I can do things to help build that in a way that’s authentic to me. Find your community.”

After graduation, Burney hopes to pursue a doctorate in African American studies. She’s also interested in press research, especially after interning at Ceisler Media and Issue Advocacy since summer 2021.

Penn State has many opportunities for students to find their community, find support, or get involved throughout their time at the University. For specific resources, visit the Penn State Student Affairs community and belonging webpage.