When I moved to State College in third grade I had no idea who I was. Searching for one’s identity in a new place is never easy. What I kept hearing, and what seemed to be important here, was the word pride.

It was not hard to connect the meaning of the word with Penn State. Along with this, I learned it was home of a major entity, one who characterized this new town I lived in, Joe Paterno.

“I live near Penn State, home of the Nittany Lions and JoePa,” was something I could now say characterized me. Paterno gave me identity here when I so needed it. I know I was not the only one he did this for. His strong character provided so many people with a sense of home. A concrete example of what made up one’s life here.

I believe it is the little things in life that make it worth living. It is those things that make us who we are. Paterno was so sure of all of the little things and of his pride for the school, that we could turn to him when we were not.

Abby Arbutina Patton Township