In the past year, many events at Penn State have made me upset, sad, angry and uncomfortable and have forced me to question the way I react to situations and where my loyalties lie (which, by the way, will always be with Penn State).

The change in football uniforms is not one of these events. On the contrary, it is good change and a sign of happier days to come in Happy Valley.

In this new age, players should be individualized and praised for staying as leaders of Nittany Nation. The tradition that used to make Penn State strong will only reinforce the anonymity that the national media have shown for anyone other than high-ranking officials.

They have pointed the blame at the “angry student mobs” and the “team and fans that enabled child abuse” rather than the 96,000 student individuals and countless others here who have been affected and deeply saddened by this ordeal.

Coach Bill O’Brien has a unique opportunity to create a new and improved identity for the football program that will reflect on the rest of the university.

By changing even small traditions such as the uniforms, O’Brien is simultaneously setting himself apart and sending a clear message that should be embraced by our community, not torn down: We are Penn State, and we are not afraid to adapt.

O’Brien’s willingness to make changes shows that he will not let Penn State become known as a school that used to foster greatness.

Emily Roth Pennsylvania Furnace