Making herself at home on Purdue’s campus

Those first-year jitters many students face when starting college faded quickly for Purdue University sophomore Maria Bernstein.

“I chose Purdue because it felt like home,” says the industrial design major from Chicago who quickly found the University to be a welcoming environment. “There are so many opportunities to join clubs, make friends, volunteer and be involved in Purdue’s community.”

To find her niche on campus, Maria sought out organizations and courses that would enhance her artistic talents. “The classes I’m taking toward my major are what made me find my place at Purdue and where I am the most myself,” she says.

Having attended a larger high school, Maria also appreciates the activities a Big Ten school like Purdue has to offer, in addition to career preparation. “When I graduate college, hopefully I will be moving to a big city to work with a company in the product design market to help make consumers’ lives easier and better,” she says.