March 25, 2008
A Q&A with women's gymnast Kristina Beck, a freshman from Jacksonville, Fla.
What is your favorite thing about being a Penn State student?
I love the atmosphere and I know that when I get my degree it will mean a lot because it came from Penn State.
What is your favorite thing about being a Penn State student-athlete?
I love the athletic community and how small it is. The amount of people I have met from other sports is tremendous.
Why Penn State?
Penn State is such a well-looked-upon university, academically and athletically. I also loved the team when I came here on my recruiting trip. They made me feel so welcome and wanted.
What is/has been your favorite class at Penn State and why?
Of the few classes that I have taken, my favorite would have to be His 002. It was European History from the late 16th century to the present. It was my favorite because I'm really interested in History.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the HUB lawn on a warm day.
When I am not at class or practice, I am ...
Hanging out with my teammates.
What have you found to be the biggest differences between Junior Olympic and college competition?
College is so fun because the team really cares about how you do and everyone wants you to succeed, which is different than club because in club it's all about you.
Since coming to Penn State, what has been the biggest thing you have learned, in the gym?
I have learned to conquer my fears.
Since coming to Penn State, what has been the biggest thing you have learned, out of the gym?
I have learned how to manage my time between fun and schoolwork.
What has been the hardest part of practice and why?
It has been an adjustment for me to have freedom in the gym. In club, my coaches told me where to go and when and now I am able to choose the events I go to which doesn't seem like a big deal but it is really different.
At what age did you begin participating in gymnastics, and why/how did you get into it?
I began when I was three, because my sisters got into the sport.
To someone who doesn't know gymnastics and is seeing a meet for the first time, how would you describe your sport?
Gymnastics is very unique. I would say that it is one of the most interesting and incredible sports to watch.
How would you describe the personality of the team this year?
I would say that our team is very ambitious and hard working. Also, I think our slogan for this year describes us very well, "We are Penn State..As One."
What is your favorite event and why?
My favorite event is floor. It is the one event where my nerves work for me and help my performance.
Who would you consider the leaders on this team to be and why?
I would say that the seniors are our leaders because they have the most experience.
What advice would you give to young gymnasts?
My best advice would be to work hard and never give up. Gymnastics is a tough sport to stick with but if you do the rewards can be incredible.
What is the best advice you have ever gotten, and from whom did you receive it?
Pay now, Play later. My mom told me this.
What is your favorite sport (other than gymnastics) to watch at Penn State and why?
I love to watch football.
If you could go anywhere in the world on a vacation, where would you go and why?
Greece because I love history and it is a country full of historical culture.
What are your hidden talents?
I don't know that I have a "hidden" talent, but I am pretty good at dance. I took classes for 8 years in anything I could, including hip hop, modern, lyrical, and others.
Finish this sentence: "We Are Penn State. We Are ... "
Penn State AS ONE.
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