March 4, 2008
A Q&A with women's gymnast Rosie Smith, a sophomore from Waterford, Pa.
What is your favorite thing about being a Penn State student?
I love the people here, everyone is so nice. I love how everyone here is in a "Penn State Family".
What is your favorite thing about being a Penn State student-athlete?
I love the tradition that Penn State athletes have and also the history of excellence and pride that is here.
Why Penn State?
Because I think I can obtain a great education, the social networks are great, and I love the tradition that is at this school!
What is/has been your favorite class at Penn State and why?
My favorite class was Bio 141 (Physiology of the Human Body). It was my favorite because I'm so fascinated with the human body and how it works. I really enjoyed that class.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the HUB. I like it because it's public domain and many students walk through it everyday. It's a great spot to hang out, or meet up with people, eat food, or even study.
When I am not at class or practice, I am ...
Doing homework or hanging out with my friends.
What have you found to be the biggest differences between Junior Olympic and college competition?
The team aspect of gymnastics has been the biggest change. During JO's it was all individual, but for college it is all about the team and doing everything that will be the best for the team instead of yourself.
Since coming to Penn State, what has been the biggest thing you have learned, in the gym?
I learned how to be a better leader.
Since coming to Penn State, what has been the biggest thing you have learned, out of the gym?
I learned how to be more responsible.
At what age did you begin participating in gymnastics, and why/how did you get into it?
I started gymnastics at age three. My mom enrolled me because I had so much energy when I was little I would never sit still and I was always climbing on things so my mom decided she needed to put me into some kind of physical sport where I could get all my energy out!
To someone who doesn't know gymnastics and is seeing a meet for the first time, how would you describe your sport?
I feel like there is no good way to describe it, I think they would have to see it to understand it fully.
How would you describe the personality of the team this year?
Our team this year is determined to succeed. We work hard, and still have fun while doing it!
What is your favorite event and why?
My favorite event is bars, and I like it because I think it's the most fun event to do. I love doing release moves and things like that!
Who is the craziest person on the team and why?
I think the craziest person is Alex. I would say she is crazy, but she is a very funny person and she may have some blonde moments a little more than the rest of us! Haha, but she is great!
Who would you consider the leaders on this team to be and why?
I consider the leaders to be the seniors, especially Borkan. They're way more experienced than the rest of us and they have come out and taken responsibility for making sure out team is on track.
What advice would you give to young gymnasts?
I would tell them that they will have adversity in their career as a gymnast, but what really matters is what they do when that happens. You need to rise above the setbacks that may occur and always focus on your goal as a gymnast. Always work hard and believe and you can do great things.
What is the best advice you have ever gotten, and from whom did you receive it?
I have been the most influenced by my dad. I lead by his example and by his advice. He has always been a hard worker and he never settles for anything less than his best and he has never quit anything. He has told me through the years to be respectful of everyone, always work hard no matter what, and be happy with what you do in life. From those things I can conquer great success and achieve anything i want to.
What is your favorite sport (other than gymnastics) to watch at Penn State and why?
I love watching football! The games are so awesome and exciting to go to. I love Beaver Stadium and when there are 100,000 people in there cheering with Penn State pride, it's amazing!
If you could go anywhere in the world on a vacation, where would you go and why?
I would go to Australia. I think the weather is amazing and it would just be really fun!
Finish this sentence: "We Are Penn State. We Are ... "
More than you can imagine.
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