University Park, Pa. - While growing up, Alissa Bonsall was surrounded by the phrase "We Are" for as long as she could remember. Though the junior grew up in the town of Higganum, Connecticut, more than five hours from Happy Valley, the Penn State phrase was one she knew all too well.
Bonsall's parents are both passionate alumni at Penn State, and the family has continued to bleed Blue and White long after the their time as students.
For Bonsall, the pride of being a Nittany Lion in all areas was just one of the many things that drew her to State College, and she felt that pull as soon as her first college visit.
"Definitely the academics," Bonsall said about what caught her eye first when touring Penn State. "I'm a person that wants to go far in life with school and everything. I know it's one of the best academic schools in the country."
While the academics were key, furthering her athletic career was an added bonus.
Ever since she was a young girl, Bonsall was tumbling away with her cousin in the gym. As time progressed, so did her skill and the opportunity to compete at the college level presented itself.
Penn State was the only school to offer Bonsall a chance to continue her gymnastics career. And, with the offer at hand, the decision seemed to come freely to her — without the pressure from her Nittany Lion family.
"[My parents] just wanted me to do what I loved," Bonsall said. "They did not push me in my major choice or my gymnastics career. They just wanted me to have fun, do me and follow the path that felt most special to me."
Since coming to State College, Bonsall has never wanted to leave the new place she calls home. Through every season for the past three years, Bonsall has made Penn State more than just a place she learns.
"It's just a beautiful campus," Bonsall said. "I'm not a city person so this is perfect for me having Mount Nittany to go on hikes in the summer. I'm always outside obviously because spring and summer are beautiful. I've been here every single summer because I love it so much."
A favorite activity Bonsall likes to do is roam around campus, and she has never found herself short on new places to discover. Exploring both personally and around campus is something the junior holds special.
"Whether it be learning something new about myself or noticing something new on campus I haven't even noticed before, I love walking around the campus," Bonsall said. "I'd probably walk at least seven miles a day, and sometimes it's just because I want to go look at this new building. I spend a lot of time at Rec Hall obviously, and the Lion Shrine is over there. With some classes, and some buildings or places, I feel like as a student you have to go and see what they are like on the inside."
From the time her parents were in Happy Valley as students, Penn State has transformed before their eyes. Now, Bonsall is on her own adventure here, and the evolution of what Penn State is today has now been a topic to share of memories between both generations.
"I'm like, 'Oh, I went here today' and then I'll hear (my mom's) story and how it was then," Bonsall said. "We can relate to the differences of how much it's changed over time. Every day is a new learning experience and my life is continuing to evolve in so many positive ways."
Though Bosnall is continuing to wear the Blue and White like her family, she is making a name and a legacy for herself each day by living in the present and growing each year.
"I learned so much coming in as a freshman, I was so quiet and so shy," she said. "I'm definitely still shy, but I have opened up more. I've learned a lot from the people around me and my coaches, my teammates on how to do things from new perspectives. I really found things that I am interested in the future. I feel like I have favorite moments every day."
