Blue Band president bridges culture and communication through dual majors

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Lucy Schilling is combining the worlds of language and communications as Penn State Blue Band president.

The fourth-year student double majoring in Spanish and advertising/public relations with a minor in journalism, knew she wanted to make the most of her education.

“I realized I was only going to be at Penn State for four years, and the impact I make here would determine the impact I make on my future,” the Allentown native said. “I wasn’t going to let that go to waste!”

Schilling said that her majors complement each other, helping her broaden the network of people she can work with while giving her a sense of confidence.

“I think the classes I have taken here have given me the skills and knowledge I need to do anything I put my mind to,” Schilling said.

Her newfound Spanish fluency has only improved her communication skills.

“In my Spanish classes, we normally spend the whole time talking,” Schilling said. “Being able to speak Spanish works my brain in ways that help me even when I’m talking with a client or writing a news lead.”

Schilling hopes to combine public relations and Spanish in her future career, similar to the independent study course she took during her summer education abroad experience in Cadiz, Spain. For the course, she managed the social media page of the faculty-led program she was part of — Spanish Language and Culture — including creating content, scheduling posts and making videos about the group’s experiences abroad.

Posting in Spanish allowed her to utilize her skills in a real-world setting, demonstrating the versatility of the education she’s getting though the College of the Liberal Arts and the Bellisario College of Communications.

The course wasn’t the only opportunity setting Schilling up for success. Her position as president of the Blue Band has done the same.

Starting her journey as public relations chair for the band’s officer board, Schilling eventually worked her way up to president, an accomplishment she didn’t take lightly. Once she committed, she was all in.

“I knew I wanted to give back to the band that gave me my best friends and memories,” Schilling said. “I love working with the officer board because we each have a position where we thrive individually, and we’re able to use those personal skills to better the whole band.”

One of her most meaningful memories came her first year, when she traveled with the band to the Rose Bowl, an experience that filled her with excitement and a deep sense of Penn State pride.

“I remember the Rose Parade, marching down the street with a view of the California mountains, in perfect weather, in front of thousands of people,” she said. “I remember being there alongside 300 of my best friends. I was proud to be in the Blue Band.”

As president, Schilling strives to lead by example and utilize the skills she has acquired to benefit the group. This dedication has helped her manage her coursework, stress levels and responsibilities, ensuring she performs at a high level and sets the band up for success.

Schilling said time management was one of her biggest challenges before joining the Blue Band, but her leadership role forced her to grow and adapt quickly. Realizing that procrastination wasn’t an option anymore, Schilling now gets her schoolwork done as soon as she has the opportunity.

Schilling continues to foster support within the group. When she looks at the band, she sees future presidents and public relations chairs who are now in the same position she once was.

“Sometimes it just takes one person to tell you they believe in you,” Schilling said. “I hope I can give that to someone else.”