Editor's note:This is the ninth in a series of journal entries written by Taryn Noll as she reflects on her undergraduate educational experiences. Part 8 of Taryn's journal was published on January 27, 2011.

It is the end of the 2010–2011 school year. Finals are this week, and my sophomore year is coming to a close. These past two semesters, I have been able to enroll in some of the most interesting classes yet. In the fall, I took CAS 404, a conflict negotiation class. I also had the chance to expand upon CAS 100 by taking CAS 213, a persuasive speaking class. During spring semester, I took CAS 202, which explores communication theory, as well as my favorite class so far, CAS 383. CAS 383 is a discussion-based class about our culture and the technology that changes it. If you didn't know already or haven't guessed yet, my major is CAS, Communication Arts & Sciences. I first discovered I wanted to be a CAS major about a year ago, during the second semester of my freshmen year. Although I did a lot of work to get to the point in my major where I am today, one year later, I owe a lot of my success to Penn State's DUS program and the mentors and advisers who helped me along the way. Without their guidance during my first year, I would not have had the opportunity to simply enjoy my classes during sophomore year, as well as partake in the many other benefits that followed finding my major.

I came to Penn State for many reasons, but the main reason I came was because I was completely undecided about my major. I quickly took advantage of the DUS opportunities at Penn State, starting with Discover House, a special living option in Pollock Hall that puts undecided students on one floor. From here, the opportunities of DUS presented themselves, allowing me to partake in them or look the other way. I, of course, jumped at every chance to figure out my major and college goals. DUS arranged many events to help its students, including Majors Night, which focuses on specific colleges at Penn State and brings in professors or advisers to discuss the academic and career opportunities found in that college. Penn State also provides many helpful and resourceful advisers in the Grange Building for all DUS students. These advisers are all experienced, always available, and if they don't have an answer, they know where you can find the answer. This really put me at ease during my first year.

The DUS program also offers a Certificate of Engagement opportunity. This certificate is more than another line on a resume. The process to get the certificate takes students on a journey of getting to know themselves in many ways to find a major that fits. I learned a lot about myself, about my extra–curricular interests, my academic interests, and my career aspirations. The journey to get the certificate took almost the entire spring semester of my freshman year, but picking a major is important. It deserves that much time and attention. For me, it was also important to do all this work during my first year, so I could focus on my major for the next three years.

Taking advantage of the many DUS opportunities led to many more benefits for me, more benefits than I had anticipated. By working hard to decide on a CAS major, I was able to take a lot of required CAS classes during my sophomore year. These classes, which I mentioned earlier, only solidified my decision to be a CAS major. It is nice to simply enjoy the classes I am taking and find interest in the knowledge presented in each class. Since I was sure I wanted to be a CAS major and was completing many CAS classes, my remaining requirements were quickly dwindling. I talked to my adviser, and we realized that I could easily graduate a semester early. Although I do not want to leave Penn State early, the opportunity to graduate early is something I cannot pass up. It will be nice to graduate early, get a head start on finding a job, and also have less financial burden upon leaving college.

So as I look back on the classes I had the pleasure of taking and the knowledge I have gained throughout the school year, I find it important to reflect on where I was at this point during my freshman year. Right about now, I was finishing up my Certificate of Engagement and coming to the final conclusion that I wanted to be a CAS major. I remember the frustration I felt at certain points as I tried hard to narrow down my many interests, but I clearly remember the feeling of success as I wrote my final essay for the certificate. It was then that I first declared I was officially on the road to becoming a CAS major. From that point on, the benefits kept coming one after the other. Finding my major by the end of my first year allowed me to enjoy my classes during sophomore year, jump right into my major's credit requirements, and in the end, perhaps even graduate early. Freshmen year is supposed to be about exploring all the possibilities the University has to offer, and the DUS program knows just how to help you do that.