Confidence, Passion Propel Alumna's Power-Plant Career
Published 11.27.2012
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Diesel Truck, Heavy Equipment & Power Generation
School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies News
A planning and cost analyst at the Brunner Island Power Plant in York Haven is the latest Penn College graduate to be profiled by the Byron Academy, a New York-based website where young women can nurture their interest in science, technology, engineering and math fields. Sara D. (Rust) Greenawalt, who earned an associate degree in electric power generation technology (now on-site power generation) from the college's School of Natural Resources Management in 2006, offers this perspective to girls eying STEM careers: “I’ve definitely had to prove myself a good bit. Most of the guys I worked with are OK, but there are still a few out there who don’t think women belong in the workforce, let alone a male-dominated workforce," she says. "You have to develop a thick skin and prove you can do the work and keep on going.” While a credible role model, just as her mother was to her, Greenawalt's real-world counsel truly transcends gender: “Carry yourself well, always maintain integrity in everything you do. Learn to laugh at yourself. That’s very important in these fields. Be what you want to be and never let anyone, including yourself, hold you back. I would say this is just life advice in general.” For more, read "Sara Greenawalt Looks to Herself for Career Validation."