The Exponent Online


Thursday, 4/26/2001	5 day quick link 4/25 \| 4/24 \| 4/23 \| 4/20 \| 4/19

Student makes most of college experience

Amanda Teder

By Dave Stephens
Assistant Campus Editor

As she got up from her chair, Amanda Teder had trouble walking; her foot had fallen asleep. Apparently, with all the organizations she’s involved with, her foot needed the extra rest.

Teder’s dedication to Purdue, academics and other people is why she received the Flora Roberts Award, which is given to the best graduating female of each class. The award is given for outstanding scholarship, leadership, character and service to the University community.

"I was surprised when I received the award," said Teder, a senior in the School of Management. "I felt really honored, it’s such a big honor to receive this award."

Teder, who will graduate with a degree in management and minors in international business and marketing, said she came to Purdue looking to get involved with different things. She did.

Teder has been actively involved with the School of Management Student Council and served as the 2000 Management Council President. She has also been a member of Chi Omega Sorority, Mortar Board and Purdue University Board of Trustees.

As the only student member of the Board of Trustees, Teder helped make decisions that affect the University.

"Once I started experiencing different things, I wanted to become more involved," said Teder. "I made great friendships that will last a lifetime."

Although Teder has enjoyed the recognition that comes with all of her different activities, it’s the personal satisfaction she fell while doing them that keeps her active.

"I love doing things that I enjoy and that can benefit different people," said Teder.

Teder said the best part of her time at Purdue has been the interactions she’s had with the people in the University, both students and professors.

"I never realized how many special people there can be in one place," said Teder. "Over the last four years I’ve been so impressed with the people who have given so much to the Purdue community."

Teder said that balancing out her many activities and her academics sometimes made things difficult, but that she is glad she used her time to participate in so many organizations.

"Life is always a balance act, you have to set your priorities and allocate your time," said Teder. "You have to be willing to dedicate your time to different things. It’s important to remember that a big part of your education comes from outside of the classroom."

Teder said being actively involved in many different organizations teaches lessons that can’t be taught by any teacher.

"You learn how to interact in a world that is full and tempting with so many different things; it’s something a lot of people don’t learn," said Teder.

Teder said she likes to use the phrase, "The grass is always greener if you water it," to explain her success.

"You can always hope for a different situation, but you can make the best out of everything that’s going on around you by working with what’s around you and striving to reach those goals and not settling for anything less," said Teder.

Teder said she will miss Purdue next year when she starts working for Procter and Gamble, but that the lessons she’s learned here will always be with her.

"Purdue is definitely going to be a big part of me for the rest of my life," said Teder. "That's what makes this place so special, the broad array of people who are all so supportive and interesting and care so much about the University."

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