Knowing Amanda for such a long time, I can say I knew the real Amanda, but truth is, everyone did, she never put up a front. You knew what/how she was feeling because she let you know. :)

Amanda had to have been the most motivated person I have ever known. No matter what she wanted to do, and how many people told her she couldn't... she did it. She always found a way to do what she wanted. She knew how important her education was, and studied hard. She had applied for and won many scholarships to attend Penn State.