Amanda Horning says she takes after her father -- whether she's sharing his love for hunting and the outdoors or his political viewpoints.

Horning (freshman-wildlife and fisheries science) said this is the first year she is eligible to vote and she is looking forward to using her political voice. She'll be casting her ballot for George W. Bush.

"A good president knows what the people want and doesn't make decisions on his own," she said. "For me, that person is Bush."

Horning said Bush has shown his ability to tackle tough issues during his presidential term and she has faith he can show the same tenacity if re-elected.

Bush's stance on gun control is one of the many issues with which she agrees.

"I believe that citizens have the right to bear arms," she said. "We shouldn't worry about a president having to take guns away from people."

The Bush administration has taken the position in briefs filed with the U.S. Supreme Court that the Second Amendment protects a personal, individual right to bear arms.

Bush has also instituted Project Safe Neighborhoods during his term. The project is a partnership between federal and state governments designed to protect criminal misuse of firearms.

Horning said she believes keeping guns out of the hands of criminals is also an important stance for a president to take.

Given her passion for hunting and love of the outdoors, Horning said Bush is the presidential candidate that best represents her beliefs.

An avid lover of the outdoors since a young age, Horning said she not only enjoys the peacefulness of nature but the accompaniment with which she can enjoy it.

"I've been going out hunting with my dad for as long as I've been able to walk," she said. "It's how I was raised."

Horning said she often hunts with her dad, Nevin Horning, near her family's house outside of Reading.

She said she enjoys hunting deer, pheasants, ducks and geese, especially when she doesn't come home from a hunting trip empty-handed.

"When you have a successful trip, it's rewarding," she said.

Horning often takes time to put down the gun and pick up the fishing pole. She has been on fishing trips to New York and as far away as Canada, she said.

Upon coming to Penn State, she thought it might be hard to stay involved with her outdoor interests, but thankfully she has been able to stay in touch with her passion.

She spends time with her floormates from the EARTH House, a special living option for those interested in environmental and agricultural issues. She also plans to join the Little Sister Program at Tau Phi Delta, a fraternity that welcomes those who appreciate hunting, fishing and other similar recreational sports.

The program brings in women who also appreciate the outdoors to join in on camping trips and other social functions.

Horning said all students should pick an issue and research each presidential candidate's stance on it. That way, students can make a more educated decision when voting, she added.

"It's true, voting can make a difference," she said.