When Kyla Kowinsky walks across the stage at PennWest California’s fall commencement, she’ll be celebrating more than a degree. She’ll be marking the culmination of an ambitious, purpose-driven college journey — one that blended a passion for science, a calling to teach, and a commitment to leadership, all while graduating a semester early. 

Kowinsky, a native of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a concentration in general science. She always knew she wanted to make a difference. Initially drawn to environmental science, she soon realized teaching offered a way to combine her interests in science and service. 

“I wanted to impact students’ lives and also help the environment,” she said. “Teaching felt like the best way to bring those two passions together.” 

Kowinsky chose PennWest California for its strong education program and proximity to home. After touring campus, the decision felt immediate. 

“I applied, I toured, and I just knew — this is home,” she said. 

Once on campus, Kowinsky immersed herself fully in the PennWest experience. One of the most defining decisions she made was joining Sigma Kappa sorority in fall 2023 — a choice she describes as transformative. 

“Joining Sigma Kappa was one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made,” she said. “It truly changed my life.” 

Through the organization, Kowinsky gained friendships, leadership experience and a deeper sense of connection across campus. She served as vice president of standards and values, vice president of academic excellence, risk management chair, and a regional chair — at one point holding four leadership roles simultaneously. She also attended a national Sigma Kappa convention in Boston, where she connected with peers from across the country and further developed her leadership skills. 

Academically, Kowinsky pushed herself from the start. She consistently carried heavy course loads — often 18 credits per semester — and last spring took 22 credits, making it possible to graduate early. 

“I realized about a year ago that graduating early was doable,” she said. “It was a lot, but it was worth it.” 

That accelerated path allowed Kowinsky to complete her student teaching experience this fall at Mount Pleasant Area Junior High School, where she taught seventh-grade science. Unlike many student teachers who enter established classrooms in the spring, Kowinsky began just days into the school year. 

“I was there on the second day of school,” she said. “I got to help establish routines, design my own curriculum, and really build the classroom from the ground up.” 

Her mentor teacher gave her the freedom to lead, and Kowinsky embraced the opportunity — creating lessons, running labs and forming strong connections with students. Saying goodbye at the end of the semester was difficult. 

“It was so hard leaving,” she said. “We had so many fun labs, and I loved watching the students grow.” 

Kowinsky credits faculty mentorship as a key part of her success, particularly her advisor, Dr. Bill Hug, who went above and beyond to support her academic goals. When a required course wasn’t offered in the semester she needed it, he worked with her through individualized instruction and encouraged her to attend a national science teaching conference in Philadelphia. 

“That experience was incredible,” she said. “I connected with science teachers from all over and really saw myself as part of the profession.” 

As a young woman entering science education, Kowinsky found encouragement in seeing increasing representation in the field. 

“You can do whatever you’re passionate about — and that’s something I want my students to believe, too.” 

Following graduation, Kowinsky is already working as a substitute teacher through ESS in local school districts, including Mount Pleasant, while preparing for job fairs and full-time teaching opportunities in the spring. 

Reflecting on her PennWest journey, Kowinsky says the experience prepared her not just for a career, but for a life of purpose. 

“I’ve learned how to lead, how to connect with people, and how to make a difference,” she said. “I’m so grateful for everything PennWest gave me.”