When Sydney DeCurtis walks across the stage at PennWest California’s fall commencement on Dec. 13, she’ll be celebrating more than a degree. She’ll be marking the moment she discovered her direction — and the confidence to pursue a future in journalism. 

A Belle Vernon native, DeCurtis began her college journey at Chatham University but quickly realized she needed to be closer to home. She transferred to PennWest California in spring 2022, drawn by its supportive community and strong academic programs. 

“I never saw myself coming here,” she said. “But I found happiness here.” 

Originally an education major, DeCurtis shifted her path after taking Dr. Anthony Carlisle’s Writing in the Genres course. Carlisle, an associate professor of journalism and English with more than a decade of newsroom experience and multiple reporting awards, has taught journalism, literature, and composition at PennWest since 2002. His practical background — from regional reporting to national writing contributions — helped DeCurtis see journalism as a real and exciting possibility. 

“Each week we had to write a story with real sources,” she said. “I got more comfortable in journalism — and realized this is what I wanted to do.” 

With Carlisle’s encouragement, she joined the Cal Times, most recently serving as lifestyles editor. The work sharpened her reporting skills and strengthened her confidence. “Hearing someone say, ‘You’re good at this — you can do this,’ made such a difference,” she said. 

Through her advisor, Dr. Sarah Downey, DeCurtis also earned an internship with Dr. Melissa Sovak, a PennWest mathematics professor and fiction author. DeCurtis wrote journalism-style articles connected to Sovak’s fictional world, blending reporting techniques with creative storytelling. 

“It was really interesting to approach it like real reporting,” she said. 

Getting involved on campus further transformed her experience. After commuting early on, she found community through The Underground — a student organization known for live music and creative events — serving first as social media manager and later president. She also managed social media for Rainbow Alliance. 

“Once I got involved, I found my people,” she said. “Those leadership and communication experiences helped me grow.” 

DeCurtis hopes to begin her journalism career at a newspaper or online outlet near her hometown, ideally in the Ligonier or Greensburg area. 

“That’s what I really love,” she said. “I just want to start writing.” 

As commencement approaches, she reflects on how far she has come: “My advice to incoming students is to cherish every second. It goes by way too quickly.” 

DeCurtis will join her classmates on Dec. 13 — ready to begin the next chapter of her story.