Inspired by her younger brother and driven by a passion for helping children thrive, Bridget Bartlett will graduate Saturday from PennWest Edinboro with a degree in early childhood and Deaf education.

A native of Berea, Ohio, Bartlett said her path toward education became clear through the experiences she shared with her younger brother.

“Watching him grow and learn has shown me how much I truly enjoy working with children,” Bartlett said. “Spending time with him has taught me patience, understanding, and the importance of meeting each child where they are.”

She said those experiences also deepened her understanding of communication and accessibility for students who learn differently.

“Because of him, I became more interested in how I can make learning accessible and meaningful for all children,” she said. “I realized that I don’t just enjoy being around kids — I want to make a difference in their lives.”

During her time at PennWest, Bartlett immersed herself in campus life through involvement in Highland Ambassadors, campus recreation, the Honors Program, Pennsylvania State Education Association, ASL Club and Radio Club.

She said each organization helped shape her both personally and professionally.

“Being a part of these organizations has allowed me to meet so many amazing people and build meaningful friendships,” Bartlett said. “They helped me grow both personally and professionally, while also giving me memories and friendships that I will carry with me long after college.”

Among her most memorable accomplishments was contracting a course through the Honors Program to write and publish a children’s book, “Brian’s Big Getaway,” now available on Amazon. She collaborated with her younger brother to create the math-based story centered on tangrams.

“It combined my passion for education, creativity, and working with children,” she said.

Bartlett also gained hands-on experience through Deaf education field placements and student teaching opportunities in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. She said experiencing different classrooms and teaching styles helped push her outside of her comfort zone and strengthened her confidence as an educator.

“Through these hands-on experiences, I learned so much about teaching, communication, and adaptability,” Bartlett said. “They played a big role in preparing me for my future career and confirmed my passion for working in education.”

Bartlett credits several faculty mentors for helping guide her throughout her college career, including Dr. Mary Jo Melvin, Dr. Karen Lindeman and Dr. Monty McAdoo.

“Their guidance has helped me build confidence, strengthen my skills, and become more prepared for my future career,” she said.

As she prepares to begin her teaching career at Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, Bartlett said her immediate goal is simple: successfully navigating her first year in the classroom. Long term, she hopes to become an educator who creates a supportive environment where all students can succeed.

“My long-term goal is to grow into a confident and effective educator who makes a positive impact on students’ lives,” she said.

Reflecting on her time at PennWest, Bartlett said the experience taught her independence, adaptability and the importance of seizing opportunities.

“I also learned that if you take advantage of the resources a college provides — such as professors, organizations, and support systems — you can create meaningful experiences that truly prepare you for your career,” she said.

For incoming college students, Bartlett encourages them to embrace every opportunity.

“Get involved, don’t be afraid to ask for help, go to class, and make time to have fun,” she said. “Some of the best experiences I had in college came from stepping outside of my comfort zone.”