PennWest Edinboro senior Bailey Clark rarely meets a stranger on campus. Over the last four years, the Cochranton native has guided hundreds of prospective students and their families on campus tours through her work in the Admissions Office while also welcoming visitors as a member — and later president — of the Highland Ambassadors.
Those experiences helped Clark build lasting connections across campus while preparing for her future career in education. On Saturday, she will graduate from PennWest with a degree in art education and a minor in ceramics.
“I have always had a passion for creativity and inspiring others,” Clark said. “My dad always told me to follow my heart and to do what made me happy in every step of life. As I read the major art education, I knew that was where I wanted to start. I soon found my love for ceramics in the Edinboro studio which I chose as my minor.”
Clark said one of the first places she found community at Edinboro was through her campus job in admissions.
“This grew my love for the campus as I shared my positive experiences with those looking to start their college journey,” she said.
Clark spent four years working as a tour guide, helping prospective students envision their own futures at Edinboro. In 2023, she joined the Highland Ambassadors, where she quickly found another sense of belonging.
“I immediately felt at home,” Clark said. “This group grew my connections throughout PennWest as I had the opportunities to volunteer at many campus events. I am honored to have been president of this student organization for the past two years, which pushed me to grow in many different ways.”
From admissions events to late-night Dairy Supreme runs with friends, Clark said the relationships she built became one of the most meaningful parts of her college experience.
Clark also served as vice president of the Art Education Club, where she gained valuable experience preparing for the Praxis exam, developing lesson plans and networking through conferences.
“I really believe that there is a group for every student here to create similar memories,” she said.
While leadership and service shaped much of her time on campus, Clark also developed a deep passion for ceramics through her coursework and studio experiences in East Hall.
“I often reflect on our class critiques in the ceramic studio that helped grow my art and push what I thought I was possible creating,” Clark said.
Her artistic experiences extended beyond campus through an internship at the Erie Art Museum, where she helped organize events and recently launched “The Mud Market,” a ceramic vending event that began as an idea during her internship.
“It was fulfilling to see an event come to life that started as an idea during my internship,” she said. “I learned so much from the education manager, Alex Anthes, during my internship as I worked on their events and helped plan behind the scenes.”
Clark credits faculty, staff, friends and family members for supporting her throughout her journey at Edinboro.
“The entire admissions team really became my Boro family,” she said. “Dr. Meier encouraged me to ‘Trust your passion, identify your dreams, and find the courage to share them with others,’ as Bill Strickland wrote.”
She also reflected on the friendships that made her college years memorable.
“Of course, I would not be who I am without the support from my loving family and friends,” Clark said. “I am so thankful to my best friend, Emily Kramer, for attending every event we could together like grocery bingo and our weekly van dinners that allowed us to make as many memories as we could here.”
After graduation, Clark plans to remain in the region and pursue a career as an art teacher while continuing her ceramic work through opportunities with organizations such as the Erie Art Museum and Erie ClaySpace.
Looking back, Clark said the experiences and relationships she built at Edinboro have prepared her well for the future.
“My college experience has prepared me for the future in many ways,” she said. “Every class gave me a new tool to get me through life. The connections I made here are propelling me forward as I make decisions about my future and where to go next. I know I'll always have support in Edinboro as I start this new chapter.”
For incoming students, Clark encourages them to embrace opportunities and step outside their comfort zones.
“Say yes when your roommates ask if you want to walk to dairy supreme,” she said. “Ask to study in the library with someone new in your class. Attend those campus events you might be nervous to walk into. Join a club or organization on campus. It goes by faster than you think, so live in the present moment. You are creating memories you will cherish forever!”