In the quiet moments between swim practice, club meetings, and resident hall duties, Joe Feiser found clarity about his life's purpose. The Pottstown, PA native came to PennWest Clarion as a psychology major, but his campus experience transformed this academic interest into a deeply personal mission. "My passion for helping others stems from my faith in God," Joe explains. "I truly believe love can go a very long way and I desire to be that light that can help someone out of the darkness. Mental health was the perfect field for me!"

This clarity didn't emerge from classroom learning alone; it was forged in the heart of the PennWest community. As a Community Assistant (CA) for six semesters, Joe experienced both challenges and profound moments of connection. "One time I finished up a semester that was extra hard because I was in the freshman dorm," he recalls. "At the end of the year, one of my residents had gotten a card and he got the whole floor to sign it. Everybody just said, 'thank you for the year.' That really touched my heart." This experience, among others, showed him the tangible impact one person can make.

Beyond residence life, Joe embraced a remarkably well-rounded college experience, demonstrating a drive for empowerment and leadership. "I have been an athlete, a CA, a president of two clubs, and a member of four others," he shares. "These really helped me to stay plugged into the community and allowed me to make the positive difference I was meant to make."

Key mentors shaped his journey. "Coach Bre helped me to become a better leader and person," Joe notes. "Dr. Slattery helped me to develop a passion for education, research, and counseling. And Scott Underhill helped me a lot with my faith journey." These relationships provided guidance and support across different facets of his college experience. Even creative assignments offered practical insights; a vision board project for Dr. Terwilliger, demonstrating his goals and values, "was just a really unique and insightful project."

Joe views college as more than just a route to a degree. "In this time we are given so much opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and healthy environment. That’s exactly what I did here," he says, reflecting on his personal development and the resiliency gained.

With a short-term goal of becoming a licensed professional counselor and a long-term aspiration to become a pastor, Joe's PennWest experience has been foundational. His advice to incoming students is heartfelt: "Search for truth with your whole heart, and earnestly seek out what has meaning to you. Soak in every positive social interaction... because as they say it goes quickly."

Joe's journey at PennWest exemplifies how the university provides an environment where students can explore their passions, develop leadership skills, and connect deeply with their community. By fostering personal growth alongside academic achievement, PennWest empowers students like Joe to find their calling and prepare to be a guiding light for others.