Finding a "family" wasn't necessarily what Gavin Mitsdarfer expected when moving hours away from his Harrisburg-area home to attend PennWest Edinboro. Yet, the Secondary Education English, and Special Education major quickly found that sense of belonging within the campus community. "I truly found my support system through the Honors Program," he shares. "Being an honors student, I found a family of those that are interested in involved different things." Adjusting to the notorious Erie County lake effect snow was still a hurdle ("I was not expecting Erie County Lake effect snow like I was," he laughs), but this sense of community, along with support from his involvement in the local PSEA (Pennsylvania State Education Association) branch, proved crucial during his first year.

Life had already presented Gavin with significant challenges. His father passed away the summer after he started middle school, a profound loss that required immense adjustment. Navigating that grief taught him the importance of seeking and accepting support, a lesson that carried into his college experience. He recognized early on that building connections was key. "Through building connections with so many different groups... they've helped me so much," he reflects. These networks, including fellow writing tutors and PSEA members, became invaluable.

One specific source of support has been the "Mindful Tea Time" sessions offered on the Edinboro campus, especially around finals. "Every finals week, I always make sure that I plan that time out," Gavin says. "It's so important to have those like supports where you can just step back away from the index cards or the notes and just breathe and relax." This practice isn't just personally beneficial; as a future educator in his fields, he sees its value in his own classroom. "Even if a lesson didn't go quite like I wanted it to, it's okay. There's always tomorrow."

Gavin's advice to fellow students facing stress or crisis reflects his own experience: "Take time for yourself." He emphasizes setting aside dedicated time to disconnect from academic pressures and recharge. His journey to an award-winning student leader (receiving the 2024 Keepers of the Flame Award from Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education) and advocate for educators highlights the power of resilience fostered within a supportive environment. PennWest provided the community and practical tools like mindfulness, empowering him to not only succeed but also to dedicate himself to supporting others. "You might personally think you might not need it," he advises fellow students, "but in any way you can get it. Please, please take those supports."