Jordyn Reynolds didn’t arrive at PennWest California already plugged in. In fact, she remembers the version of herself who stayed quiet and kept to her room.

“I was once that student who didn’t go to club and org fairs, didn’t really go to events,” she admitted.

What changed her experience wasn’t luck. It was one decision to try.

Pursuing a Bachelor’s in Middle Level Education, with minors in Special Education and Psychology, Jordyn came to campus from Philadelphia as a student-athlete in track and field. With nearly 70 teammates, the roster felt like a built-in community. “I’ve always been team-oriented,” she said.

But after her second semester, she began branching out, joining organizations, connecting with PennWest’s CORE, the Office of Community, Opportunity, Responsibility and Engagement, and discovering how much campus life can expand when you show up.

Then she became a campus tour guide, and everything accelerated.

“I’ve just kind of been hitting the ground ever since,” she said.

Giving tours daily, meeting incoming students, and later hearing, “Oh my gosh, you gave me a tour when I was here!” helped her realize that belonging can be built through consistent outreach.

“Having people know me for my outreach and what I brought to the university really does make me feel better,” she explained. Even more, it helped her do for others what someone once did for her – make the first step feel less intimidating.

Jordyn sees CORE as a gateway for that transformation, because it helps students co-create the campus experience. She doesn’t just point students to opportunities – she helps them find the right ones.

“Giving them options is always going to be my main priority,” she said. “Hey, if you're interested in reading, we have a book club here. If you're interested in science, there's Chemistry, Biology, Women in STEM. There are so many different areas.”

Her goal is to make sure students feel seen and heard, especially when they’re still searching for their place.

If you ask why she pushes CORE so passionately, she’ll tell you it’s because anyone can be involved.

“It’s not just for this person or this person; it’s for everyone,” she said.

For new students who feel nervous, her message is clear: College is what you make it.

“Put your best foot forward and try everything,” she urged.

Because the moment you step out of your comfort zone, you might just find your people – and a PennWest community ready to bring you along.