A small spark—being the friend people trusted with hard conversations—became a clear direction once Brock Young visited PennWest California. A tour guide studying the same major he wanted introduced him to faculty, including Dr. Hackett, and the campus suddenly felt like a place where curiosity could turn into real work. Today, Brock is a junior Psychology major and president of the Psychology Club, building a path from peer support to professional counseling.

As his interest deepened, Brock moved from reading about psychology to doing it. He presented original work at the Western Undergraduate Psychology Conference, served as head author on a six-student project with Dr. Hackett, and leaned into Undergraduate Research as a way to test ideas against evidence. The experience sharpened his study habits, broadened his methods toolkit, and confirmed that he enjoys translating research into practice.

Peer-to-peer support runs through everything he does. As a tour guide with Campus Tours / Admissions and a university ambassador, Brock meets prospective students and families, answers real questions, and connects them with resources—proof that support at PennWest California starts before day one. On campus he mentors classmates through the psychology student advisory board, is active in Psi Chi and the National Society for Leadership and Success, and helps the Psychology Club host annual QPR Gatekeeper Training—a two-year suicide-prevention certification that equips students to recognize warning signs and respond.

Next up: Brock plans to enter the Clinical Mental Health Counseling pathway, building a direct bridge from research and leadership to practice. The goal is simple and focused—sit across from people who need help and bring both evidence and empathy to the conversation.

Stories like Brock’s tend to happen where faculty access, hands-on projects, and student leadership intersect day to day—hallmarks of PennWest that quietly prepare students to serve others with skill and heart.