Seeing PennWest Beautifully

For Bria Allen, PennWest became the place where she truly found her community and her creative voice. Initially dismissing the university after a childhood track meet mishap ("I lost my race and I was like, I'm never coming to this school"), Bria’s perspective shifted as she began her college search. Seeking a more inclusive environment than her predominantly white high school, she discovered PennWest’s vibrant campus life online.

"I looked up different clubs and organizations on Cal U's campus and I ended up finding the Black Student Union page," she recalls. "And that's where I saw different students and I saw the different events... and I saw how welcoming the campus was.”

This welcoming atmosphere drew her to PennWest, where she thrived as an undergraduate and now continues to excel as an MBA graduate student. Beyond academics, Bria has found a powerful way to connect with others through her passion for photography. "Being able to be that person and help you see how you see through somebody else's lens... has become so fun for me," Bria shares. Her photography is more than a hobby; it’s a tool for empowerment, helping individuals recognize their own unique beauty and stories. As a leader in the Black Student Union and a mentor to her peers, Bria embodies the supportive and inclusive spirit of PennWest.

For students looking for a university that celebrates individuality, offers diverse avenues for involvement, and empowers you to tell your story, PennWest provides the perfect backdrop for personal and creative expression, just as Bria discovered.

Listen to Bria Allen's story on the Power of PennWest Podcast