For M.J. Jerdan, creativity isn't confined to a single medium. A sophomore Animation major at PennWest Edinboro, he's been immersed in art even longer than his other great love: theater. His stage journey began at age seven in a summer camp production of Cinderella Junior. "I'm a very dramatic person and when I was a kid I was very hyperactive," he says, recalling his role as a mouse. From that first taste, he "just got addicted at some point. And there hasn't been a year where I haven't been in a show or multiple shows."

When choosing a university, M.J. prioritized animation programs. He "looked at... PennWest Edinboro specifically because of their animation program because it's affordable and it has great faculty and alumni." Discovering robust student theater clubs on campus was a massive bonus. "It just happened to be a very big plus for me that we have theater clubs on campus," he admits, "because I honestly don't know what I would've done" without a theatrical outlet.

Since arriving at Edinboro, M.J. has dived headfirst into both his passions. In the animation studios, he's honing his skills under professors like Mike Genz, who previously worked for Disney. He finds his feedback invaluable: "He can be absolutely tearing your thing apart... and yet sounds so kind about it... He just keeps motivating you to do your best." He hopes to become a storyboard artist or character designer for 2D animated shows after graduation.

Simultaneously, he's a whirlwind of activity in Edinboro's student-run theater scene. From performing multiple roles in the "Battle of the One Acts" during his first year to surviving the infamous "curse" of "the Scottish Play" (experiencing sprained ankles and broken arms within the cast), his experiences have been memorable. He's also explored leadership roles, assistant directing and designing costumes for Murder on the Orient Express. A highlight for M.J. is witnessing newcomers embrace theater, like a fellow student who joined his first show ever with Orient Express. "To see somebody who's now like a young adult joining the theater and learning this all for the first time, and we get to help foster that environment for him, and it's so just rewarding to be around."

For incoming students, M.J.’s advice is simple: get involved. "Maybe I'm biased as a club leader, but I'd say that you've gotta sign up for clubs," he urges. "That's where... all my social life comes from and how I've made all these amazing friends."

M.J.'s experience perfectly illustrates how PennWest empowers students to pursue multiple interests. Whether in specialized academic programs like Animation with industry-experienced faculty or through vibrant, student-led extracurriculars like theater, students can find their communities, develop their talents, and craft a rich, multifaceted university experience.