Handling venomous timber rattlesnakes during a high school job shadow wasn't terrifying for Jesse Lewis—it was utterly captivating. Getting "very up close and personal" with creatures that "oftentimes get a really bad rap," he had the chance to see them not as immediate threats, but as "quite docile creatures." That pivotal encounter while shadowing a wildlife biologist, replacing fear with fascination and understanding, "really like hooked me," Jesse says. It cemented his desire to work directly with wildlife and set him firmly on the path toward studying Envronmental Science at PennWest Clarion.

Choosing PennWest Clarion felt natural; not only is he from the area, but he also connected with professors even before enrolling, drawn by the welcoming community and expertise within the program. His initial fascination, sparked by those misunderstood snakes, has only deepened during his time at PennWest. He continues to work with rattlesnakes, appreciating their complex behaviors and advocating for a better understanding of these creatures he sees as having individual personalities, "just trying to live their life."

Jesse’s passion extends throughout the natural world. He’s the president of Clarion's chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology and an avid outdoorsman—hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking are integral to his life and learning. He vividly describes the profound connection felt while turkey hunting, communicating through calls until the birds were so close, he could feel the deep rumble of their gobbles in his chest before they even emerged into view – a "surreal experience."

Looking ahead, Jesse plans a career in wildlife management, aiming to develop habitat plans that benefit both game and non-game species. He strongly believes in the crucial link between outdoor recreation and conservation, noting that "hunters and anglers and just people in the outdoors are the people that are working the most to conserve the land." Jesse's journey exemplifies how PennWest provides opportunities—from vital hands-on experiences to connections with passionate faculty—that empower students to turn unique encounters into lifelong dedication and impactful careers in the environmental field.