On Sept. 5, 2025, PennWest California held the student “Wall of Strengths” as part of its recent initiative titled First Year Fridays. Incoming first-year students were asked to write what makes them PennWest strong. Each contribution to the board was a reflection of the many different personalities of students who attend PennWest.

Responses ranged from professional skills, such as public speaking and adaptability, to emotional mindfulness and showing decency through respect and courtesy.

Students listed their majors as part of what makes them PennWest strong, many citing that they feel confident in their skills and knowledge in communications majors. Others placed funny remarks and messages to friends and roommates.

First Year Fridays, like other initiatives conducted by PennWest, create opportunities for new and incoming students to connect with one another, explore the multitude of activities and events the campus offers, and form an interpersonal connection with the campus overall.