Meet the Students Monday: Alumni Daniel-Charles Rewis

by Jessica Young  |   

What did you study at PWSC?

Daniel-Charles: I started my college career at PWSC by attending for my Associate of Arts (A.A.) so that I could later transfer to a four-year university. I had a considerable amount of academic freedom, and pursued a variety of subjects. This helped me refine not only what I was good at, but also what I had a passion for. I graduated with an A.A. (General Studies) in December 2017, and transferred to UAF to finish my bachelor’s degree immediately afterward. 

What are your career and education goals? How has PWSC played a part in those goals?

Daniel-Charles: My career goal is to enter law, and practice as an attorney both for private practice and social benefit. PWSC helped me by providing a path forward, and helping me refine what I was interested in. It was an affordable option (by today's standards) to transfer into a four-year program, and allowed me to establish my Alaska residency while I was working on my A.A.

Would you recommend PWSC to others, if so why?

Daniel-Charles: We generally look at colleges using various quantitative measures. We look at graduation rate, cost, comparative programs, and class ratio etc. What we often fail to measure is the culture and setting of any given educational institution. PWSC is located in a beautiful awe-inspiring place, but this has its caveats. Resources can be difficult to access, travel in and out can be challenging, and so attendance can require some creativity. To me this meant that PWSC simply by its location required me to learn how to grow in the world, and succeed over everyday challenges. In today's world many young people lack the skills of daily living, and PWSC helped me foster these skills even outside the normal scope. In summery the family atmosphere, location, and educational programs operate in tandem. They helped me become more self-actualized, and the experience was valuable beyond words. I would advise this school to any student who is willing to live up to the challenge of a different way of life, and I guarantee you'll love it. Everyone I know sees this place as home no matter where they come from.  PWSC changed my life and view of myself. 

What was your favorite part about going to college at PWSC?

Daniel-Charles: The community values of both the college and the town in general were one of my favorite things about attending PWSC. I consider many of the staff members and faculty friends. The isolation means that close relationships are vital for personal and academic success. The connections that I made at PWSC are just as valuable to me as the academic success that I achieved. My favorite part of my college experience is the new home that I found both in the college and the community. 

Were there any challenges or obstacles you had to overcome to get to where you are today?
Daniel-Charles: The biggest challenge that I had to overcome was my personal life. Traditional students generally have fewer adult obligations and interrelationships. With that said non-traditional students must continue said obligations while also succeeding in school. Making school my number one “must” helped me reach where I am now. It took a lot of work to learn how to balance all of my personal obligations while also attending school. The organizational skills that I learned through my experience will carry over for life, and my biggest hurdle became my biggest asset. I encourage other prospective students to consider what is limiting them, and how it can one day assist them in life. 

If you could share one piece of advice with future PWSC students what would that be?

Daniel-Charles: I would advise prospective students to make school their anchor. No matter what was happening in life, school was constant. We all look for something that grounds us, and school can fill that void to establish structure. I built my life around it, and I would advise trying it if you're struggling.  

Have you had any mentors or anyone in your life that has really impacted you in a positive way? Who and how?

Daniel-Charles: I have had many mentors, but academically PWSC fits the bill. They helped me navigate the system, and become familiar with the collegiate world. Specifically, I would like to call out Ana Hinkle, Shannon Stites, and Heidi Franke. They all provided me with guidance, and they can be a great go-to for anyone.