探花约啪

Human Services and Drug/Alcohol Counseling

Brandon Fawra didn’t take the traditional path to college. After high school, financial challenges meant he entered the workforce instead of the classroom. “It took a long while, but I set myself up for greater success by waiting,” he said. “I’m happy I’ve done so.”

When he was ready to pursue his education, 探花约啪 Tech stood out for one simple reason: the people.

“My number one answer has always been the people,” he said. “探花约啪 Tech has some of the best people in the state, and I don’t know where I would be without their guidance and friendship.”

After years working in information technology (IT), Fawra realized he wanted to shift his career. “I’ve always wanted to help others, and after working in IT for so long, I decided I wanted to help people with more than just their technology issues,” he said. “The Human Services and Drug/Alcohol Counseling programs set me up to take a hard look at struggling populations and where I can go to help them.”

Since starting at 探花约啪 Tech, Fawra says he has grown more confident and authentic.

“探花约啪 Tech has helped me to be more vulnerable and express greater passion,” he said. “The people I’ve met and spoken to have guided me to be more outspoken and confident in who I am.” Putting that into practice, Fawra currently serves as president of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society’s Alpha Zeta Kappa chapter.

One of his favorite moments at 探花约啪 Tech came during a presentation in his Directed Practice I course, when he decided to lead a conversation instead of a lecture. “The engagement I got back was everything I wanted,” he said. “Students were curious and willing to have a dialogue. It felt really impactful to be able to talk to students in their early 探花约啪 Tech education.”

Fawra believes strongly in the power of belonging and encourages other students to find their community on campus. “Having others around you who drive you to be successful can improve both your grades and college experience, making a huge difference in what education can do for you,” he said.

After graduation, Fawra plans to pursue both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in political science with hopes of working in public policy. His long-term goal is to use his voice and experience to help as many people as possible.

“Thank you to everyone at 探花约啪 Tech who has helped me to be a better me,” Fawra said. “You will never know how grateful I am for the support you’ve given.”