His office’s lighting is soft, contrasting the fluorescent sting within the hallway. Outfitted with bold glasses, checkered pants, and a comfy cardigan, Jason offers visitors a sense of safety and acceptance. His passion for helping students is crucial in a post-COVID-19 world. With suicide rates increasing in 2021, especially among LGBTQ+, Jason focuses on helping students who need guidance.

              Sitting in his colorful office, Jason says his journey didn’t always include working in counseling.

“My undergrad is in communications, and I did that because I had plans, goals,” he paused to laugh for a moment, “dreams even, to be on TV.”

              He realized this was not the career he wanted. After graduating, he moved home and worked as a caretaker for an elderly couple. They encouraged him to continue his education.

              “It really rejuvenated what was always underlying the surface for me, which was helping individuals in a very direct way.”

              Experiences with his own family, through mental health issues and substance abuse, also inspired him to work in counseling.

              “That early exposure, basically, allowed for me to create an idea of a thicker skin with it,” he paused briefly before saying, “It still impacts me, dealing with it on a personal level or with students, it still touches me, but I can tap into that protective mode.”

              Jason pursued his graduate degree at West Chester University. As a part of his program, he interned in West Chester University’s Student Affairs office. Here he gained experience as a counselor and discovered his enjoyment of working in higher education. He also worked with the LGBTQ+ services at the college.

              “I was asked to stay on for an extra semester, sort of like an assistant director, which was fantastic.”

              After his time at West Chester University, Jason pursued work as a recovery specialist and therapist, in Connecticut.

            “When I moved back to Pennsylvania, I ran a crisis residential program in Lancaster,” Jason’s voice was calm and steady, “That was dealing with trying to divert people who were in crisis, maybe experiencing suicidal ideation.”

                     After a while, Jason missed working in higher education and soon joined DCCC as a counselor.

              “I chose to explore here because I felt that a community college, you know, you’re really working with such a diverse group of individuals from all different backgrounds, as well as non-traditional students.”

              Jason’s work often centers around individuals in crisis situations. He explained that these issues impact him, but he copes through self-care and therapy. He believes his experiences with similar issues in his family help him get through.

Within his work in suicide prevention, Jason expressed his concerns surrounding the rising suicide rates after COVID-19.

            “Suicide rates went up. It was lowering, and then it spiked again,” he paused, considering his next words, “in particular in the LGBTQ community, it spiked again.”

              Jason believes this was caused partially by personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also explained that the politics of the time created increased safety concerns, impacting college students.

              Since people had limited resources for mental health, issues tended to weigh more heavily on individuals. Jason felt people were given permission to share opinions, even if they hurt others.

              “That naturally led to a lot more hate being spewed, and behavior, crime, and violence in an uptick,” his voice remained steady and calm, “If anything I think it uncovered that we thought we were getting so far, and in some ways, we were, but there is a lot more we still need to do.”

              Jason hopes things will get better for the LGBTQ+ community as acceptance becomes more common. He has seen a change in young people’s responses to LGBTQ+.

              He believes his experience with discovering his identity helps him help others. “I knew at a younger age that, oh Jason, you’re different, you’re not straight.”

              Jason believes there is more help available to the LGBTQ+ community now, offering young people more support than was previously available. “I didn’t have a club to turn to, I didn’t have a lot of friends, I had one friend who was gay.”

              Jason noted that the decreased stigma surrounding mental health and the LGBTQ+ community will help individuals access the resources they need. He has found the most memorable experiences are working with individuals who did not recognize their own strengths.

              People who struggled with suicidal ideation or students who struggle to come to terms with their identity.

              “Some of the most meaningful experiences, have been working with individuals who have a similar path that I’ve been on, in terms of someone who may be navigating their identity, and the impact that it has had on their mental health.”

              Jason intends to continue his work to better the lives of students and staff at DCCC. His positive attitude and unique personality offer a haven to all who meet him.

              Jason adjusts his glasses and turns back to his desk. He leaves the door open for people to come and go as they please, always welcoming those who wish to speak to him.