Noah Patnaude ’22 is majoring in psychology at Thomas College because he wants to help people. While Noah is studying full-time and working two jobs, he’s already gaining experience in the field by volunteering with youth foster care groups by serving on informational panels for new foster parents and caseworkers, as an advocate at national conferences, and at group sessions with foster kids.

Like many Thomas College students, Noah is hard-working and determined. He is committed to changing the foster care system in Maine and as someone who has been through the foster care system himself, he wants to be a mentor to current foster care youth.

“I want to be able to show them that no matter what happened, there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

Noah is part of the Youth Leadership Advisory Team in Waterville and a member of Foster Youth in Action.

With all of Noah’s commitments – school, work, and volunteering – he doesn’t have a lot of extra time.

“It’s a lot of work but at the end of the day, it’s rewarding.”

Noah just finished up his first semester at Thomas College after he transferred from KVCC.

So far, Noah has loved learning in his academic program that he’s so passionate about and he’s made tons of friends while living on campus.

Noah is proud of his continued effort to finish his college degree and is excited about the future.