Last weekend, my family and I embarked on a four-hour long drive to chilly Gunnison, Colorado for Western State Colorado University’s preview day. After college searching for months, we figured that a visit to the college couldn’t hurt, and we were all in need of a getaway. I’ll admit, when we first arrived, I was a little bit skeptical. I had never seen so many deer or cows in my life, and Gunnison did not seem like the most happening place. However, I couldn’t help but notice the cozy atmosphere of the tiny town and the welcoming smiles of students at the campus, which was only a short walk from our hotel.

After arriving in Gunnison, we took a short drive up the road to Crested Butte for a delicious meal at The Secret Stash. We ordered a custom pizza and it was DELICIOUS. If you’re ever in the area, I would highly recommend checking it out! We were also lucky enough to catch the end of the Crested Butte Alley Loop Nordic Marathon, which is a qualifier for Birkebeiner. Competitors, both amateur and professional, were skiing down main street, stopping at every bar and restaurant along the way. You don’t get to see stuff like that in Thornton.

The next day, we drove over to campus around 10 for the preview day. The event began with a complementary picture with their mascot, Mad Jack, and a chance to speak with different students and teachers from various departments. I was also able to meet the head of the Communications department, who was kind enough to introduce me to an alumni with the same interests as me.

From there, we took a tour of the snowy campus.

The day at Western ended with a clubs/activities fair and of course, a trip to the campus bookstore followed by a meal at the local Italian restaurant, Garlic Mike’s.

I have never met so many kind, caring people and have never felt so welcome at a college (believe me, I’ve visited my fair share). The Preview Day was a very enlightening, informative event and I’m so glad I was able to visit Western. Because of this trip, I’m proud to say that come fall of this year, I will be attending Western State Colorado University! Go Mountaineers!