Paige Yates is a sophomore at Western Oklahoma State College, where she is a member of the cheer team and a WOSC Ambassador.
Making the move from Altus High School to college went well for Yates thanks to the amount of preparation while still in high school.
“I took college classes as a concurrent student in high school, so I was familiar with the environment which made it easier to come to Western after graduation. Although, learning how to manage time appropriately was difficult due to the feeling of so much freedom,” said Yates.
This May, Yates will complete her first two years of college and receive her associates degree in criminal justice. Yates plans to pursue a career in law enforcement in the future.
“After I graduate, I plan to work towards my bachelor’s degree and once I turn 21, I plan to go to the Highway Patrol Academy,” Yates said.
Around campus, Yates said there are plenty of things to keep a student busy.
“My favorite place to be on campus is The Point because you will always catch me in there beating my friends in pool and ping pong. I love the many opportunities WOSC gives students-athletes. All of our sports teams have open tryouts which gives people who did not think they were going to do sports in college a chance, like myself,” said Yates.
As for being on the cheer team, Yates said it’s more like being a big family.
“I love that my teammates feel like family and that we have created an environment where everyone is free to be themselves without judgment,” said Yates.
In the classroom, Yates continues to remain focused on being an excellent student, not only an athlete.
“My favorite subject is probably math and choosing a favorite professor is hard because all of them at Western are amazing,” Yates said, “but if I had to choose, I would choose Mrs. Purdue and Mr. Sawders because they always bring so much unbiased insight into class topics.”
In her free time, Yates enjoys spending time with family, friends, her dog and going to the gym. The future OHP officer offers this advice to new students coming to WOSC for the first time:
“My advice for students coming to WOSC is to allow yourself to use this environment to grow into your best self because everyone at WOSC wants to see you succeed and never fear asking for help and stay involved, college is more fun when you are involved.”