By Chris Cox
Making the transition from high school to college is not easy. However, Western Oklahoma State College freshman Richard Aldridge says WOSC has made the transition as easy as possible.
“Honestly, I was kind afraid of going to a bigger college,” he admits. “But Western is a smaller school and it makes that transition easier. The classes are smaller so it’s a lot easier to go to your teacher when you need help. You also get to know the teacher on a more personal level. They know you by name and everyone there is really helpful.”
A native of Carter, Oklahoma, Aldridge was also drawn to Western due to their flexible schedules and proximity to his home.
“This year I’m a Tuesday-Thursday student and commute but next year I’ll be taking classes every day,” he says. “It’s been nice because I’ve been able to take all my basics these first two semesters. They offer online classes so I could do some classes on the days I was at home and get the other classes done when I go to Altus.”
Another thing that drew Aldridge to Western Oklahoma State College was their athletic program.
“I rope on the rodeo team,” he says. “The fact they had a rodeo team was definitely part of my decision in coming here. The team is also lenient with practices. They allow me to practice at home since I’m a Tuesday-Thursday student. I also knew three or four people going here that were rodeoing and that made my decision easier.”
Rodeo is something Aldridge has been involved in for most of life.
“I grew up on a farm,” he says. “I was into it growing up but then I kind of got out of it until I was 11 or 12 then I got back into it. I had to rodeo in the Texas High School Rodeo Association and went to the state finals a couple of times. Rodeo is something my whole family has always kind of done.”
Following his time at Western, Aldridge says he plans on transferring to a bigger school to focus on his future career plans.
“I’m thinking of attending OU,” he says. “I want to get my bachelor’s degree and then hopefully get accepted into their dental program.”
