My journey with Weber State University began in 2005. It was intimidating. That feeling quickly returned almost twenty years later when I decided to add a bachelor’s to my associate’s degree. Between the time spent away and all the changes to campus, I feel like I am attending a brand new university.

When I first attended Weber in 2005, I was a full-time worker and student. Thankfully, I had a roommate who respected what I was doing and gave me all the space I needed to succeed. I remember the stress, but it was lighter and less frequent. I could finish my work on time and get decent grades. I even made the dean’s list once or twice.

Going to school was easier for me back then. I could attend classes, focus on the work and not worry about anything else. If needed, I could stay up until 3 a.m. Things have changed.

Many buildings on campus looked older in 2005 than they do now, and the rest were older. Gone is the brown, faded brick. There were still assemblies and community events, but nowhere near the diversity of options we have now. Even financial aid was different. The clock tower, of course, is still as magnificent.

One of the biggest differences between now and then is the scope and availability of online classes. We still turned in our work using paper and pen in the mid-aughts; we used handouts, physical books and in-class-or-else policies. There was no Zoom.

I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree as a nontraditional, full-time student, trying to make a better life for my little family and me. I have a six-year-old boy who is my everything, and I am married to the absolute love of my life. He went to Weber, too. I always intended to come back for my bachelor’s degree, but the timing never worked. Now, it has to. Growing up, I saw my parents struggle. Hopefully, by getting my bachelor’s degree, I won’t have to anymore.

I am a married mom with a part-time job. It is a lot. One moment, I’m Mama, nurturing my son if he’s not feeling confident, and the next, I’m reading communication theory and writing a 5-page report on what I found. Moving so quickly between different areas of the brain and heart is challenging. I have found that I cannot do schoolwork or study when my son is awake and I’m watching him. So, I wait until he’s in bed or go to another room while my husband watches him as I work. If my son needs me, he still comes first.

Thankfully, I have a fantastic partner who helps me so much. He responds to my needs and cares deeply about what I do here at Weber State University and in life. I can trust him to be by my side to and through graduation. I do have mom’s guilt at times, too. It is hard because I would spend every second with my son if I could, but I know what I am doing will help build a better life for him, and I keep that in mind.

Today, the campus is buzzing with life and intelligence, just as it was in 2005. I love to walk around the campus and take in the beauty. I love seeing people studying together and engaging with each other. Between the clubs, other university-affiliated organizations, and the students in general, something special happens at Weber daily. Even if you are not a member of a given group, there is always someone who will gladly explain who they are and what they do and welcome you to join.

All in all, I love Weber State University and everyone involved. This campus is beautiful, diverse, and filled with wisdom and lifetime experiences. I suggest getting involved with Weber State however you can. Truly become part of this vast experience, and I can tell you it’s not the late nights and tough classes that come into your mind when you look back. You’ll remember that, sure. What you feel, though — what gets into your bones — is that college feeling, the way campus looks just after sundown. That professor who went out of their way and showed you something you never knew you loved.
Weber State University is full of helpful, empathetic, genuine people who are here to guide you along the path to success. The only thing that can stand in your way is you, so be open, experience Weber and do not be afraid to reach out to others. So many people are reaching right back toward you.