Three years ago I decided to apply for college. I had no idea where I wanted to go. I just wanted to leave home. I’d heard a lot about WSU, so I Googled ‘Cougars.’

After several hours of entertaining distractions and poor decisions, I finally came across WSU’s online application. I signed the formative years of my adult life away that evening and was given in exchange the most fulfilling set of experiences I’ve ever imagined possible.

Alive! was an incredible thing that followed my acceptance letter. But it only unlocked the doors of possibility for my college career. Week of Welcome was the big push and guiding hand through those endless open doors.

Week of Welcome has never ceased to continually impact me in such ways as securing dream jobs, rededicating myself to faith, learning about things I’m passionate about, meeting people who make me stronger, understanding my purpose, and believing in the power of community.

I write all of this because I want you to understand that WSU is more than a college campus. It is a community. And this week of welcome that you are experiencing is worth so much more than you can immediately fathom.

Yeah, every college has a massive amount of pros and almost as many cons. Yeah, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But what makes our college special is the unique community one can only find in Pullman.

Students, you have a lot of people here who care about you. Family and friends, be excited for those you love spending time in Pullman.

Staff, faculty, alumni, current students, and various other Pullmanites are outstanding at supporting each other. I mean, once a Coug always a Coug.

Leaders like Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson, Dean of Students Melynda Huskey, ASWSU President Adam Crouch, Pullman Police Chief Gary Jenkins, and many others all have a deep love for this university and this city. Some of them have contributed guest columns for this issue just so they can express what that love looks like in words.

This edition also had some fresh articles and a solid selection recycled from our Student Choice Awards conducted last spring. Community members voted on their favorite people, places, things, and ideas in Pullman. They hyped up the best of each other and made it to print.

It is my hope that, with this issue, we can help you broaden your understanding of this campus and city. I want you to begin to form your own feelings for WSU and Pullman.

The Daily Evergreen is fresh out of its summer season and ready to tackle the fall in more ways than football coverage. We’re as dedicated to being the voice of the student body just as we are dedicated to being Cougs.

Thank you for reading our special edition. And thank you for picking WSU.

As you begin to reach out to professors and administrators and councelors, feel free to give us a call or email. We’re always eager to hear new voices. We’re always eager to get you caught up in community.

Go Cougs!