Ramon Caballero
At Western I am involved in the Amigos Club. I have been the treasurer for two years and a member for three.
Western is the right place for me because of the small community where I ride my bike all around the town and get to know more people rather than just making contacts.
One thing that sets Western apart from other colleges is its location in the middle of so much natural beauty and the College and community seem to work well together.
My favorite professor at Western is Cindy Drexel, professor of business. My first year here she had great enthusiasm for even the smallest topics and seemed to give every student individual attention. She also made time to help me out or just have a conversation.
One thing that surprised me most about Western after arriving here was how different the people in the community were compared to my hometown and other towns. Another thing that surprised me was how clean the town is and how the College strives toward environmental sustainability.
My favorite thing to do on campus is to cruise around town with friends on our bikes and study, as well as socialize at the new College Center.
My favorite WSC tradition is the lighting of the W followed by the fireworks.
After graduation, I plan to either start my own business or perhaps work in the National Park Service or even the Division of Wildlife.
Many of the local kids know me as Ranger Ramon. Last summer I worked for the National Park Service in the Black Canyon and the Curecanti National Recreation Area. I got the position after attending a job fair held at Western in the spring.
In the Black Canyon I led hikes for families to get more information with a ranger, and for the children I would have a scavenger hunt on the trail to get more enjoyment out of their visit.
My favorite part of the experience was my "Ranger Ramon Fishing Program." I taught the kids how to set up their own fishing poles from assembling the new poles to getting their lines ready with a hook, swivel and bobber. Most of the students in the program were new to fishing and the look on their face when they caught their very first fish was just out of this world. It made my summer being able to share that moment with them.
