Meet Your OL Team Lead

Payton

Pronouns: She/her
Year in School: Sophomore
Majors/Minor: Creative Writing
Hometown: Ripon, CA

About Payton

Entering orientation, I was nervous about a multitude of things. I was an out of state
student, touring my future campus for the first time, in a place that I knew nothing about. I was
confused by a lot of references local Washingtonians made. I was afraid of the huge change that
came with moving so far from home and starting over. I was convinced I would struggle with
making friends. Coming to WSU was my first real opportunity to see who I could be without the
influences of my family. I did not want to disappoint them. But more importantly, I did not want
to disappoint myself. I wanted to prove that I could go out on my own; I could flourish in an
environment I had found and created.

I quickly discovered that my fears, though reasonable, were easily dashed aside. My
orientation was a great experience – the first of many at WSU. Every person I interacted with put
my mind further at ease. This was a place of belonging. At WSU I mattered. If I had a question,
it was answered. If I had a concern it was addressed. Every staff member, alumni, and peer made
me feel safe and valued. It made me truly excited to leave for college and join this wonderful
community.

Currently, I am pursuing a dual degree in Creative Writing and Marketing. I am a
Residential Advisor, the head of Fan Engagement for WSU’s Men’s Ice Hockey team, and work
part time as a retail associate. After graduation I want to travel the world and live in as many
places as possible. My career goals pertain to working in a publishing house. Where I want to
either work as either a book editor, or as a publisher.