Why your time at Eastern matters – Letter to the editor

This archived article was written by: Nathan Davis

I doubt anyone who is reading this knows who I am, but I was a student at USU-Eastern, back when it was the College of Eastern Utah. It’s been nine years since I was a student there, but not a day goes by that I’m not thankful for the time I spent at CEU (I know, I know, it’s not CEU anymore. But, it’ll always be CEU to me.)
Today, I accepted a job as a content producer for a radio station. As I think back on my work history, I can trace every bit of success I have had to the time I spent as a student in Price, Utah.
When I first started my education at Eastern, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I took a tour of the campus and bumped into Troy Hunt. He asked what I wanted to major in, I didn’t really know but I told him I’d always had a love of writing.
After I said that, he took me to the newspaper lab where I first met Susan Polster. I decided to sign up for a newspaper class, because she seemed nice.
A few weeks into my first semester, I fell in love with journalism. I loved journalism. I loved interviewing people and sharing stories with the school’s student body. It was there that I developed a love for writing, it was there that I was given the tools to become a successful writer. Without my time in Price, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
The classes I took there impacted my future and shaped my life. If I hadn’t enrolled at CEU, I am positive that I wouldn’t be where I am today. While some may see Eastern as a small school, or a stepping stone to something bigger, it played a huge part in my life. Not only did Polster give me the tools I needed to become a journalist, she is also the sole reason I transferred to Weber State University.
I applied to WSU based solely on her recommendation. During my time at WSU, I worked for their newspaper, The Signpost, where I first served as assistant sports editor, before becoming the editor-in-chief of the newspaper. During my time at WSU, I was able to further my skills and got a few stories published in the Deseret News. Working for The Signpost allowed me to build a resume that would help me find work after college.
Following my time at WSU, I returned to my home state of Idaho and took a job working for a local newspaper. Since then I have spent two years working as a successful freelance writer, before accepting a job today working for a radio station.
I am confident in saying that if it wasn’t for my time at USU Eastern I wouldn’t be where I am today. My message to you, is don’t neglect your time here. Work hard and prepare for your future. Take advantage of clubs, extracurricular activities and on-campus activities. You have access to some great professors, take advantage of that and tap into their knowledge.
In addition to Polster, there are so many professors at Eastern who influenced me, especially Curtis Icard. Don’t think of USU Eastern as being a “small school,” or as being less than any other post-secondary school in the state. It is one of the best schools in the state.
I am 100 percent confident in saying that if I hadn’t enrolled at USU Eastern back in 2005, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I owe everything I have to the school and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Nate Davis
Idaho Falls, Idaho