Get Out While You Can!

Yes, you heard that right. The advice I’m giving is to put down that pencil, close that laptop, grab your keys, and get out. Out of your dorm room, apartment, house, really anywhere you have been spending an unnecessary amount of time to where you feel like you could explode of boredom. All too often we allow ourselves to fall into a routine of going back and forth between classes, work and home with occasional trips to the grocery store. Such a routine allows boredom to creep in, and we soon make up our minds that there is “nothing to do in this town.” Laramie, Albany County, and the state of Wyoming have a wealth of activities for all interests, ages, and budgets. For me, the ability to get out of my house and out of Laramie every now and then is a form of stress relief, as well as a way to satisfy personal cravings for adventure. I have always loved finding new places, why do you think this California girl packed up and moved a thousand miles away From exploring back roads and mountain towns in the Snowies to finding the best Christmas light display in Laramie (hands down the Territorial Prison one, it’s timed to music!), some degree of exploration is necessary to keep me from falling into a rut of monotony. Laramie is not called the “gem city” without reason. Downtown has a wealth of shops to explore, and the chaos that is Bart’s Flea Market on the south side of town is always an entertaining way to find things you never knew you needed. The breathtaking beauty of Centennial and the Snowies is incredibly close, as is that of Veduawoo, Happy Jack, and Curt Gowdy State Park! If looking for a weekend trip, a wealth of National Parks and National Monuments are within a half-day’s drive, from Devil’s Tower to Mount Rushmore. If you REALLY want to get out of Laramie, Wyoming, or the US in general, there are plentiful opportunities through the College of Ag and Natural Resources to study abroad. There are trips to France and Australia through Ag Economics, and another to Scotland through the honors college! With all these opportunities, there’s no excuse to ditch your couch and TV for the day and get out while you can!

-Emily Violini