Monmouth, Ore. —Sophomore and first generation student Yair Gomez Romero chose to attend Western Oregon University partly because of a family connection. His uncle Aaron attended Western and shared that he had a great experience. Little did Gomez Romero know that his own journey would be so smooth, especially after moving from Clackamas, Oregon to the smaller town of Monmouth.
From the start of his college career, Gomez Romero was pleasantly surprised by the level of student support available at Western. He’s found that the university’s support services have made a real difference, helping him stay on track academically and excel in his studies.
But one of the biggest changes for him wasn’t just academic, it was personal. Over the past two years, Gomez Romero has realized how important it is to build connections with others. Through relationships with staff, faculty, and students, he has grown into leadership roles and gained hands-on experience around campus.
One of those opportunities came through WOU Crew, where he served as a student orientation leader, helping new students learn their way around WOU. He also supported orientations by creating content for their social media accounts, which gave him valuable experience engaging students and prospective students. That work helped boost his own social media presence, leading to a student social media internship with the marketing and communications department at WOU, where he is currently creating unique, engaging content.
In addition to his involvement in campus communications, Gomez Romero is a member of the WOU men’s soccer club. The team has helped him make friends and build lifelong connections, and it also provides him an outlet to recharge after long days of studying.
To stay healthy and balanced, he spends time at WOU’s state-of-the-art health and wellness center. He’s also used student support resources, including the student counseling and health center, for minor injuries and other needs.
When asked about the biggest change coming to Western, Gomez Romero points to moving into the residence halls. Growing up in a large household, he never had a bedroom which led to him sleeping in the living room with his older brother. He says having his own room was an adjustment at first, but now he truly enjoys having his own personal space.
Looking ahead after graduation, Gomez Romero wants to attend physical therapy school. As a club athlete, he hopes to help other athletes recover from injuries and return to the sports they love. He’s also interested in becoming a social media influencer, focusing on helping people in need, and spreading positivity. He wants to inspire younger generations to go out and make a difference.
With experience gained through his work in social media at Western, it’s clear that his interests aren’t just ideas, they’re becoming goals he’s ready to pursue.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.