By Katrina Penaflor
 Campus Life Editor

Western will be opening its doors Saturday, May 9, to a new generation of students who will be attending college in the years 2023 and 2024.

These third and fourth grade students attend local schools such as: Monmouth Elementary, Ash Creek Elementary, Falls City Elementary, and the surrounding area.

Over 50 elementary students will participate in a list of activities that include: activities in New PE, a scavenger hunt, lunch, and “college” classes.

Molly Christmann, Residence Hall Association (RHA) President and the facilities and schedule coordinator of Preview 2023/24 said,” Previews show elementary school students how awesome it is to really be in school, not just what school can do for you in the long run.”

Each of the third and fourth graders or “Little Buddies” will be paired with a “Big Buddy” for the event. These Big Buddies are Western students who will guide the visitors through their day of activities.

Big Buddies “will help them with the scavenger hunt in the morning and will generally be there to support the student and help them with the itinerary and where to go, as well as making a positive impression on them about what it’s like to be a college student,” Christmann said.

Western students will not only be the Big Buddies at the preview day but will also act as teachers.

These teachers will organize mock classes for the elementary students to attend. After having lunch in the Mt.

Jefferson room, the Little Buddies will decide which classes they want to go to with their Big Buddies.

“Our hope is that Preview day participants really connect with their Big Buddies in a way that makes them see all of the opportunities that staying invested in education can bring,” added Christmann.