Annie Weston – Salina
“There’s no place like home…”
The five-word phrase is without question recognized as one of the most well-known lines from the motion picture “The Wizard of Oz.”
For Annie Weston, a 2023 graduate from Salina High School, it’s a part of the everyday energy for the co-captain of the RiverHawks cheer squad at Northeastern State University.
“NSU was the only place I applied to attend college because I never wanted to be too far from home,” explained Weston. “And once I got on campus in Tahlequah, I could immediately feel the hometown, community-like atmosphere where there’s always someone there ready to help.”
A cheerleader since the third grade, Weston still enjoys the opportunities to make lifelong friendships while taking part in college activities in addition to maintaining her class schedule as an accounting major.
“Game Days are fabulous and I enjoy just being around my teammates on the cheer squad because they always push me to reach a higher level of success,” she said with a huge smile lighting up her voice. “
Defining herself as outgoing, driven and organized, Weston accepts the challenge of her cheerleader teammates through by taking a lead role in community service projects as well as “giving back” to others as a peer instructor to freshmen students majoring in Business.
“I’m in the classroom two days a week helping others find answers to their needs,” said Weston, who also is an active member of the Delta Zeta sorority on the Tahlequah campus.
Obtaining a college degree can present students a variety of challenges and opportunities. That’s why Weston encourages everyone to choose Northeastern State University.
“When I’ve struggled with my classroom assignments, my professors have always been there, asking ‘What can I do to help you?’ The faculty-student relationships, including email correspondence and Zoom meetings to help me find the right answers are the just one of the extra things that make the college experience at NSU so fantastic.”
For Annie Weston, her life on the NSU campus is just like being part of a family.
“When you come to NSU, you’ll feel a sense of community and belonging because there are so many ways to get involved that will open doors to future opportunities in everyday life and create a pathway to discover your dreams.”
