Jayden Omi has been interested in studying computer science since high school. Once he found out he could study at the new Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering and run Track & Field at Western Colorado University, he was sold.
“The Track & Field program appealed to me and gave me an opportunity to continue my athletic career and help pay for college,” Omi said. “The Paul M. Rady and CU Boulder partnership program for computer science was a huge advantage of coming to Western. Having the opportunity to receive a degree from such a prestigious school was too good to turn down.”
Memorable Experiences at Western
“My plan for after graduation is still in the air,” Omi said. “My only goal, at least right now, is to get my degree. As I mature into a proper computer science major, so will my goals and realistic expectations of myself by the time of my graduation in 2023.”
Omi was able to run Track & Field for the Mountaineers during the 2019-2020 indoor season, but unfortunately had to sit out the entire spring 2020 outdoor season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Omi is motivated to make it back.
“My most memorable experience I have had while attending Western would be the conference championships for indoor track,” Omi said. “The college level for athletics is so much different than my high school experience. The level of energy was so high and the atmosphere of competition was so elevating. I cannot wait to go back.”
Focusing on Education and Athletics
When Omi is not studying or running, he enjoys making it out to Blue Mesa to enjoy the recreational opportunities there. He enjoys that he can be very focused on his degree and athletics while attending Western because of the lack of distractions.
“Western has a lot of positives, which any student can point out. Interactive professors, quality education and well-kept facilitates,” said Omi.
“Western is far away from largely developed areas and some see this as inconvenient or even unbearable but for many like me, this is good. There are no big distractions. No big city bars, clubs or parties, just ski bums. Never in my life have I had no choice but to focus on my athletics and education until I arrived here. You will find yourself focused on the most important thing that Western provides: a quality, personalized education.”
Learn more about the Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering.
Author Credit: Caitlin Gleason
Photo Credit: Emma Brophy
