Cassidy Towe
Class of 2021 | Communication Sciences and Disorders Pre Speech-Language Pathology | Edmond, Oklahoma
Hi Sooner family! My name is Cassidy and I’m pumped to share some of my OU story with you. I just finished my junior year studying communication sciences and disorders pre speech-language pathology at the OU Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. What a crazy mouthful, right?
I like to joke that I was brainwashed into attending the University of Oklahoma. My dad is an OU alumnus and big Sooner football fan, so my twin sister and I practically grew up on the Norman campus. We have tons of baby pictures dressed in the school’s crimson and cream; we would also spend our Saturdays at the Oklahoma Memorial Stadium watching OU football way before we understood what football was.
Once I became a junior in high school, I started my own college search process. I didn’t have the slightest idea of what I wanted to study (I didn’t declare my major until the end of my freshman year at OU. It’s totally okay if you’re undecided about your area of study when you come to college). I started my search process by touring some schools in Texas, but was never satisfied until I toured my father’s alma mater. I instantly felt at home in Norman and the rest was history! Fun fact, the only college I submitted an application to was OU! I couldn’t wait to be a Sooner.
My favorite part of OU has always been the people I’ve met during my college experience. The friends I’ve made through academic opportunities and extracurricular involvement have changed my life for the better. If you’ve ever taken a campus tour at OU, you’ve probably heard the tour guide talk about OU family. In all reality, COVID-19 hasn’t stopped the OU family from thriving – they’re still as inclusive, innovative, and intentional as they’ve ever been.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how my university has handled the current COVID-19 pandemic. I was in shock when I got the email saying in-person class was suspended for the semester. It didn’t feel real until weeks later when I had to wear a mask and gloves to move out of my sorority house. At the end of the day, I had to remind myself that my school cares about their students and their safety.
My personal academic college at OUHSC did a phenomenal job pursuing their students despite the online and “socially distanced” version of education. I’m grateful that my classes took place over Zoom because it added a little bit of routine to my schedule. One of my favorite professors, Dr. Suzanne Kimball, took time out of her lectures to ask the class about our mental health. She encouraged us to exercise and make lists of what we’re thankful for.
In addition, OUHSC has created their own relief fund and has raised an incredible amount of money to give to students that have lost their non-essential jobs due to the pandemic. I’ve always loved OU, but COVID-19 has given me a greater appreciation for my academic college and the way they take care of their students. All areas of the University of Oklahoma have worked hard to make this strenuous time just a little bit easier.
Despite my newfound love for Zoom, I still look forward to in-person classes and face-to-face conversations. I spent some time reminiscing (mainly because Dr. Kimball told me to) and I found some of my favorite OU pictures in my camera roll that I want to share with you! I’m looking forward to my time when I’m physically back at the university I love.
