The liberal arts experience at Ohio Wesleyan provides me with a small student-to-faculty ratio and an OWU Connection Program...
Name: Wes Horton
Class Year: 2025
Major: Undeclared, interested in sociology/anthropology and psychology
How/Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?
I wanted the liberal arts experience as I value personal relationships as well as being heard in the classroom. The liberal arts experience at Ohio Wesleyan provides me with a small student-to-faculty ratio and an OWU Connection Program that will mentor and guide my passions. I met with Dr. (Paul) Dean in the sociology & anthropology department during the application process, allowing me to see that this is the community of learners I want to be a part of. My experience in the scholarship competition process only furthered my desire to come here. Being recruited as an Ohio Wesleyan cross country and track athlete by coach (Ben) Carlson and coach (Kris) Boey allowed me to discover a team that would foster both my love for the sport and find something to strive for beyond academics.
How/why did you choose your major?
I have not officially declared my major but I am really interested in exploring sociology as well as psychology. Ultimately in the future I want to help those with trauma with two careers in mind, social work or guidance counseling. I know what it is like to deal with trauma and I don't want others to go through that alone.
Why did you choose to compete in sports at Ohio Wesleyan?
Running has always been a part of who I am and being able to compete at the collegiate level has always been a dream I had in mind since I started running at age 9.
What are your strengths as an athlete (as an individual)?
As an athlete and as an individual my biggest strength has always been my ability to build personal relationships that have proved to be meaningful for me and others.
What is your number one goal, personal or team, for this season?
My number one goal is to see my team competing at the national level as well as winning a conference championship. My number one goal personally is to do everything I can to make that team goal a reality.
What event/sport other than your own would you like to try?
I am usually an 800-meter runner in track but I would really be excited to try the 1500-meter race if given the chance.
What athletic or academic achievement/accomplishment are you most proud of?
The athletic achievement I am most proud of is competing at states my senior year of high school in the 4x800 relay, where I got to run my last race in an all-senior relay with runners I have been running with since middle school. The academic achievement I am most proud of is winning the Wesleyan Scholarship.
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with?
The first person I would like to share a meal with is world champion Ethiopian distance runner Haile Gebrselassie. He was my inspiration to start running and my way of connecting to my Ethiopian heritage. The second person I would like to share a meal with is legendary soul singer Sam Cooke. His music is so passionate and I believe groundbreaking in its incorporation in the civil rights movement. The third person I would like to share a meal with is accomplished female singer Selena Gomez. I have been listening to her music for seven years now.
What is your ideal travel destination?
Ethiopia as this is my home country and reconnecting with my culture as well as my land is something I long to do in the future.
If you could visit another time, when would it be and why?
The late '50s to '60s, to hear the great soul music of that period, especially seeing Sam Cooke perform live. This is important to me as soul music has always uplifted me and I take pride in the fact it can both be an instrument to express intense passionate emotions as well as addressing injustices.
by Michaela Alfano '25
