A little over 2,000 miles of farmland, mountains, and desert from Missouri, Willamette University, (a small school in Salem, Oregon) will be the new home of senior Jo Heupel this coming fall. However, it is not the long trip home that makes Jo’s future so rare. Jo’s major, anthropology, the study of society and culture, is her reason for such a drastic change.

“I’m definitely excited about moving,” Jo said. “I think it will be a great way for me to get out and experience the world. I will miss friends and family though.”

Because anthropology is an unusual choice of study, Jo looked to out of state schools. And Oregon was the final decision.

“Oregon may be far away,” close friend Emily Alderson said, “but Jo will do great there. She wants to get out and do her own thing.”

Jo’s decision on college was not difficult. Willamette University is one of the few small liberal arts schools with a well-known anthropology, environmental sciences, and language department. However, the consequences of her long-distance education this fall may seem more difficult to cope with.

“I’m definitely going to miss [Jo],” close friend Sara Lucero said. “We’ll keep in touch though.”

However, for Jo, the positives outweigh the negatives. Jo looks forward to taking on a new and different major.

“I find it intriguing how society works and I want to study and learn more,” Jo said. “I think it [anthropology] can show us more about how we exist, work together, and get to where we are today. I’m just looking forward to everything about college.”