In August of 2022 Garrett Grochowski moved into the dorms of the University of Wyoming in Laramie and prepared to pursue his degree in anthropology. The Friday before classes started, Grochowski decided he didn’t want to be in Laramie or study anthropology because of many things going on in his life, mainly his dad getting very sick. 

Acting on a whim that weekend, Grochowski decided to apply at Casper College before things got going at UW, and he moved back home to Casper. 

“I got registered for all my classes and then went to that first class like an hour later,” Grochowski said. 

Grochowski knew that he no longer wanted to do anthropology and wanted to instead get into journalism because he knew he enjoyed writing. He said he felt very fortunate when accepted at CC because of how quickly he changed his mind at UW.

“I dropped my classes at UW before I came back,” he said. “So if I didn’t get into Casper College, I would have been out a semester.”

Grochowski grew up in Casper and felt like returning was the best option for him with many family issues going on at home. He also believed that he grew up and matured slower than his peers.

“I feel more mature. I feel like an adult actually,” Grochowski said about coming home. “I was able to be there with my dad when he passed away. And I’m happy — And I don’t think I’d be as happy, and I’d have a lot more regrets.”

He said that coming to CC was a great experience because of the small atmosphere and things are more “intimate” with the teachers and peers. Grochowsk said CC helped him know that he wanted to be a journalist. He added he isn’t sure that even the same journalism degree track at UW would have led him down the same path. 

“It’s kinda crazy how when you start college, the expectation is like just pick something, and then get a degree in that and then it’ll be the rest of your life… If I was into [communication at UW]… I wouldn’t be as sure as I am now without the experience I got in Casper.”

Grochowski added that his teachers were great at CC and really helped him know that he loves journalism. He believes that Communication Instructor Bri Weigel was a huge part of his experience at CC, and she was a mentor for him to get into doing the things that he loves. 

“She’s been great because she’s helped me find things outside of CC that have vastly helped me… She’s genuine, and she’s like a friend,” Grochowski said. “She doesn’t treat you like you’re a student there to take her class. She’s trying to build you into the person you’re trying to be.” 

Grochowski shared high praise for Weigel and is thankful that she still reaches out to him to give him more opportunities to learn. He said he wouldn’t have worked at Oil City News if it wasn’t for her, and he is happy that she still makes him feel as though he is a part of CC even after he left. 

“She set the foundation for the writer that I am today,” said Grochowski.

Grochowski and his good friend Marc Sanford worked at Oil City News over the summer and both said they gained extensive knowledge from the experience. Sanford talked about their time at Oil City News and explained that Grochowski went above and beyond. 

“We were only supposed to work 20 hours a week. He probably worked 40. He put in so much work for that company,” Sanford said. 

Grochowski made an impact in just three months of working for Oil City News. His peers at CC know about him and he definitely left a mark on the community according to Sanford. 

“It shows that he is a pretty special dude — that he was able to make that much of an impact,” Sanford said. 

Grochowski and Sanford are now roommates at The University of Wyoming, and Grochowski is very grateful for his opportunity to be a student at Casper College. 

Grochowski believes that his time at CC set up his future and allowed him to get back on track in his life. He built the foundation for his future, and it goes back to that last second decision to return home for a year.