2023 salutatorian Ella Walser graduated from Canadian High School in May and is now attending Texas Tech as a freshman. Her biggest challenge in college is time management and organization. “Not only do you make your own schedule, but you also have to feed yourself and balance your social life with school.” College is better than Ella dreamed it would be. Ella has found a community and friends she can count on. She loves that Target and HEB are close by. Ella is currently studying mechanical engineering. The thing Ella misses about Canadian is the community and knowing everyone in town. “I miss being able to have everyday conversations with people in Alexander’s or Brown Bag.”  When asked if being independent was a dream or nightmare, Ella says it is a dream. She loves being able to set her schedule, get work done, and have free time. High school is always busy, so it’s nice to have time to chill out and be with friends. When asked what advice to give high schoolers, Ella advises appreciating your parents’ cooking. “The dining hall food is not great.” The coolest thing Ella found in college is running into people you know even though Texas Tech is a giant school.