Family Tradition Continues
When she graduated as an honors student from Pocatello High School last spring, Paige Shouse had plenty of options for college.
Her decision, however, was an easy one. Today, she is a freshman at Idaho State University, studying exercise science. She plans to become a physical therapist.
Growing up in a family of Bengals, Shouse said, she couldn't really imagine going anywhere else.
"It was expected," her dad, Chad, said with a laugh.
Paige's mom, Stacie, director of business development at Pioneer Title Company, graduated in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in mass communications. Chad, manager of PipeCo in Pocatello, graduated in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in marketing. Paige's grandfather is also an alumnus of Idaho State, and her aunt graduated from the pharmacy program. Her cousin is an ISU graduate as well.
"Everyone I love has gone here," Paige said.
After arriving on campus, Paige immediately found more reasons to enjoy the University she was raised to love. She is already working in her field as a career path intern in the sport science equipment room, and is enjoying the small class sizes and individualized attention she is receiving through the University Honors Program.
"It's been challenging, in a really good way," she said.
She said many of her friends decided to leave the area for school, but she didn't see the need.
"Why would I choose to go somewhere else when I have all the opportunities I want right here?" she said.
Chad and Stacie have been excited to see Paige flourish in the ISU community. Chad says there are more activities than he remembers - New Student Orientation, with activities every day, has been a highlight so far for Paige.
The Shouse family can be seen at ISU events year-round, but they especially love football games. For them, Homecoming week was packed with alumni events, tailgating and the game. For Paige's sister, Sydnee, 13, a highlight is seeing Benny the Bengal at different events. She has also participated in the Bengal Cheer camp for many years, and loves tailgating with her friends.
"Being a part of the community is really nice. There are so many things to do," Chad said. "It's something we've always loved to do as a family."
Chad and Stacie are originally from the Magic Valley area - they met on a blind date during spring break. After graduating from Idaho State University, it was partly the ISU community that kept them in Pocatello.
"I love meeting people who have come here and stayed," Stacie said. "I just love the community."