Dear Far West Masters,
Thank you again for the college scholarship. It has been incredibly helpful this past school year.
My first year at the University of Denver went even better than I could have possibly imagined. Currently, I am pursuing a triple major in International Studies, Physics, and Chinese (Mandarin), along with a minor in Mathematics. I hope to still graduate in four years with both a B.S. and a B.A. degree. I have loved my classes, especially my International Studies courses.
This past winter, I already had the opportunity to study abroad. The course was Post-Conflict Politics in the Balkans, where I was able to visit embassies, meet with ambassadors, and go to Parliament in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia.
Apart from my classes, I joined the cycling team, where I have competed in cross-country mountain biking, cyclo-cross, gravel, and road races throughout the year. Additionally, during the winter, I continued to pursue my love for ski racing and joined DU's club ski team, where I am now the treasurer. Our team was able to train at Eldora Mountain five days a week (when possible with our individual class schedules), and we competed all over Colorado, culminating in our regional race in Brundage, Idaho. I was also able to compete in two FIS races with some of my club teammates, and it was honestly one of the most enjoyable ski seasons I've had so far!
Lastly, I am now an officer in the Alexander Hamilton Society (AHS)—except it's not about the play! AHS is a national security club at DU and at many universities across the United States.
The University of Denver has given me so many opportunities, from my classes to athletics, academic clubs, and friendships. It was definitely the right choice for me, and I can't wait to spend my next three years here.
Again, I can't thank Far West Masters enough. Your support over the years has definitely shaped the person I am today, and I'm so happy that I can still be a part of your program. I hope everyone is having a great summer and getting excited for the 2026–27 ski season!
All the best,
Evi Barber
