Living here has brought out the best in me

By Mat Brost

As if the ridicule of being a Nebraskan setting up residence in Wyoming weren't hard enough, a Wyoming newbie has to adjust to a driving style that's totally alien. Yield means speed up, stop signs are optional, one-way streets aren't really unidirectional and painted parking lines are discretionary. These driving adjustments are minor, however, compared to the way of life this state has allowed me to live.

Wyoming was a new start for me. It was an opportunity to change the direction my life was going and work for more than just the weekend an opportunity for an education and eventual line of work that I enjoy. After numerous unsuccessful geographic and career moves, and constantly searching and trying to force my own destiny, Wyoming was the perfect place to kick-back, and let some of these opportunities find me.

As editor for the maiden issue of Gusto, my hope is that our magazine will highlight some of the lesser known opportunities that Wyoming has to offer and raise awareness to social issues that are often ignored. A little history is always good too. There really is so much more here than sagebrush and antelope.

After three years here, I have a new appreciation for nature's beauty, while discovering a passion for writing and art I never knew existed. My time in Wyoming has built in me a great deal of respect for the Equality State and what it means to live here.

Until recently, I never thought I would be involved with anything like this. Putting this first issue of Gusto together has definitely been an adventure. Starting from scratch and building a magazine produced plenty of frustrations. But trying something new and making the most of every day and every experience, good or bad, and producing something we can be proud of has made it all worthwhile.

Wyoming has brought out the best in me, and I believe in the people who live here. Even if it means creative approaches to four-way stops, parallel parking and yield signs. The opportu- nities for a fantastic life are available. Sometimes you just have to give those opportunities time to find you.

I hope you enjoy this magazine.