Dr. Aldrich: You know how Kevin Bacon is famous for “six degrees of separation”? Well, in Wyoming, we always joke that there’s really only one degree of separation. No matter where you go, you know someone who knows someone—or you’re related to someone who knows someone. That’s true in any community you work in.

I’ve had the opportunity to work all across the state—in community colleges, at the University of Wyoming, and in high schools—for about 30 years. So I know a lot of people. And I also serve as an elected official… so I know even more people.

That made me reflect on the importance of community. One of the things I love most about Wyoming is that no matter where you are, if you break down on the side of the road in one of those stretches filled with nothing but wildlife, you probably know someone who knows someone nearby. And they’ll help you.

Misty: Yes—they would help you.

Dr. Aldrich: Exactly. That reminds me of a story. During COVID, we took a trip to Key West, Florida.

Misty: Did you drive?

Dr. Aldrich: No, we flew. And one morning we decided to take a glass-bottom boat tour. So around 10 a.m., we boarded the boat. My husband and I were sitting in the back, and toward the front of the boat there was a woman with her husband and two kids.

She had on a tank top with the Steamboat bucking horse logo—you know, that Wyoming symbol. I said to my husband, “I wonder if they’re from Wyoming.” And he said, “Other people wear that. It’s not just Wyoming.” I said, “No, I think she is.”

And as he sat there, probably a little horrified, I walked right up to her and asked, “Are you from Wyoming?” And she said, “I am!”

We started talking—and it turned out she lived in Cheyenne, just like us. Even more amazing, she was a secretary at an elementary school where I had done my principal endorsement. She said, “I remember when you came to my school!”

She was there with her husband and kids on spring break—just like we were. So I turned to my husband and said, “She’s from Wyoming, and I know her.” I felt pretty justified. And that’s not the only time something like that has happened. But I will say, it’s gotten trickier since Josh Allen got drafted into the NFL. If you go to a Bills game now, you’ll see tons of people in Wyoming jerseys. But they’re not always from Wyoming—they’re just Josh Allen fans!

Misty: So now you have to ask: Are you representing Wyoming, or do you just love Josh Allen?

Dr. Aldrich: Exactly! That’s the question.

But honestly, I think that “one degree of separation” is one of the things that makes Wyoming special. People who move here from out of state might not realize it at first, but it’s a really small world. You have to be thoughtful about what you say—because you never know who someone is related to… or who your next boss might be!

We’ve got about 500,000 people in the whole state. That’s less than most metropolitan areas. Cheyenne, our biggest town, is around 70,000. And if you count the whole Laramie County area, it’s about 100,000. Still not a big city by most standards.

I remember Governor Mike Sullivan once said, “Wyoming is really just a small town with long streets.” And I think that’s true. It’s the beauty of living here—the closeness, the connection, the community.That’s what I wanted to share. There are so many amazing things about living in Wyoming, but that one degree of separation? That’s definitely one of the best.

Note: The transcript above has been condensed from its original audio recording to improve the flow and readability of the story.