Will & Grace & Jack & Karen & Zane

by Zane Hight

Hey there! Zane here; I’m ResLife’s most recent transplant from out-of-state. Before I started my sightseeing-filled 1,412 mile journey to Cal Poly Pomona from Tulsa, Oklahoma, I was born, raised, and educated entirely within the state lines of Arkansas. I always considered myself a fish out of water in the South/Midwest and I’ve had SoCal aspirations as far back as I can remember. My family had long told me I would hate it out here, and I’m proud to report that they were all super wrong. I love it here!

As a kid, I always wanted to live near LA because that’s where all “the cool people” lived. While I was then referring to celebrities and socialites, I’m happy to report all the cool people still live here… and I work with a lot of them! Today, however, we’re going to focus more on how 30-year-old delicately-coiffed Zane is living out little zit-covered 10th-grader Zane’s wildest red carpet dreams and aspirations. To tell that story, you need a little background. Growing up as a gay kid in Arkansas, I used to hide out in my room and watch Will & Grace on television. For me, it was the only half-hour a week where I could see people like me living successful and exciting lives. I was the only “out” queer person in my entire 380-person class! It was lonely at times, but that show continually inspired me to believe that if I kept my head held high and worked hard, I could live my best life without being burdened by others preconceived notions of who I am. Suffice to say, it’s my favorite show of all time.

Flash forward to 2017; Will & Grace gets a revival season and I get hired at Cal Poly Pomona a few months later… What a perfect coincidence! After moving here, I put in for tickets week after week, never making it off the waitlist… Until I did. Bucket list CHECK! I was able to take an afternoon off work to see the taping of “A Gay Olde Christmas”, the Will & Grace Christmas special, and it was one of the funniest nights of my life. I watched as Jack & Karen recreated the famous stomach-touch from the 2nd episode, Grace interacted with the audience, and Beverly Leslie sauntered in for a special guest appearance. Side note, Nick Offerman - RON FREAKIN’ SWANSON - was also there! I’ve witnessed Ron Swanson in the flesh. #dead

Since then, I’ve walked the red carpet for Justice League (have pics, can prove) and met Ezra Miller, who plays The Flash. I’ve become a Universal Studios pass member and I’ve tasted the savory flavor of butterbeer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I’ve discovered the best coffee shop on the planet, Coffee Klatch, and it’s less than 5 miles from CPP! I’ve gone to the LA Auto Show and test drove a sports car. I’ve tried foods I didn’t know even know existed nine months ago, and I’ve picked some of the most delicious fruit off of the many trees planted right here at Cal Poly Pomona!

But for all the adventures I’ve had, it’s CPP that brings it home for me. Every day I come to work with congenial colleagues, passionate students, and the kindest, coolest supervisors you’ll ever meet. I get to do work that’s satisfying and helps students succeed and enjoy their time in college. Working and living here at Cal Poly Pomona, I have a balanced and lively life, both personally and professionally! It’s a great life; little zit-covered 10th-grader Zane would be proud.