Caitlin leads her life by emphasizing kindness, empathy, and curiosity. Throughout all her experiences, Caitlin has always sought to find the good in them and how she can learn and grow from each encounter. Caitlin believes that being non-judgmental and instead curious leads to much more empathy for the people and world around us. Caitlin started to lean into these ideas when she was a HOBY Ohio South Leadership Ambassador as a sophomore in high school where she was able to come out of her shell and spread belonging and love to those around her; it was a celebration of creativity that she was able to bring back and grow from. This creativity and curiosity led her to Bowling Green State University (BGSU) where Caitlin has received multiple degrees in various areas. Caitlin is a lifelong learner who loves to dive deep into topics that intrigue her. When Caitlin gets intrigued by an idea, she wants to know all about it (how it works, where it came from, and how it can be adapted to the present). With whatever she is learning, Caitlin wants to use her knowledge to help people, because she knows how one small act of kindness can make a world of difference to someone. Throughout Caitlin’s time at BGSU, she discovered Life Design and loved how it supported students by guiding them in a direction that makes sense for them. Caitlin believes the coaching role can help students design from where they are at and help to facilitate growth that is meaningful to students.  

Caitlin’s favorite Life Design tool is the Dashboard, because she truly believes it is a great way for students to check in with themselves. She believes that you are a person first, then a student, and then all the other things you want to be. The Dashboard provides a way of assessing these areas while emphasizing well-being and the need to take care of yourself to be able to help others. This tool gives students a chance to pause and really acknowledge where they are on their journey.  

As a teacher, Caitlin believes in having a good time and avoids dry teaching at all costs. Caitlin does not want to just talk at you and would prefer to have fun and laugh. You can always expect Caitlin to be engaged with the whole class, even providing some snacks to help. She believes that true learning is found when students are having a good time and feel more relaxed. Caitlin hopes that her classroom environment will challenge students’ perceptions on what learning can look like and feel like in higher education. She wants students to interact with the content while collaborating with other students to co-create the classroom environment. As a coach, Caitlin is always willing to listen and empathize. She is always in your corner and will provide a non-judgmental safe space where students can freely talk about their concerns or troubles. In her coaching room, you will feel at ease and can talk about whatever you are experiencing. Based on Caitlin’s experience at BGSU, she has plenty of resources that she is happy to connect you with, so that students can get what they really need. At the end of the day, Caitlin is someone who will just be there for you and will do whatever she can to help.  

For students, Caitlin’s biggest piece of advice is to believe that people have good intentions and that you should use the support networks that BGSU offers. She believes that the supports that are offered are not a pity; instead, she would encourage you to reframe your approach to any resource and let go of the judgement or shame around them. We all need help at various points in our life, and it’s okay to utilize these resources when we need them. If you don’t know if there is a resource, then talk to folks, because someone will be able to help. On top of this, Caitlin also firmly believes that you should enjoy the ride, because college is only so long. Take advantage of the time and opportunities that are given to you, because they will help you grow to become the person you want to be.  

Words to Live By: 

“The good you o today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway." 

Mother Teresa