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Caitlyn Kinsey

Caitlyn Kinsey

Why did you choose WVU?

I initially decided to look at WVU because it was affordable, close to home, and a family tradition. I later discovered so many more reasons to fall in love with this University. WVU is truly made of pioneers who go first, welcome new ideas, serve others, build community, and encourage curiosity and innovation. Amazing scholars, discoveries, research, and milestones have come from WVU and I wanted to be part of that. The opportunities at this university are endless – there is a community for everyone and a million ways to elevate yourself and your career here. I felt that WVU would provide me all the tools I would need and a wonderful community that would help me successfully pursue my dreams.

What is your favorite Mountaineer memory?

I have numerous Mountaineer memories which makes it difficult to choose just one favorite. My entire Freshman welcome week was such a fun, exciting time! Prior to that, I really enjoyed my First-year Adventure WV trip where we backpacked through beautiful scenery, shared plenty of laughs, tested our outdoor cooking skills, smelled terrible, and set such a positive tone for this chapter in our lives!

Why did you want to become a PSA?

I wanted to become a Presidential Ambassador so that I can use my leadership, service, andacademic excellence to give back to the community and campus that has significantly contributed to who I am today. West Virginia University has become my home away from home.I have received so many opportunities to achieve beyond what I could have imagined in college. It is another gem of this Wild and Wonderful state whose many facets should be celebrated and shared with everyone.

What did you learn from the PSA experience?

I learned many things from the PSA program, from how to improve my public speaking to how I can better serve my community and master effective leadership within myself. Each presenter in the Leadership Lecture Series brought a handful of timeless “golden keys” (or special pieces of advice) that I believe will help me unlock the doors to my dreams. They each echoed kindred sentiments about cultivating the power to lead and change others by first discovering yourself, setting a standard of excellence, and pursuing your vision with the help of the right people.

Perhaps what resonated with me the most were the lessons regarding the importance of deeply evaluating our desired purpose in life and being intentional about aligning our actions with that specific purpose. Most importantly, I have learned the importance of intentionality in our actions and words as both leaders and people in order to fulfill our greatest potential.

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