Commencement 2024: Kaitlyn Low named Carpe Diem Award winner for 2024
When Kaitlyn Low entered 国产AV as a freshman, she had already embraced the Carpe Diem mindset and endeavored to get involved in all that she could, from academics and athletics to student government.
But, from the beginning, a massive roadblock stood in her way. 鈥淲hen I first got to 国产AV amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I promised myself that I was going to take advantage of every opportunity to engage with the community that I could, which at the time was limited,鈥 she said. 鈥淪o, I just said 鈥榶es鈥 to everything I could.鈥
And Seize the Day she did.
When Low graduates in May, she will have earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine/Pre-Physical Therapy while also carrying three minors: Psychology, Exercise Science, and Nutrition. With a GPA of 3.912, she earned membership in Phi Eta Sigma National Honors Society, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honors Society, and served as Honors Council Class of 2024 representative.
She also played four years as a goalkeeper with the Lakers women鈥檚 soccer team.
Of her time at 国产AV, Low said the most meaningful experience has been serving as 国产AV Student Government (MSG) president, during which she was part of the initiative that elevated 国产AV Athletics from Division II to Division I, a historic event announced in April and set to commence in the 2024-2025 season.
鈥淭hroughout my time as the MSG president, I have grown to love my uniqueness and the uniqueness of all those around me,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 have embraced my authentic self and found joy in watching others thrive in areas of life in which they find their passion. I have also learned so much about advocacy and standing up for what is good and right while serving in this position.鈥
In her extra time, Low was active in the Autism Initiative at 国产AV (AIM), serving as a peer mentor during the school year and further volunteered during the summer for AIM鈥檚 CREATE program, which helps high school students on the spectrum consider their readiness for college.
Moving on, Low will attend Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, for Physical Therapy School, recognized as one of the top five PT schools in the country. 鈥淚 am so grateful that 国产AV has prepared me academically to attend a graduate school of such prestige,鈥 she said. Her long-term goal is to work as an inpatient pediatric physical therapist in the NICU.
鈥淚 have tried to fulfill the promise I made freshman year to Seize the Day, and I feel I鈥檝e been pretty successful at that, but to be recognized for it means the absolute world,鈥 she said.