With a nickname like ‘Spin Chick,’ Caitlin Koury is notorious across campus for her killer spinning classes and notable achievements at Georgetown. Caitlin’s main activities on campus are spinning, where she can be found whipping the hockey team into shape, and the NHS student chapter of Academy Health and Health Executives. Caitlin’s major is Health Care Management and Policy, and she is minoring in History. Caitlin had the amazing opportunity to study in Africa where she worked on patient education in an HIV/AIDS clinic and also assisted with multiple live births! Caitlin has proven to be an impressive Georgetown student who has successfully taken advantage of the amazing opportunities that Georgetown has to offer!
What activities are you involved in on campus?
Spinning is my main activity, and while the hockey boys may have you believe I’m only their instructor, I teach two other classes open to all Yates members. They’re an interesting group, but always willing to work hard. And who doesn’t love boys in spandex in a smelly, sweaty room? Plus, they’re the only participants who sing and dance to each song, while spinning. They’re always themselves and always fun to see – I never get mad at the occasional “Hey Spin Chick!” outside of the spin room.
I’m also involved in the NHS through their student chapter of Academy Health and Health Executives of Georgetown University, and through the professors in general. I am coordinating a healthcare conference to be held at the Blue Duck Tavern for health executives interested in creating Accountable Care Organizations.
Do you have any leadership roles?
I’m the president of the NHS’s student chapter of Academy Health and the undergraduate representative for the Health Care Executives of Georgetown University.
What was the best/worst part about studying in Africa?
The absolute thrill of waking up every day and going on an adventure. I loved traveling throughout Ghana and into Togo, whether in meant a 14-hour bus ride up to the border of Burkina Faso, a weekend trip to surf at Busua Beach, or hiking the border illegally into Togo.
The worst was constantly being on your A game. While everyone is very friendly in Ghana, it was difficult to trust anyone and I felt like I constantly had my guard up. It was like a never ending and sometimes frightening adrenaline rush.
Do you have any tips for someone hoping to study in Africa?
Do your research before you go anywhere in Africa and get some sort of perspective but no expectations as to what it’s like on the ground. Be open to experiences and never say no to trying new things (unless of course you’re in danger!). I’m a big fan of due diligence, but some of the best experiences I had were unexpected and incredible just because I went with the flow. Patience is also a very big virtue you must carry with you in Africa – something incredibly difficult for myself after growing up on the East Coast!
What is your favorite thing about Georgetown?
It was Saloun, RIP. But really, I think it’s the scene when you enter the front gates at night and see Healy Hall and look up at the tower and just remember that you’re fortunate enough to be at Georgetown. It’s a pretty awesome feeling even on the worst days. Other than that, the academics, my major, my friends, the overall intelligence and wit of people I’m surrounded by on a daily basis. There are very few things that aren’t my favorite at Georgetown.
What would be your dream job after graduation?
Working at the World Health Organization or Department of Health and Human Services. Kathleen Sebelius is a boss. If I could be a professor at Georgetown in the Health Systems Department, that would be pretty cool too.
What is some advice you would give underclassmen?
Find a few mentors to guide you. Try as many things as you can while you’re at Georgetown and don’t limit yourself to one group of friends. Learn about DC history too, we’re surrounded by an amazing city.