Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Caitlin Baker. I am from outside of Philly and I did my undergrad at JMU, graduating in December 2013. I was very involved in undergrad. I was a sister of Kappa Alpha Theta, a member of Greek IV, a member of REACH peer educators, president of GAMMA, a FrOG in 2012, and an OOA in 2013. I started my Master’s program this fall and am the 1787 Programming Graduate Assistant for the Orientation office. I am so excited to be back!
What attracted you to working in student affairs at JMU?
Being involved provided me with countless opportunities to meet amazing and influential students at JMU. It helped me realize that I want to be around people that are passionate about what they do. I have never met more passionate and influential people than the faculty and staff at JMU. Everyone is so dedicated to student success. As a student, it is great to know that there is a whole community cheering you on and is happy to help you out if you need it.
What did you enjoy most about your most recent position?
I love my Graduate Assistant position. I am so lucky that I am able to apply what I am learning in my program to my job. I love making those connections and learning more. However, my favorite part about my position is working with the student staff. It is great to see people develop and create a welcoming environment for all the incoming students.
When did you know this was a dream you wanted to pursue?
I changed my major to psychology my sophomore year, but I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after college. My senior year I started taking classes for my minor (HRD) and I took a leadership class with Nick Swayne where we organized a State Robotics Tournament. After that class, I knew this field was what I wanted to pursue.
Give us your definition of success.
Being happy
What’s the most exciting part of being a double-duke?
I love seeing people that I interacted with in my undergrad experience. It is awesome to see how much they have grown and to witness what amazing leaders they have become.
What’s your favorite memory from your undergrad years?
My study abroad experience! We went to Vienna, Austria for a few weeks in the summer. If you have the opportunity to study abroad, do it!
If you could choose to have lunch with anyone, who would it be, and why?
Eleanor Dare! She was one of the colonists from the second settlement of the Roanoke Colony. All the settlers disappeared and no one ever discovered what happened to them. The cabins had all been taken down, livestock was gone, there was no trace of the settlement. The only thing left behind was the word “Croatoan,” which was carved into a post, and the letters “Cro” carved into a tree. The word “Croatoan” has continued to pop up in history surrounding peculiar situations. I want to have lunch with Eleanor Dare and ask what happened to the settlement and if she knows anything about the Croatoan mystery.
Yes, I am a nerd!