Name: Kylie Wright
Age: 22
Major: Biology and Philosophy
Year: Senior
Hometown: Herndon, VA
Favorite show to binge: Brooklyn 99
Favorite beverage: Hot tea
HC: What are you involved in on campus?
KW: I have been a UNCW Student Ambassador for the past four years, holding the same chair position in the organization for the past two. I am also an Information Specialist at the Information Desk and have been so since freshman year. I am involved in research at UNCW’s off-campus research park, working on a thesis project in an Organic Chemistry lab. In the past, I was also a Resident Assistant in a freshman and then upperclassman residence area for two years!
HC: What made you interested in being involved with those organizations?
KW: The first involvement I had through UNCW was my job at the Information Desk. I randomly applied for whatever on-campus job that was hiring at the time and was offered the position through Campus Life. I ended up loving every bit of the position, from consistently meeting new people walking by the desk, to connecting with coworkers. My boss there told me about the organization Student Ambassadors and I immediately fell in love with the mission and the environment the organization creates. At the same time, I always knew I wanted to be a resident assistant. The position offers the ability to act as a mentor and an advocate for so many people and was an experience I knew I would love!
HC: What is your favorite memory/experience at UNCW?
KW: I don’t know if I could mark a specific moment that has been my favorite, solely because I have loved almost every minute I’ve had at UNCW. Right now, Homecoming of my senior year is sticking out more than anything (which also helps that it’s occurring this week!). I have had the pleasure to serve on Homecoming Court and we are asked to attend every Homecoming event throughout the week. Each night, I am reminded just how much I love this place. The students are so lively, the faculty and staff, welcoming, and the spirit in the room exude positivity. I’ve gotten to build relationships with the other members of the Court and show my love for UNCW over and over again.
HC: What is some advice you would give to an incoming freshman?
KW: First, get to know the housekeeping staff in your residence hall and in the student unions. They are some of the nicest, most caring and giving individuals you will meet. They will cheer you on through your triumphs and build you up during your trials. In a more general sense, I would suggest not being afraid to say no. College is the opportunity to say no to your comfort zone, to signing up for the same activities, to making friends with the same kind of people. You have a right to be selfish with your time – spend it how you want! The opportunities are endless and you will always have a group of people behind you supporting you along the way.
HC: What are your plans after graduation?
KW: My hope is to attend graduate school after graduating in May. I am planning on getting my Masters in Biotechnology and then attending medical school. Eventually, I hope to be an oncologist. From what I’ve learned so far, everything doesn’t always work out as planned but every twist has turned into an even better opportunity so I’m hoping for the same in the future!
HC: Fun fact about Kylie?
KW: Each year I put away money to spend a few days abroad (in really anywhere that is the most inexpensive at the time!). Last December, I went to Iceland with 17 friends the week after exams and it was by far the most breathtaking place I have ever visited. It seemed as though the entire country had a fresh coat of snow and a consistent sunrise/sunset. This year, I will be going to Spain for a week over Spring Break!
(That sounds incredible!)
Congratulations on being a part of Homecoming Court, Kylie. Your bright energy shines through in everything you do here at UNCW and you deserve to be recognized for it. I wish the best of luck to you in your final semester and in your future endeavors!
[Photos courtesy of Kylie Wright]