The CAS Corps are chosen to serve as representatives to all constituents of the College of Arts and Sciences and to create, promote and execute opportunities for academic and professional growth. These students represent a variety of departments from across the College of Arts and Sciences and will represent the College at events through interaction among current students, future students, parents, donors and alumni.
Each month we will be introducing one of our twelve students representing the college in the 2018-19 academic year through a question and answer format. This month, meet Caitlyn and learn about her research experiences. For more about the CAS Corps, visit: cas.appstate.edu/students/cas-corps.
Caitlyn Simmons
Major: Political Science - Pre-Law
What clubs or organizations are you a member of?
Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity, and APPS club shows.
What sports or hobbies do you participate in?
The debate team and volleyball.
What location(s) have you completed an internship?
Red Cross Internship (Boone, N.C.)
What location(s) have you completed a study abroad or a study away?
Washington, D.C.
What location(s) do you hope to go for an internship, study abroad or research experience?
Seattle, Washington
What are you most excited about this semester?
Being involved in opportunities provided by Appalachian to further myself in my career.
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
The friends that I have made are lifelong and the view is breathtaking.
What do you like most about Boone and the surrounding community?
There are trails all around Boone, it feeds my need for inspiration.
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
I believe that Appalachian caters to my methods of learning. It is not a heavily competitive environment and teachers are willing to build relationships with their students.
Tell us about a transformational experience you have had at Appalachian.
Through the different programs and activities that Appalachian host for their students, I have met the people whom I depend on daily.
Tell us about one other connection you have made while at Appalachian - a friendship, mentor, colleague, a new found hobby or interest.
I interacted with a woman at my coffee shop job close to campus and developed a relationship. She gave me a job opportunity to work alongside her for the university. She has become my mentor and provided me with several resources to further my career as well as providing me with more connections.
What is your understanding of “sustainability” after being at Appalachian?
I believe sustainability is minimalism, leaving the smallest footprint on the universe. I believe that there is an obvious difference between the way of life in Boone versus a large city such as Charlotte.
What is your understanding of a “liberal arts” education and do you believe Appalachian has provided that?
Liberal Arts education is building a foundation to use one’s gained knowledge in several fields. I believe Appalachian has achieved this. I say this because I have taken several courses that are “not within my major” yet I find applicable to my career goal.
What are you doing after graduation?
Going to graduate school at Appalachian.
What is your dream job?
Running my own non-profit.
What do you think you will miss most when you graduate?
Not having my friends down the street will be hard.
Caitlyn Simmons, CAS Corps feature of the month portrait. Photo by Ellen Gwin Burnette
Caitlyn Simmons, CAS Corps feature of the month portrait. Photo by Ellen Gwin Burnette