Home away from home

My roots are in Green Bay, Wisconsin, but I always knew I wanted to leave the state for college — to find a place where I could grow on my own. My brother was already at the University of Dayton, so naturally my mom suggested I visit, “just to see.” 

The moment I stepped on campus, everyone felt welcoming and familiar, and I could already picture myself belonging here. Now, as a sophomore, I feel UD truly has become my home away from home.

Back in high school, I volunteered with an organization called Buddy Up Tennis, playing tennis with kids with Down syndrome and supporting their social development. That experience shaped me. 

I’ve always had a strong desire to help people thrive, which is why I’m pursuing occupational therapy. I’m majoring in psychology with a minor in disability studies — a path that feels versatile, human-centered and aligned with my passion for wellbeing. 

One of my favorite classes so far has been child psychology. Learning about the cognitive and emotional development of a child, from infancy to adulthood, captured my interest in a new way. 

Another reason I chose UD was the chance to get involved in so many corners of campus life. I’m part of Best Buddies, Phi Lambda Iota, Sigma Kappa and Co-Pilots. Each group has given me friends, mentors and a sense of community. They’ve become my chosen family.

I first learned about Co-Pilots from my student instructor in Psychology 101. Her enthusiasm for the program was contagious, and I joined soon after. Co-Pilots is a cohort of current students trained to have peer-to-peer conversations about mental health and student life. As Co-Pilots, we are more than just a roommate for students on this campus. In our Co-Pilots training, we are paired with a mentor. My mentor, Casey Gill, vice president and chief student experience officer, brings a unique perspective to our conversations, helping me to think bigger about my place in our campus community and helping me learn how to put myself out there and build confidence. 

UD has so many resources; sometimes, students just need someone to nudge them toward using them. When the campus community faces heavy moments, Co-Pilots centers care around us. One-on-one sessions with the co-pilots focus on intentional conversations with UD students who might be going through something here on campus and would like to talk to a student who has experienced something similar or just wants to be heard. I want to be that support for others, to show up for peers who feel unseen or overwhelmed. 

I’m especially excited for the new Health and Wellbeing Center at the Rec, which reflects the University’s commitment to creating a culture where Flyers support Flyers.

Time moves quickly at UD because I’m surrounded by people who make me feel grounded, supported and fully myself.

One of my favorite memories is from Family Weekend last semester, standing in the neighborhood with my friends and our families, listening to the student band Overcast. We all sang along to “Sedona” by Houndmouth, and for a moment, my whole home community and UD community felt connected and alive.

I’m me because of the people I’ve found here. I arrived at UD knowing no one but my brother, and now I’m part of a vibrant, loving community that feels like home. UD didn’t just give me a place to study — it gave me a place to belong, to grow and to become the person I always hoped I’d be.

—As told to Elizabeth Krahe ’27