Kristen O’Sullivan
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What is the most fundamental change you’ve experienced since your time as a first-year student?
My confidence in my ability to lead has flourished. As a freshman, I was quieter and not as willing to speak my mind. Throughout the comfortable atmospheres fostered by professors and my campus activities (Kappa Alpha Theta and Catholic Community), I’ve been able to thrive as a confident participant and leader.
What non-academic experience at Wake Forest was most meaningful to you?
Catholic Community provided me with a home away from home and friends that I will cherish forever.
Wake Forest’s Pro Humanitate motto is a guiding philosophy for many students and alumni. Did it have an impact on your student experience and has it influenced your plans for the future?
Same answer as most rewarding experience.
What was your favorite class outside your major or minor areas of study and why did it appeal to you?
My favorite class outside of my area of study was Beginning Classical Ballet with Professor Brantly Shapiro. Coming into the course, I had two left feet. Professor Shapiro was kind and encouraging, and taught us not only how to dance, but why we should appreciate the art of dance.
Wake Forest has lots of traditions, and sometimes students create their own. Do you have a favorite Wake Forest tradition?
My favorite Wake Forest tradition is Wake the Library. This may seem like a silly answer, but in the midst of the most stressful time of the year (finals), it’s nice to feel so supported by the campus community. Going to ZSR and seeing the decorations, snacks, and other fun pop-ups helps take away some of my stress.
What surprised you most about your Wake Forest experience?
I assumed I would be in big lecture halls and not have such close relationships with my professors. Boy, was I wrong. Wake has a wonderful student-to-professor ratio that allows for genuine engagement and relationship-building.
Who most impacted your Wake Forest experience?
Dr. Scott Baker of the Education Department was one of the most influential professors I’ve had at Wake Forest. He always pushes students to be their best selves and to pursue their passions. When a student brings up a certain topic in class, he brings us books or articles that we might be interested in based on our comments. It’s great to feel so heard by a professor and appreciated for active class participation.
What was the most rewarding experience you had as a Wake Forest student?
The most rewarding experience I had at Wake Forest was interning with a kindergarten through second grade class at the Children’s Center, a local school for students with physical and developmental disabilities. My internship was arranged through my Professional Experiences in Education course for my minor in Schools, Education, and Society. Working with these students and watching them grow helped the content and concepts I learned within my education classes come to life in real time. This internship also solidified my interest in special education and advocating for accessibility in schools.
Imagine you return to campus for your 10-year reunion. What do you hope will remain the same? What do you hope will be different?
I hope to still see so many green spaces on campus. This devotion to nature really sets Wake Forest apart. As for changes, I hope to see increased accessibility across the board, more accessible walkways, buildings, and classrooms.
Now that you are a graduating student, what advice do you wish you could have given yourself as an incoming student four years ago?
BREATHE. Freshman year, I thought that to be a “good” college student, I had to spend what seemed like 24 hours straight in ZSR. I was burning out quickly. Throughout the years, I’ve learned balance: study sessions at ZSR followed by treadmill workouts at the gym or coffee dates with friends at Bitty and Beau’s. Without this time to take a breath and enjoy college, burnout is inevitable.
Compare your career plans as a first-year student with your career plans now. Why did your plans change or not change?
Freshman year, I wanted to major in Finance and become an investment banker. I quickly realized I was following a path that I felt society expected from me, not a path I was passionate about. After taking a few psychology and education classes at Wake Forest, I realized those departments were where I belonged. Now, I’m off to the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education program, where I will be teaching third grade as I work towards my Master of Education from Notre Dame. After this program, I also aspire to get my licensure in special education.