Honors Program Profile Kaitlyn Kasisky

Jumping In: The Journey through Honors

with Kaitlyn Kasisky, fourth-year Honors student, majoring in OT with minors in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Compassionate Caregiving

Kaitlyn Kasisky, a fourth-year Honors student, majoring in Master of Occupational Therapy with minors in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Compassionate Care, was drawn to the Honors Program by its promise of creative freedom and a supportive community. "I remember watching a video about the program and hearing Dr. Wolf's insights-it really sparked my interest," Kaitlyn recalls. She appreciated how the program not only encouraged academic excellence but also fostered an environment where students were always willing to lend a hand, whether with thesis projects or navigating course challenges.

One of the highlights of Kaitlyn's Honors experience has been the unique opportunities for experiential learning. She describes a variety of favorite moments: from engaging role-playing activities and dynamic classes-specifically, those involving collaborative music and hands-on projects-to transformative travel experiences. "I got to join the HUGS trip to the Bahamas, where I traveled with senior OT students," she explains. "Being the only sophomore on that trip, I learned so much while also providing service to an underprivileged community. Visiting disabled children and sharing those moments of pure joy was incredibly rewarding." The HUGS trip not only reinforced her passion for service but also deepened her understanding of the real-world impact of occupational therapy.

Kaitlyn's Honors thesis is a reflection of her commitment to both creativity and community service. Her project evaluates the perceived benefits of the HUGS trip-a community-engaged fieldwork experience where students work directly with disabled children while gaining valuable clinical and personal insights. More specifically, she evaluates how Saint Francis MOT (Master of Occupational Therapy) students perceive the benefits of this immersive service-learning experience. The study aims to quantify how such experiences contribute to both professional growth and personal development. "This project is important to me because it combines my passion for service with my academic pursuits," she shares. "It's a chance to assess how these unique experiences shape our understanding of compassionate caregiving."

Beyond her thesis and coursework, Kaitlyn is actively involved in campus life. As treasurer of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), she helps guide students through class scheduling and offers general support. She's also completed multiple international service trips through Saint Francis, including the previously mentioned HUGS (Helping the Underprivileged by Giving our Service) Bahamas initiative and a scuba-based educational trip to St. Lucia. These experiences not only provided hands-on service and cultural exposure but also directly shaped her thesis. Kaitlyn is quick to emphasize how much these opportunities-especially HUGS-meant to her both personally and academically. The fact that she was the only sophomore on her first trip, working alongside seniors, speaks volumes about her drive and enthusiasm. Traveling is a recurring theme in Kaitlyn's life, and each new destination is a way to deepen her understanding of others and grow as a future healthcare professional.

For prospective students considering the Honors Program, Kaitlyn offers this advice: "It's not as much of a time commitment as it sounds. There's plenty of creative freedom, and you're surrounded by people who want to help each other succeed."