Kaitlyn Williams

Academic Interests

Program II: Inequality in Education

Fun Fact

I'm scuba certified!

My time at Duke has been filled with exploration, particularly in terms of academic interests. I came to Duke with a deep love for the ocean and a desire to work in the environmental humanities. As time passed, I learned a great deal about the sea, but also about myself, and decided that, despite a deep love for the environment, my academic passions lie elsewhere: education. I am a Program II student with a concentration in “Inequality in Education”. This school year, I will be writing a thesis on the First-Gen Low-Income experience at Duke, an endeavor that I hope to build upon throughout the rest of my academic journey. 
   
Stepping outside of academics, I am incredibly involved here at Duke! In addition to teaching the SPIRE first-year course, this year I am the President of Duke University Union, the largest student organization on campus! DUU has been one of the prides and joys of my Duke experience, and I’m excited to be at the helm for the upcoming year. This fall, I will continue working with the sustainability office as a Green Devil, serving as a Presidential Ambassador for the office of President Price, volunteering within the Durham County Public Schools, and mentoring middle school students at the Emily K Center. 

What do you like about being a SPIRE Fellow?

I love being a SPIRE fellow because it is an organization that has provided me with a community of like-minded yet diverse students who support one another in any way possible. The program itself provides so many opportunities for its fellows, whether that be providing us with amazing mentors (major shoutout to the best mentor Brian McAdoo), bonding experiences (from ax throwing with the first years or pumpkin carving with goats), or academic guidance, there is always someone to help guide you along the way. And of course, my favorite part of SPIRE, our program directors, Amanda and Jeremiah. They have become such a keystone part of my Duke experience and genuinely always want what’s best for you. On any given week you can find me talking Jeremiah’s ear off in his cubicle or sitting in one of Amanda’s cozy office chairs with my iced chai. 

My SPIRE experience has really provided me an opportunity to grow and create the kind of fellowship that I wanted to see. Last year I served as the fellowship President and it was truly one of the highlights of my Duke experience. Getting to work so closely with our board to create a lively culture and recruit such a wonderful cohort was truly a thrill. Despite taking a step back from the executive board this year, I am so thrilled to teach the first-year course on final time and spend another year with the best group on campus!