Kateri Whitebean is no stranger to
the term carpe diem when it comes to
finding opportunity on the Hamilton
College campus. After all, she spent four summers on campus
before she even became a Hamilton
student.
Through programs sponsored by
the nearby Oneida Indian Nation and the Science Talent Expansion Program
(STEP), both programs that allow high school students to conduct scientific
research on campus, Kateri has collaborated with psychology, chemistry and biology professors, and she has spent
many summer days in the lab.
Kateri, who is half Native-American, said the nature of the small community at Hamilton was what drew her to the institution. "Hamilton provides a good atmosphere for the individual," she said. "The college is full of opportunities, and I enjoy campus life and the small classes, where help beyond the classroom is always available."
Science isn't the only thing that
Kateri is interested in. In fact, she
says that for most of her life, she has been focused on teaching at the
elementary school level, and she may pursue that
career plan by minoring in education studies at Hamilton.
To prepare for a career in the classroom, she has also volunteered at a local
elementary school and United Cerebral Palsy and with on-campus
programs for area youth and a number of campus and local service organizations.
But that doesn't mean she can't have fun, too. Last year, Kateri joined the women's basketball team and played intramural soccer, as well.
Kateri says the tight-knit community and the breadth of opportunities offered at Hamilton are still what appeal to her the most. "As a person, the campus just allows you to grow no matter who you are, because there are so many facets of the college that allow people to find their niche," she said.
