Friday, June 7, 2019

Part of a regular series.

Throughout the year, GNACsports.com uses this space to profile conference student-athletes who are members of their respective institutions' Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). In addition to providing feedback on the student-athlete experience, conference and institutional SAAC members also offer input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes' lives on NCAA member institution campuses. Click here for more information on the function of SAAC at the NCAA level.

Name: Kaitlin Dickinson
Sport: Rowing
School: Seattle Pacific University
Year: Junior
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Monroe, Washington 

Extra Curricular Activities: Nursing and pre-nursing students club, photography, backpacking.

Why Did You Choose To Attend SPU: I chose Seattle Pacific originally because of the small class sizes, great academic programs and faith based education; but I have fallen in love with my school for many more reasons. We have one of the only boat houses actually on campus on the West Coast, making rowing and attending class all before 9 a.m. a breeze. The nursing program has been incredible and I have had the opportunity to learn so many valuable life skills. I have been able to grow so much as a leader and professional because of the community my school allows me to be a part of.  I couldn't have found a more perfect fit for a university!

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken In College And Why: My favorite class so far has been anatomy and physiology. Studying how our bodies are designed helped me gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the physiological processes behind athletics. I remember leaving class every day thinking our bodies are so cool!

Who Is Your Favorite Professor You've Had In College And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her: My favorite professor is hands down Dr. Minhee Lee. I had the opportunity to take chemistry and biochemistry with her, and she turned one of my least favorite subjects into something I found myself enjoying. She is so hands on with her students and always puts in the extra work to make sure everyone is able to understand the content.

Years Involved In SAAC: Two years. 

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I wanted to get the chance to represent my team and further integrate with our athletic department. I had heard about some of the things my campus SAAC was doing and jumped on the opportunity to join as soon as I could. Student-athletes are in a great position to serve their communities and their school and SAAC is the perfect way to do both.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity: Last year, Seattle Pacific hosted Tent City 3 for about three months. TC3 is one of many homeless communities in Seattle that is hosted by various organizations, such as churches, on a rotation. Our campus SAAC met up to cook and serve a meal to the TC3 residents and then joined them for dinner. Those conversations are amongst my most memorable college experiences so far. It shined a light on the often-overlooked humanity within Seattle's growing homeless population and gave me insight I couldn't have obtained in any other way.

Favorite Part Of The GNAC SAAC Retreat: Thinking back to my first hockey game will always make me smile, but the impromptu stop on an empty highway to see the northern lights had to be the best part of the retreat for me. After dinner everyone on the GNAC SAAC retreat was caravanning back to Fairbanks when the lights finally came out. We quickly pulled to the side of the road and jumped out of our cars. Ten minutes went by without a single car passing by and we all just stood in the middle of the road staring up at the sky in awe.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned Form Balancing The Demands Of Athletics And Academics:  It sounds cliché, but having to balance school and athletics has been a blessing. Especially as I have progressed through my upper division coursework, the time commitments have forced me to focus in on the important things in life that bring me joy. My definition of free time has been reworked again and again, but the consistent things that show up within that has taught me about what who I am as a person and what I value.

What Does It Mean To Be A Division II Student-Athlete: Being a Division II student-athlete means getting to do all the things I love, including competing at a collegiate level.

Future Goals After School: After school I'm hoping I will be able to travel abroad, as a registered nurse, andserve communities in need.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Collegiate Career: My major has caused me to miss a decent amount of practice time, meaning I am having to leave my teammates and then make up workouts on my own. It has been discouraging at times having to be separated from the rest of my team, but they have been incredibly supportive and are always pushing me to be the best that I can.

Best Advice I’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Don't be shy! If something sounds interesting, join in!  You never know what door it might open.

Favorite Sports Team: Seattle Mariners. 

Favorite Athlete: Ryan Dungey.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Spring training is the best time! Almost everyone leaves campus and all the rowers move into a dorm together. We have long practices and nap on the floor of our shell house between sessions. I wouldn't trade that time for anything.

One Thing That People Don't Know About Me Is: I grew up racing motocross and backcountry snowmobile riding.