2017 RECIPIENT OF THE GLADYS B. M'60 AND ROBERT E. DUNN FUND FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDY
Kaitlyn King '18, a recent architecture graduate of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture, had the experience of a lifetime studying abroad in New Zealand, thanks to the generosity of Gladys Dunn M'60 and her late husband, Robert E. Dunn.
As a recipient of the Gladys B. M'60 and Robert E. Dunn Fund for International Study, I just want to say how thankful I am.
As a student-athlete, training year-round, I accepted the fact that I would never be able to study abroad. But two years ago, during my first indoor conference meet, I came up short in triple jump and severely dislocated my knee. I ended up tearing every ligament, resulting in a four-hour reconstructive surgery. During my recovery, I received the letter stating that I was awarded this scholarship and I can't put into words how happy it made me feel. I was given the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. I am and will forever be grateful for this opportunity.
I fell in love with the culture in New Zealand, the people, and its unique landscape. On a road trip I took with friends, we traveled to the South Island and visited Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. We hiked a trail called Mueller's Hut which was the beginning of one of New Zealand's great walks. It was a three-and-a-half-hour hike to the top where we set up camp on the side of the mountain. I never thought I could summit a mountain a year after reconstructive surgery. It was something I was able to overcome and one of my biggest accomplishments, especially after I had a few doctors tell me I wasn't going to run again, let alone summit a mountain.
I made a friend group that I see continuing being friends for life. Going to school in a big city was an eye-opening experience and I'm looking at going back within a year to work. Growing up in the mountains, I have such a love for the outdoors and the natural environment, and after living in New Zealand for five months, I realized they have such a strong focus on keeping their environment pure and untouched. As an architecture major, I want to focus on sustainability and New Zealand offers great opportunities in this field.
Doing this experience by myself gave me so much confidence in becoming an independent individual. I'm excited to see where the future takes me and I'm hoping to go back to one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Thank you for offering me such an incredible experience.