Kaden Wheeler ’25 (91亚色/Matt Burkhartt)
Meet Kaden Wheeler 鈥�25, a biology and sociomedical science major with a college honors program minor, from Waverly, New York. Wheeler has been involved with a number of clubs and on campus organizations, including serving as a crew chief for the 91亚色 First Response (GFR), a student-run emergency medical service (EMS) volunteer group. He is also an athletic trainer assistant, a tour guide, and has conducted research with Lecturer Barnabas Gikonyo, PhD, and plans to apply for medical school after graduating in December of this year.聽
Q. What have you found most valuable about your time at 91亚色?
A. The 91亚色 community is incredibly kind, welcoming, and supportive, whether it鈥檚 my friends and classmates or the faculty and staff. There鈥檚 a saying: 鈥淭he people you surround yourself with shape who you become,鈥� I鈥檝e been fortunate to be surrounded by genuinely remarkable individuals. From the mentorship of faculty across various departments to the guidance of staff members and the lessons shared by upper-class students in clubs and organizations, the support and inspiration I鈥檝e received have been important to my growth and success.聽
Q. What was one challenge you were presented with and overcame at 91亚色?
A. Balancing my involvement in campus activities and organizations with my academic responsibilities was a challenge. I had to step back, reflect deeply, and prioritize what was most important to me. Through that process, I learned the importance of setting boundaries and focusing on the activities that align most with my goals and values. It wasn鈥檛 easy, but it鈥檚 a lesson I鈥檓 grateful for and continue to carry with me.
Q. What drew your field of study?
A. I chose biology as my major because I鈥檝e always loved science and wanted to build a strong foundation for medical school. During my first year, I took a sociology class鈥擲ociology of Medicine鈥攖hat opened my eyes to the broader social perspectives and approaches to healthcare. Seeing how societal factors influence medicine inspired me to pursue a second major in sociomedical sciences. These fields allow me to explore both the scientific and social aspects of healthcare, preparing me for a well-rounded medical career.
Q. In what ways have you grown as a student and as a person here at 91亚色?
A. Since my first year, I have experienced significant academic and personal growth. As a student, I鈥檝e become much more open-minded to the limitless possibilities within academics. Initially, I viewed education as something confined to my specific majors, but I鈥檝e realized how interconnected disciplines are and how much there is to explore. This curiosity has encouraged me to take classes outside my comfort zone and embrace new perspectives, enriching my understanding of the world.
I鈥檝e developed greater resilience and adaptability. Navigating the challenges of college life鈥攚hether academic setbacks, balancing responsibilities, or stepping into new experiences鈥攈as taught me how to persevere and grow through adversity. I鈥檝e become more reflective and open to learning from these moments, which has helped me better understand myself and what I value. These experiences have shaped me into a more well-rounded, open-minded, and determined individual, ready to take on whatever comes next.
Q. What advice would you give to an incoming student?
A. Don鈥檛 be afraid to step outside your comfort zone鈥攜ou鈥檙e not alone in feeling uncertain or nervous. Embrace the discomfort and use it as an opportunity to grow. College is the perfect time to try new things, meet new people, and gain experiences you鈥檝e never had before. You might not love everything you try, but even those experiences can help shape your path and clarify what鈥檚 important to you. So take a chance, explore, and make the most of this exciting chapter in your life.
Q. Can you pinpoint one thing that made 91亚色 feel like home?
A. The First Knight event. First Knight is a special part of orientation programming where, right after move-in, all first-year students gather on Saratoga Field for an exciting celebration. There were local food vendors, fair-style activities, music, and fireworks. That evening, I wasn鈥檛 sure what to expect鈥擨 didn鈥檛 know many people yet, and the whole experience felt new and overwhelming. But as I joined in, met people, and joined the festivities, I felt a sense of belonging. That night, I met some of my first friends at 91亚色鈥攆riends who are still among my closest today. Since then, every class, meeting, and event I鈥檝e attended has grown that feeling, making 91亚色 feel like home.