The JMU Honors College mixes students from disciplines and majors across the entire campus. It is designed to create experiences that move students to higher levels of commitment and success. It is also a sanctuary for trying out new ideas and making bold experiments that enrich all members of the JMU community with a focus on experiential learning…including service. This year as a part of Service Learning week at JMU, we will be highlighting five Honors students and sharing their stories of service and engagement. The stories shared depict the opportunities available to students from first-year to rising seniors. Enjoy learning more about Breyana, '22, Kiera, '22, Kaitlyn, '23, Collette, '23 and Sydney, '24!
Making your time count
Kaitlyn Gentille, '23
Sociology and Independent Studies major with minors in Pre-Medicine and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
Kaitlyn is using her service learning experiences to uncover social inequalities in the medical field and use that education, even developing her major, and experience to make a difference in the future of the medical industry.
Kaitlyn’s drive and passion for service began from a simple question she was asked in high school. During the first day of Economics, in her sophomore year, the teacher introduced himself and proceeded to ask the class, “What is the one thing you have an unlimited amount of, but once it’s gone you can never get it back?” No one in the class had an answer, even Kaitlyn. Then the teacher answered, “time.” Kaitlyn said that one simple question had a profound effect on her. “That was five years ago, but that quote has stuck with me. We have to use our time in a way that we see fit, prioritizing what you find is important and valuable. For Kaitlyn that has been using her time and talents to engage in service.
She is a sophomore Sociology and Independent Scholar major with minors in Honors and Pre-Med. Her goal is to go to medical school and become an MD or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. She has a passion and interest in how social inequalities impact the medical field, and is even designing her major to focus on that topic. In the meantime she is using service to help others. Kaitlyn has learned through her service experience that she wants to help others. “Volunteering and making a commitment has made me see that I want to serve others. I want to use my voice and my abilities to help others, especially those in underserved populations.”
Kaitlyn’s most impactful volunteer opportunity has been working with the Shenandoah Valley Migrant Education Program (SVMEP), helping a student who falls into the category of underserved. The goal of the SVMEP is to ensure that all migrant students reach challenging academic standards and graduate with a high school diploma or complete a GED that prepares them for further learning, productive employment, and to be responsible community members. Kaitlyn was paired with a student who had struggled with the ability to write English, but was great at speaking. Dawn (not her real name) and Kaitlyn met during the pandemic for a few hours each week over Zoom. During their video chats they talked about Dawn’s coursework. “I would then help her create outlines for the subject or topic, have conversations about the project and then edit the written portion.” Kaitlyn was blown away with this student’s drive and determination. “Dawn came to America five years ago and has wanted to learn EVERYTHING she could.” Kaitlyn knew that Dawn had the knowledge to achieve her dreams of becoming a nurse. “I just gave her the push she needed to achieve those goals.”
One of Kaitlyn’s most memorable moments was helping Dawn write her college essays. Listening to Dawn’s story she was blown away by her resilience in the face of the experiences she has overcome to be in America and work toward graduating high school and hopefully attending college. Kaitlyn reflects on that experience. “You really have no idea what another person has been through. I cannot relate to what Dawn has experienced, but I want to learn about her experience and help her achieve her goals.” Kaitlyn sees so much potential in Dawn and she can’t wait to see how Dawn’s future unfolds. This year Kaitlyn and Dawn are hoping to meet in person and Kaitlyn looks forward to continuing her mentor work. “Dawn is so inspiring and I can’t wait to meet her in person and then watch her graduate.”
Kaitlyn’s volunteer service and her drive to give back to others also includes being involved in Greek Life with the social sorority, Tri Delta, being an Honors College Ambassador, and an Orientation FROG (First Year Orientation Guide). The Honors College Ambassador program is one of her favorites. "I love talking to prospective students and sharing with them how supportive the Honors College is and the impact the college and it’s faculty can have on a student."
Each of Kaitlyn’s volunteer opportunities have a similar theme and focus...helping others. Kaitlyn states, “I think it is so important to do something that’s bigger than yourself. We have a choice in how we use our time, it’s up to us to take advantage of that time and use it to help others. You don’t have to do something for six hours a day, the littlest things make a difference and you can make a difference in one person’s life.”
If you enjoyed reading about Kaitlyn, '23 then please click now to learn more about Collette's, '23 story. If you are interested in learning more about the JMU Honors College please follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or visit our website. If you are interested in learning how to get involved in JMU Community Service-Learning follow them on social Facebook and Instagram or visit their website.
Story written by Tammy Steele, MPA, '22