A ray of sunshine—a phrase often used to describe Kaitlyn Smith. Anyone lucky enough to know her regards her as kind-hearted, positive, and bright. She lights up the room and tears up the track. Smith is a proud captain of the cross country and track team and has been running since nine years old. Next year, Smith will be headed to Vanguard University to continue both her academic and athletic pursuits.
Out of all her fond high school memories, Smith recalled a particularly special one.
“There are so many, but I would say some of my best high school memories came from our [cross country] team’s travel trip to Hawaii,” Smith said. “After the meet, we got to walk around the island and go cliff jumping off the pier at night! I think that was when I really realized what a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I was experiencing!”
Looking to the future, Smith plans on double-majoring in nursing and biology and intends to attend medical school post-college.
“It is my dream to be a doctor, and I am super interested in emergency medicine and peds!” Smith said.
Smith would like to shout out her parents, sisters, coaches, and teammates for their continual, unwavering support.
“Shoutout to my mom for always being there for me no matter what and to my dad for being one of my biggest supporters,” Smith said. “To my sisters for being my bestest friends and to my teammates for making my time at CHS amazing! Also, shoutout to my coaches, Coach Mark and Natalie Batres, for being truly remarkable at what they do. I couldn’t have asked for better, more knowledgeable, and caring coaches. Finally, I want to thank God because I know that none of this would be possible without him! It is by his goodness and Grace that I am able to do anything, and I want to give all the glory to Him!”
Smith would like to remind high schoolers to dream beyond their limits.
“My advice to those entering high school would be to really work on figuring out what you want to do in the future and then create a strong plan to get there,” Smith said. “There are a lot of opportunities, and you don’t want to miss out and then wish you had done them earlier. Work hard and dream big! :)”
