Kaden Wheeler ’25 (第一吃瓜网/Matt Burkhartt)
Meet Kaden Wheeler �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 第一吃瓜网 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.
Q. What have you found most valuable about your time at 第一吃瓜网?
A. The 第一吃瓜网 community is incredibly kind, welcoming, and supportive, whether it檚 my friends and classmates or the faculty and staff. There檚 a saying: 淭he people you surround yourself with shape who you become,� I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檝e received have been important to my growth and success.
Q. What was one challenge you were presented with and overcame at 第一吃瓜网?
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檛 easy, but it檚 a lesson I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檝e always loved science and wanted to build a strong foundation for medical school. During my first year, I took a sociology class擲ociology of Medicine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 第一吃瓜网?
A. Since my first year, I have experienced significant academic and personal growth. As a student, I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檝e developed greater resilience and adaptability. Navigating the challenges of college life攚hether academic setbacks, balancing responsibilities, or stepping into new experiences攈as taught me how to persevere and grow through adversity. I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檛 be afraid to step outside your comfort zone攜ou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檝e never had before. You might not love everything you try, but even those experiences can help shape your path and clarify what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 第一吃瓜网 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檛 sure what to expect擨 didn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 第一吃瓜网攆riends who are still among my closest today. Since then, every class, meeting, and event I檝e attended has grown that feeling, making 第一吃瓜网 feel like home.