Karly Bandel

Major: Communication sciences and disorders, pre-speech language pathology

Hometown: St. Francis, Kansas

My earliest memory is coming to the "Bill" for K-State football games. My family has attended K-State sporting events ever since I can remember, especially football. I remember holding my purple and white pom poms in the air, cheering for the university I have come to love so much.

Why did you choose K-State?

I chose K-State because it feels like my home away from home. It has a fantastic atmosphere, and everyone feels like family. I am a third-generation K-Stater in my family, and I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else. I am not just another student with a number my professors refer to; instead, I am someone my professors and other faculty have made an effort to get to know, making me feel worthy. Everyone at K-State cares so much for this university, and K-State cares so much for its students and puts them first. I will forever bleed purple and cheer on the 'Cats!

How are you involved at K-State?

My involvement at K-State includes being a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and the Sign Language Club, a member and executive officer — director of social and secretary — of Kansas State Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association, K-State Proud and Connected 'Cats.

What has been your favorite K-State experience?

It is hard to pick just one experience as my favorite, but K-State game days are an all-time favorite. Students and fans show up to support the 'Cats, and you can feel how much everyone truly cares for this university and its success. Participating in all of this university's athletic traditions, such as the Wabash, is so much fun and are times I will never forget.

How does K-State care for Kansans in your hometown community?

In my hometown of St. Francis, K-State has made its presence known. As young as junior high, I remember K-State was sending representatives out to my small town to tell us all of the amazing opportunities K-State has to offer. It is also fitting that I am from a small, agricultural town, and K-State takes pride in its agricultural college and many others at the university. They care for the university's future and want the best students to come and achieve great things, not to mention the cool gear they bring and the fun activities they plan for students.

Why do you want to bring K-State to your community?

I want to bring K-State to my community because I know it can provide many experiences in different categories to fit many interests and dreams. I want every student to experience higher education. No matter your circumstances, K-State can help provide that for everyone and continue supporting them throughout their college years. College is known as some of the best years of your life, which holds true here at K-State. The environment is safe, fun and full of caring people who will smile at you on the sidewalk. Little things like that make this university home, and I want other students to experience what I have.