Svea Knight

Year in school: Senior

Major: Dietetics, minor in well-being

Hometown: Grafton, Massachusetts

I have a fond memory of K-State from the first time I ever visited from out of state with no K-State family connection. On my campus visit I got to meet and sit down with the dietetics academic advisor in the College of Health and Human Sciences. Since I was from so far away, she wanted to ensure my experience was everything I needed to make my college decision process a little easier. On a tour around Justin Hall, I was briefly introduced to some professors, one of them being Dr. Kevin Sauer. I said a quick hello as he was in a meeting, and then my mom and I headed back to the hotel to prepare for our flight home the next day. As my mom and I were getting off the plane for a connecting flight, a man was walking toward us at the end of the terminal. We didn’t recognize him, but he took time to approach me and introduce himself. It was Dr. Sauer! He remembered us and wanted to chat. The fact that this professor took time out of his trip to acknowledge my mom and me was really special. Fast forward five years later and he is now one of my professors. Both of us remember that interaction in Chicago as if it just happened yesterday.

Why did you choose K-State?

There are so many reasons why I ultimately chose K-State, but if I had to name one it would be the atmosphere. Every single student at K-State has immense pride in our school, and that pride shows through everyone's attitudes and energy. As you walk around campus everyone smiles at you, waves at you and holds the door for you — even if you are an awkward distance away. People here are passionate about what they do, and that passion is contagious but also incredibly motivating. I never feel alone here because there is always a smiling face wherever I go. The students and professors genuinely care about you and wish for you to succeed. I can sincerely say I hit the jackpot when choosing K-State and am grateful for this school every day.

How are you involved at K-State?

I am an employee at the K-State Office of Recruitment and Admissions, a sports nutrition intern for K-State Athletics, a member of the Student Dietetics Association and a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. I also participate in undergraduate research.

What has been your favorite K-State experience?

I loved my experience in the residence halls. I lived in West Hall my freshman year and I was able to meet a lot of my forever friends. It was such a blast being surrounded by a constant sense of community and I truly felt like I made the most of my experience. I loved it so much that I even decided to become president of my residence hall! There is no other time in your life when you will be living with and surrounded by a bunch of people your age who are going through the same things that you may be going through. It is an experience I will always cherish and really solidified for me that K-State was where I was meant to be.