Tradition is important to Kaley Underwood.
It鈥檚 part of the reason she decided to attend the University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith, following in the footsteps of her father and aunt, both of whom attended the university when it was Westark Community College.
But Underwood isn鈥檛 only continuing traditions in her own family. She鈥檚 also helping continue traditions at AV抖阴 by serving as the director of AV抖阴 Camp for 2018, a three-day camp for incoming AV抖阴 freshmen hosted by upperclassmen that helps ease the transition from high school to college.
鈥淚've been involved with AV抖阴 Camp ever since I attended it myself my freshman year,鈥� Underwood said. 鈥淚've absolutely loved the experience every year, and I've seen firsthand how beneficial the experience is for freshmen. As director, I'm excited to continue the tradition of making the freshmen's first few days at AV抖阴 an amazing experience.鈥�
In her role, the Oden High School graduate and media communications major is responsible for choosing upperclassmen to staff AV抖阴 Camp and in charge of coordinating all the events and programming for the camp.
While the position is daunting, Underwood is excited for the opportunity to develop her leadership skills.
鈥淭his is without a doubt the largest leadership role I will have ever held. This position
will also give me a great opportunity to network with people on campus, not just with
the faculty, but with students as well,鈥� she said. 鈥淚'm also excited to use some of
the skills I've learned in my major, such as filming and editing and social media
marketing.鈥�
While she is well-qualified for the leadership position, Underwood may have not gotten the opportunity had she attended a larger university. Here, she sees herself as being able to make a difference.
鈥淚 feel more comfortable on this campus than I would have on a larger campus, which has allowed me to feel more comfortable stepping into new roles such as AV抖阴 Camp director,鈥� Underwood said. 鈥淎ttending AV抖阴 has given me the opportunity to stand out.鈥�