For Sociology junior Kaylin Casper, “giving back” means advocating for people who have traditionally been unseen by the American majority including indigenous people, the LGBTQ+ community and women. She’s lobbied before Congress, advocated endlessly on campus, volunteered hours for a presidential campaign and helps students individually with their writing.
“I believe this country can be beautiful and I want to fight for that vision,” Kaylin said.
She created a “Rooted in Community” project as her entry into the Honors College’s Giving Back Award competition. She was awarded third place and $250.
Kaylin's project described her work as an advocate for North American Indigenous Students, her student leadership roles and her work in the Multicultural Center Writing Center as the lead. She advocated various student needs before Congress during her spring break with ASMSU.
She also advocates for LGBTQ+ causes on campus and through her work on the Harris-Walz presidential campaign. She has researched and presented her work on gender issues.
Kaylin hopes to spend the summer studying issues of sexual identity and gender equality through a Center for Gender in a Global Perspective study abroad program.
The 9th annual Honors Giving Back Award, hosted by the Honors College in partnership with MSU Federal Credit Union, awarded six students for their experiences serving the communities.
“It is always inspiring to attend the MSU Honors College Giving Back Awards,” said MSUFCU Chief Financial Officer Sara Dolan, who judged the projects. “The students’ presentations demonstrate that these individuals not only excel in the classroom but are committed to making the world a better place.”
In addition to her Sociology major, Kaylin is double majoring in humanities pre-law with minors in American Indian and Indigenous studies, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and sexuality studies.
She is currently a national Truman Scholarship finalist and the University’s 14th Udall Scholar.
Watch Kaylin’s presentation here.