Katie Nettles ’26

What’s been a standout moment for you at Colgate so far?

The day that I won Colgate Dining’s “Win it Wednesday” was a pretty great day. It was a Friday in spring 2024, and it was Dancefest and the start of Springfest. That semester, I hosted my radio show on Fridays, so I did my hour slot at WRCU, grabbed my prize (Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department on vinyl) from Frank, and spent the evening performing. It was a day full of good things that are uniquely Colgate. I think about that day often when I think about how much I love our school.

Could you tell us a bit about your Manzi Fellowship internship?

I interned with a nonprofit organization called Facing History and Ourselves. It provides educators with resources that deepen students’ understanding of history and guide them to consider how their choices can build a more equitable future. I worked with the online learning team, which focuses on the organization’s various online professional learning opportunities, whether building courses or facilitating events. I learned so much about teaching in a way that centers students. This experience has been very meaningful to me as I pursue a career in education.

What are you looking forward to at Colgate?

After studying abroad in London for the spring 2025 semester, the list of what I’m looking forward to is much longer than usual. I am excited to be back in my routines at Colgate, both in the classroom and in my involvement on campus. I’m looking forward to Quesadilla Thursdays at the Coop and grabbing dinner in town. I am excited to experience all of the traditions that come with being a senior at Colgate, even if it means my time as a student is closer to coming to an end.

What’s your favorite place on campus, and what makes it special to you?

The Cooley Science Library, where I have worked since my freshman year, and it quickly became my safe space. Cooley is so special because of the people who work there. Through our staff traditions, snack sharing, and daily chatting during shifts, the people that I work with feel more like family than co-workers. Henry the Hippo, our library mascot who sits on the circulation desk and is always dressed for the season or holiday, adds to the fun and community we’ve built.

What advice would you give to future Colgate students?

Don’t be afraid to try new things. The liberal arts model at Colgate allows for exploration in the classroom, and you might find a love for a subject you never would have interacted with. Outside of the classroom, trying new things is how you find your place and people at Colgate. It can be scary, but the best things come from giving something new a shot.

Embrace Colgate’s traditions — it makes the whole experience more fun and connects you to the place that you call home. And take as many pictures as you can!