Writing to us from Spain, Kay Davis-Lorton ’23 (biology, pre-health) explains the factor that inspired her decision to attend Dickinson, the inspiration she draws from the Dickinsonians she’s encountered on campus and abroad, and the tremendous power that small acts of kindness can bring.
Hometown:
Mount Kisco, New York.
Major:
Biology with a Spanish minor and pre-health certificate.
Clubs and organizations:
Liberty Caps and The Hive.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
The Ron Phillis Memorial Prize.
Favorite book:
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller.
Favorite movie:
Singing in the Rain.
On choosing Dickinson:
Although I am majoring in biology and I’m on the pre-health track, what made me decide to attend Dickinson was how environmentally friendly the school was. Even though I’m not studying environmental science, I wanted to be part of an institution where sustainability is at the forefront.
Favorite place on campus:
The outside tables behind Rector, near the beehives.
Favorite Dining Hall food:
Butternut-squash ravioli.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience:
Meeting my best friends. Dickinson brought me together with some of the most incredible people I have ever met. And I was fortunate enough to find people here who not only understand me but are continually pushing me to be better. I would not trade it for anything else in the world.
As I kid, I wanted to be …
… a secret agent.
If I could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, it would be ...
… my grandfather, because I am sure he would have had amazing stories to tell.
Proudest accomplishment so far:
I passed Organic Chemistry.
On studying abroad:
This semester [Fall 2021] I am studying abroad in Málaga, Spain. It is an amazing experience. I am constantly challenged, but in the best way possible. I’m meeting new people, trying different foods and exploring another culture, all while trying to conjugate words and remember the word for “bus pass” in Spanish. Although there are many great things about studying abroad, such as the friendships and connections I’ve been making with the other Dickinson students, one of my favorite parts of this experience has been sharing meals with my host family. For example, today my host sister, Martha, and I had lunch together. We talked for hours about topics ranging from American’s fascination with peanut butter to differences in Spanish and American table etiquette to favorite music and musicians. While we chatted and ate, she graciously helped me when I couldn’t recall the right word or conjugation. Even though I wasn’t speaking perfectly, I felt more comfortable speaking Spanish than I ever have.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
It takes an incredibly small amount of effort to make an incredibly large difference in someone else’s day.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I plan to go to medical school after graduation.
Read more Student Snapshots.
Published January 5, 2022