Senior to Senior Series: Katie Crouch
Hello! My name is Eliza Moore, and I am a senior at Chatham University. This interview might be the most special to me, as it is not only the first person I ever met at Chatham University, but it is the person who likely knows me better than I know myself. This interviewee was my roommate, my best friend, and by far the kindest person you will ever have the opportunity to meet. Please welcome Katie Crouch!
Name: Katie Crouch (she/her)
What led you to choose Chatham?
I knew I wanted to go to a school in Pittsburgh and after touring all of the schools I realized Chatham was the best fit because I wasn’t interested in being directly in the city. At Chatham I am a fifteen-minute bus ride from the city and still have access to all the benefits that come with living in Pittsburgh, but I get to live in a quiet woodland area.
Did your plans change at all throughout your time at Chatham?
Yes, so many times. I came into Chatham wanting to be a graphic designer and then quickly realized I didn’t love adobe programs and would not want to spend my entire life on adobe. So, I changed my major to visual arts with a minor in psychology thinking I would go into art therapy. After doing more research on art therapy I realized how heavy the field can become. I had worked as an art teacher at a summer camp and absolutely loved it, which led me to realize in my final year of college that what I really wanted to do was be an art teacher. It had always been in the back of my mind, but for some reason I never allowed myself to take that step.
What/who inspired your artistic journey?
Honestly, it started when I was very little; the only thing that would get me to fall asleep was my grandma putting on Bob Ross. I think this is where the inspiration was born. After that I just always found myself getting more and more into art, mostly due to my grandma’s encouragement.
As the new Class of 2023 President, what led you to be so involved on campus?
I like to keep myself busy. I feel like in college the best way to stay busy is through student organizations and campus employment. It just adds a great structure to your schedule!
What are your plans for after graduation?
I am going to grad school at Carlow University for my master's in education in Art Education K-12. Hopefully I’ll be teaching after that!
Dean Chris Purcell has described you as one of the funniest students on campus, what inspires your fun and bubbly personality?
To start, I am so flattered he said that and I’m going to put it on my resume. But life is weird and we’re all just humans on a floating rock, so sometimes you gotta not take it too seriously and just laugh! Life’s too short to not celebrate the simplest joys and as a random man sitting on the stairs on our way to color park once said, “keep laughing, it's the only way you get through it.”
Do you have any advice for new or perspective students?
Get out there! There are so many fun things to do in Pittsburgh; your student ID gets you free transportation so take advantage of that while you can. It’s going to go so much faster than you think it will, go do all the things!
If you or a friend would like to participate in the Senior to Senior series, please reach out to Eliza.Moore@chatham.edu. We want to hear about your journey at Chatham University!