Caitlin Rainey has her hands full.
The sport psychology major from San Jose designed her own degree through the Whittier Scholars Program. She participates in an array of clubs and student organizations, including as the president of the Psychology Honor Society (Psi Chi), vice president of the Psych Club and vice president of Team Awareness Combating Overdose (TACO). In addition to serving as a peer health education mentor, she runs an LBGTQ+ social support group and started her own small photography business.
“I am so thankful for my time here at Whittier,” she said. “I have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and really learn who I am and what I am capable of. Without the support of the faculty at this school, I would not be where I am today.”
We asked her a few questions about her life as a Poet and plans for the future.
What's next for you after graduation?
I will be attending the University of Denver this fall to start a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology to be a Certified Mental Performance Consultant and work towards a license as a professional counselor. I hope to work with athletes who are struggling with injuries or beginning their transition out of sports. My goal is to help reduce the mental health stigma in sports.
What’s a fun fact about you?
One fun fact about me is that I get a small tattoo in each new country I travel to. I started this tradition on my study abroad trip to Greece.
What’s your favorite Whittier memory?
My favorite Whittier memory is participating in the Greece summer study abroad program. This trip changed my life and I made some of my best friends throughout the experience. Traveling around a new country with a handful of strangers was terrifying at first, but soon became the highlight of my time at Whittier.
What was your favorite class at Whittier?
I have taken way too many classes to pick a favorite, but one of the most impactful classes I took was Current Topics in Health with Professor Householder. A close second would have to be Intersections: Race, Class and Gender with Professor Overmyer-Velazquez. Both of these courses pushed me in a way that made me learn to articulate what I really thought about relevant issues. I also really appreciate the safe space that these professors created for everyone to respectfully share their opinions.
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
I would have to say the Peer Health Educator office located in Johnson Hall. I've spent the past two years at Whittier in that room and I've grown extremely fond of those bright yellow walls.
If you could give your first-year self some advice, what would it be?
If I were to go back and do it all over again, I would definitely tell myself to put myself out there more and get involved earlier. I had a hard time understanding that my voice mattered, so I think trying new things early on would have helped me learn that sooner.
As we count down toward Commencement, Whittier College is highlighting seniors with something to say. Interested in participating or want to nominate a member of the Class of 2024? Get in touch.
