UW Seattle tours w/ sophomore STEM student!
Hi, I'm Cate, a sophomore double majoring in Oceanography and Atmospheric & Climate Sciences. I grew up close to UW but loved getting to know Seattle more this past year! I lived on campus as a freshman and still work as a swim instructor on campus and play for the water polo club. I love going to sports games, baking, swimming, and spending time outside. If you're interested in the natural science programs at UW I'm excited to tell you everything I know! My goal is to answer your questions honestly, help you think through the college decision process, and get you excited to do what's right for you!
About me
- GenderFemale
- Current academic yearSophomore
- Age19
- Admission typeAdmitted as a freshman
- Academic focusUndeclared/Other
- Personality typeSomewhat introverted
- College experience ratingGood
Tour type
- Campus tour
- Video chat
Hometown
Bainbridge Island, WA
Major(s)
Oceanography, B.S. and Atmospheric & Climate Sciences, B.S. (climate focus).
Extracurriculars activities
- Greek life
- Club/Organization
- Job/Internship
- ROTC
- NCAA varsity sport
- Recreational sport
- Student government
- Community service
- Religious/Cultural group
- Art/Music/Performance
- Study abroad
- Other
Clubs, organizations & involvement
Women's Water Polo Club, A-team Arts & Crafts Club Swim Instructor & Lifeguard on-campus
Housing experience
- Dorm
- Off-campus house or apartment
- Fraternity or sorority house
- Home (Commuter)
- Other
Describe your college experience
So far, being at UW has felt like a rollercoaster. Some days I can't believe I get to go to such an amazing school, study what I love, and hang out with interesting, smart, inspiring people. Other days, things are hard, whether it's the gloomy weather, difficult classes, or bad campus food. Overall, the good days majorly outnumber the bad ones, and I wouldn't choose to go to school anywhere else. But I won't tell you transitioning to college is always smooth or easy, and I'm happy to talk through any concerns or questions you have.
Tip for future students
Be open-minded and accept that there are things in college we can't control, like our professors or roommates. Trust that you can get through anything. But don't forget that it's okay to ask for help! Lean on your friends, classmates, advisors, professors, and counselors. There are so many world-class resources at UW that you pay for, so you should use as many as you can! Control what you can control, and focus on the good things in your life!
Favorite class
My favorite class so far has been ATMOS 101: Introduction to Weather with Prof. Greg Hakim. This class was a very thorough but understandable introduction to our planet's weather system that included daily weather and weather phenomena like tropical cyclones and tornadoes. I thought it was so fascinating to take a deep dive into something we experience every day, and the class inspired me to pursue the Atmospheric & Climate Science major in addition to my Oceanography major!
Career goals
I want to attend grad school and get a master's (hopefully somewhere sunny!), then move into being a professional oceanographer and/or meteorologist. I hope to study tropical cyclones (hurricanes) up close and help improve global prediction and warning systems for them.
Ideal way to spend a free night
My ideal way to spend a free night is to go paddleboarding before sunset, then bake cookies or make ice cream from scratch and watch a movie with my friends!
High school or secondary school
Bainbridge High School, Bainbridge Island, WA
Meeting point
The Statue of George Washington
