New Knight to Know: Kylee Kramer ’28

Hometown: New Cumberland, Pa.

Major: Creative Writing

Hobbies: I enjoy reading, binge-watching movies and TV shows, and hanging out with my friends. I am also very passionate about theatre and have been performing since I was five years old. I definitely plan to continue these activities in college.

What is your proudest accomplishment to date?

I have had many moments, especially from my senior year, that I look back on with pride. However, the one that sticks out to me the most was when I had to lead a show the day after my Nana passed away. I was overcome with grief in a way I had never been before. The last thing I thought I should be doing was going out on stage. But when you are in a show, your cast is like your team. As much as you need them, they need you. You have to do your best and show up because if you don't do your job, the rest of the team suffers the consequences. So I persevered. I received love and support from the cast, my friends, and my family, and it gave me strength to carry on throughout the performances. But I also found strength within myself. I was able to show up and be there for the people who needed me, and I was also able to connect and harness my feelings to my craft in a way I never had before. It was a surreal experience, one filled with a roller coaster of emotions, but I am stronger because of it, and therefore that production is my proudest accomplishment.

Why did you choose Arcadia?

Immediately when I arrived on Arcadia's campus for my tour I felt a shift. You always hear current students and alumni rattle on about how they "just knew" when they stepped onto their future college campus. That all sounded like total nonsense to me. There is no way you can just know. That's why when my mind kept nagging at me "This is the place" over and over again, I pushed it aside. I figured I was forcing that feeling, making myself think that way because I too wanted an "it just clicked" moment. But after my tour, I continued to picture myself at Arcadia. I toured other schools, all beautiful and interesting, but my mind kept wandering back to Arcadia. From the gorgeous campus to the overwhelming kindness and community, I knew this was the school for me. In the end, that feeling I had on my first tour wasn't some trick my mind was playing on me, it wasn't some myth of love at first tour, it was a genuine feeling of desire and understanding that Arcadia was where I was meant to be.

What are you most looking forward to?

Like everyone else, I am excited to expand my knowledge and shape my learning towards my interests and future career plans. However, what I am looking forward to most is the opportunity to grow my independence and discover who I am. College is a huge development period. As a middle child, most of my life has been defined by my siblings. And while I value my family over all else, I am ready to find out who I am as an individual.

What do you hope to accomplish at Arcadia?

I am hoping to not only learn and succeed in my classes but also develop my knowledge and preparation for life once I graduate. I want my time in college to be full of growth and development both in myself and in how I view and understand the world. If I can leave college ready for whatever comes next, then I will have done my job.