Katelyn Eden – Counselor, First Year Initiatives
Where did you grow up? What was it like?
I grew up in Stafford, VA for most of my life with four
brothers. I did gymnastics and cheer-leading as a kid so we stayed busy, and my
mom runs an in-home daycare for work so our house was always full of love (and
noise).
If you didn’t grow up here, what brought you to Richmond?
What brought you to Reynolds?
My husband was actually my next door neighbor growing up,
and we reconnected when he was at VCU for his biology degree and I was
finishing up school at Radford. We decided to move in together and have called Richmond
home ever since. I previously worked at VCU for three years as a School of
Business undeclared advisor, and was ready to work with a different population
of students and develop professionally, so Reynolds was the next step for me!
You have participated in 49 virtual SOAR sessions this summer,
with seven left to go. What has been your most unusual Zoom experience?
We have had students try to zoom from a moving car so that
is always a challenge, but so far my favorite was a student who joined us in a
fuzzy robe from their bed. The 9 a.m. Friday sessions bring the most
interesting situations. We also have siblings, children and pets join us too so
that is always fun to get to know the students on a more personal level than I
think we would have on campus!
What are the most rewarding aspects of working with
potential students?
potential students?
I have the best job! I am sometimes the first person who
gets to interact with new students who are excited to finally start college,
and although all of the coordination is a challenge, I get to help set the tone
for the rest of their college experience. The best part is onboarding new
students from their very first interaction at orientation, and then seeing them
approach graduation and beyond. We really do change lives in higher education.
If you had one extra hour a day, how would you use it?
With my dogs. Working from home has been a blessing and it
has reminded me how important is it to slow down, take a walk, and cherish what
we have. I have been soaking up the extra time with my pups and they remind me
to enjoy the little things.
What do you like to do outside of your work at Reynolds?
We like to explore new parks in and around Richmond with the
dogs. My husband and I are very close with our family so we visit Northern
Virginia when we can to see our parents (who are still next door neighbors to
this day).
What do like most about Richmond when you can get out and
about again? Favorite places to visit? Favorite restaurants?
I enjoy how everything is so accessible. We try and save
money, but we like to try one new restaurant a month (we have been getting take
out recently and it’s still great!). We have a little place here in
Mechanicsville named “More than Greek” and it’s some of the best food I have
ever had! When we have guests we like to walk Carytown and visit Belle Isle as
well - I really find that getting outside helps my mental health so much.
If you won $100 Million in the Mega Millions lottery what
would you do with the money?
Help my parents retire early, and then buy a bunch of land
and a farm. Our family is all animal lovers.
