My name is Kate Upshaw and I am a freshman at East Carolina University. My goal while attending East Carolina University is to obtain a degree that will prepare me for PA (Physician's Assistant) or OT (Occupational Therapy) school.

I am from a very small town in North Carolina. I grew up with my dad and two sisters. I have an older sister and a younger sister, so I am the middle child. Family and friends are very important to me.

Before I became a part of the East Carolina Community, I graduated high school with Highest Honors and was awarded the Outstanding Senior award. Throughout high school, I played a handful of sports. For instance, I played volleyball, basketball, ran track, swim, and soccer. Soccer is my absolute favorite and I have played since kindergarten. I was also involved in clubs like Key Club, Project Unify, which is a club pairing student athletes with special needs kids, and Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA). My senior year, I had the honor of being President of HOSA.

All throughout high school, I had numerous jobs. I worked at a frozen yogurt shop for 2 years, was a waitress at a local deli, and I had a part time, seasonal job at American Eagle Outfitters.

Even though I am a first semester freshman, I am still actively involved on and off campus. I live in a Living Learning Community designed to teach us leadership. I am a member of HOSA and I am on the volunteers committee, which organizes volunteer opportunities for HOSA. One of my favorite places I have volunteered off campus would be at the Ronald McDonald House, which was a humbling experience.

I decided not to play sports in college, but I still am active and love working out at the gym. My favorite thing to do at the gym is run and I also like participating in 5k races.