Kiley Szatkowksi

DYER, INDIANA

“Live for the moments you can’t put into words”

OUTGOING | PASSIONATE | BIG-HEARTED

My Story:

I’m passionate about traveling the world and seeing things from a different point of view. I plan to continue doing things outside my comfort zone as much as I can. I’m also passionate about helping others and making sure every person feels comfortable in their own skin. In the world, I’m the one who puts others before myself and tries to set a good example in and out of work and school. Each and every day my goal is to have a positive attitude and make people smile a little more than they might have.

What advice would you give underclassmen?:

For all of the underclassmen, please remember to always follow your dreams and never give up. There is so much is life that YOU can accomplish even if you’re scared. Take the risk, you never know what amazing things can come out of it!

Instagram: Kiley_szatkowski

Payton Gorski

DYER, INDIANA

“Life is a gift, never take it for granted -
Sasha Azevedo”

LIVELY | UPLIFTING | VALIANT | PROSPEROUS | FAITHFUL

My Story:

I’ve always made it a point to see beyond what people reflect. I understand that each person struggles with something different, and that a lack of empathy has often made the world a colder place. My struggles with anxiety have made me well aware you truly never know what someone is going through, and each person is dealing with unique circumstances. There have been times when my anxiety has overwhelmed me. I always try to search for joy and serenity, whether it be in those around me or in the finer details that surround us all every day. Over the years, I’ve slowly come out of the “shell” that anxiety created for me.

Going into my senior year, I felt like I had finally overcome my struggles and found myself living my best life. I enjoyed spending time with friends and watching tik toks. With the support of my friends and the love of my family, everything was finally falling into place. But, nothing lasts forever. The COVID-19 pandemic quickly brought me back to past thoughts and feelings. I find myself struggling, now more than ever, with the effects of anxiety as I’m confined in my home with an uncertain future ahead. Will I be able to attend classes on campus at IUPUI? Will I be able to live on the Kelley School of Business floor with my best friend? Will I get to experience some of the senior year activities that were once considered “the norm”? When will things return to normal? But in this new, forever altered world I’ve found a new perspective - a new sense of unity with those around me. I find calm in knowing that my self-isolation is for a greater good. With everything around us changing, I find comfort knowing that the light always shines through; I find myself looking ahead, cautiously optimistic.

Favorite part of working with PAT+CASSIE:

Although time was cut short with Pat and Cassie, I have several memories from the experience of being an ambassador. The most memorable concept I experienced would be Pat and Cassie truly embracing “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Although confidence is something I struggle with, I take pride in being a very hard working, determined individual who gives everything my absolute best. I see my place in the world as someone who celebrates individuality and differences. I strive to empower others to focus on uniqueness rather than “fitting in.” I aspire to help others gain confidence through self-expression. True happiness stems from knowing who you are as an individual, always being willing to learn new things, and knowing what makes you happy.

What advice would you give underclassmen?:

The advice I would give to underclassmen is never take anything for granted. Live your high school years to the fullest. Appreciate what you have before you no longer have it.

Instagram: payton_gorski

Kaylee Hoffman

DYER, INDIANA

“She believed she could, so she did.”

AMBITIOUS | LOYAL | PERSISTENT

My Story:

Describing who I am comes as no easy task to me. I feel as if I have scratched the surface on who I am or will become, but I guess that comes with always looking to better myself. I am a very hard working, determined, and goal oriented person, and I apply those traits to all aspects of my life. In school, I have set the standard very high for myself and achieved that with good grades and graduating with the honors diploma. In athletics, I stuck with a sport, cross country, all four years that time after time knocked me down. When I say knocked me down I mean physically because I would pass out a lot, but also mentally too. I am always looking to challenge myself because I feel that is when you can fully appreciate the rewards that come with it.

I hope that one day my hard work will allow me to be able to travel the world and see new places because that is one of my passions. Although, I am constantly focused on what the future holds, I have also learned to appreciate the opportunities and moments in the present.

I became very involved in many activities throughout high school, and I certainly do not regret it. One of my favorite things I participated in was being the "lady indian" for sporting events because it was really fun and it allowed me to be a leader in the student section.

Outside of school I love to surround myself with good friends and family that I feel bring out the best in me and that I can make good memories with. When it comes to the people I care about, I am extremely loyal to them, and I would have to say that is one of my favorite qualities about myself. Although there is still a lot more potential and growth for me in the future, the qualities that embody me today I plan to take with me in the rest of my journey.

What advice would you give underclassmen?:

I would advise underclassmen to make the most of every opportunity that comes their way because time flies by fast in high school. Try to get involved in as much things as possible so that you have countless memories to look back on. Also, do not slack off in school!

instagram: kayyhoffman

Alaina Seren

DYER, INDIANA

“Live for the moments you can’t put into words.”

My Story:

Everything happens for a reason. I know that saying is cheesy, but it’s true. I think each minute in our lives has its own specific purpose. Every decision or action, good or bad, is leading you to where you’re supposed to end up. Some people would consider this mindset to be too optimistic, but I am optimistic. Engulfing myself with positivity is my main goal. Life is way too short to not be surrounding yourself with the people and things that make you the happiest. There is too much negativity in the world to have time to stop and dwell on it.

I think the little things in life are my favorite. The absolute best feeling for me is when you are surrounded by people you love, laughing so hard you don’t have anymore air in your lungs, and there’s not even a sound coming out anymore. Moments like that are what I live for. Pure joy. Growing up is kinda scary as we’re making all these big, stressful decisions, but I know I’ll end up where I’m supposed to be and as long as I have those moments of pure joy, I know I’ll be doing good.

Favorite part of working with PAT+CASSIE:

Getting to know and work with such an amazing team, taking pictures with my best friend, and discovering a confidence within myself that I never knew I had.

Instagram: alainaseren