"Year One: Life at ASU" is a periodic photo series following five freshmen navigating their first year at ASU. This installment checks in on Kaitlyn DiLorenzo as she settles in and learns how to juggle homework and time to have fun.
Arizona State University freshman Kaitlyn DiLorenzo says she didn't quite know what to expect during her first year as a student in Barrett, The Honors College at ASU's West campus. But the Prescott, Arizona, native says, "I kind of love college." Among the surprises is her appreciation for the Human Event, a Barrett class focusing on the development of humanity. "We read books such as Gilgamesh, the Tao Te Ching, and Plato's Symposium and discuss them in class. My roommate and I love the class so much that we bought a bamboo plant and named it Lao Tzu."
-
Although DiLorenzo's Human Event class has been shaping her fall as an ASU scholar, a superhuman activity called "Superhero Saturday" took over on Oct. 3. She was eager to have some fun and leave behind the previous week, which she described as one where everything seems to be due at once.
Deanna Dent/ASU Now
-
DiLorenzo, an applied mathematics major, picked out her Captain America costume in the kids Halloween section at Target. "(A friend) joked that I could probably fit into them (children's sizes), so I grabbed the Captain America costume, the first one that I saw, and went for it. We thought it was hilarious so I decided to buy it for Superhero Saturday."
Deanna Dent/ASU Now
-
Barrett-sponsored events like this are where the freshman meets many of her friends.
"Being a part of Barrett is like being in a community within the already tight-knit community at West. ... There are a lot of benefits to being in Barrett, but the community is the part of Barrett that I love most."Deanna Dent/ASU Now
-
DiLorenzo tries to be fast enough to slap the hand of the Red Power Ranger during a game in which catching your opponent's hand gets him or her "out". At one point during the day's activities, DiLorenzo's community assistant (residence-hall leader) turned to her and said, "DiLorenzo, you’re competitive.” The freshman responded with confirmation of that fact.
Deanna Dent/ASU Now
-
The competitive DiLorenzo admits defeat after being beaten by Claire Moen, dressed as the Red Power Ranger, in their game of "Out." DiLorenzo says she is someone who likes to succeed, but not at the expense of her relationships with friends.
Deanna Dent/ASU Now
-
One difficult aspect of being a superhero: trying to change clothes in a tight place. That inspired the "Phone Booth" challenge during Superhero Saturday at West Campus. DiLorenzo is part of a team of superheroes who had to quickly change, putting on a cape, gloves and underwear.
Deanna Dent/ASU Now
-
DiLorenzo's having fun during her turn as Captain America, spending the Barrett-sponsored Superhero Saturday event with friends and new acquaintances. The freshman says she has found a nice way to balance her academic duties and social pursuits.
Deanna Dent/ASU Now
-
DiLorenzo can't depend on her sight as she navigates an obstacle course blindfolded while being helped by her teammates during Superhero Saturday.
Deanna Dent/ASU Now
-
Social events such as Superhero Saturday help DiLorenzo unwind after a busy school week. But it's the bonds with people she builds that make the freshman experience so special at ASU. Here, she hugs Michaela Rolles, who tells her, “I want to let you know you’re a good friend.”
Deanna Dent/ASU Now
See what Kaitlyn was up to earlier in the semester in these past galleries:
More Sun Devil community
'Stories of the Street' aims to humanize Phoenix's unhoused residents
When Sreevarenya Jonnalagadda first volunteered at the André House homeless shelter, she wasn’t sure how to act. “I didn’t know what to do with my legs or my hands — I was just, like,…
Stellar student finds friendship is the best algorithm
They were two retired neighbors, dogs at heel as the evening sun slanted over Hayden Lawn, watching the students in the AZ Saber club swagger and spar with glowing lightsabers. Dave Mills and…
5 years young: Mirabella at ASU keeps redefining lifelong learning
Mirabella at ASU celebrated its fifth anniversary on Jan. 22 with a progressive dinner party for its nearly 400 residents, marking how far the university-based retirement community has come since…