"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
ASU student, Navy vet pursues greener future in sustainability
As Arizona State University holds its annual Salute to Service celebration, honoring individuals who serve the nation and their communities, Shana Harly stands out for her commitment to both her…
No limits to a mother’s love, a wrestler’s determination
Judy Robles was washing dishes in the kitchen of her California home and keeping an eye on her young son, who was playing in the park that backed up to the house.She looked down for a second, maybe…
A symphony of service: Iraq War vet and ASU alum finds healing through music
At the age of 30 and only one credit away from obtaining his bachelor’s degree in piano performance, Jason Phillips could no longer stifle the feeling that he was stuck. He was teaching at a…