It's Friday, which means its time for our latest Resident of EIU! Meet Caitlyn Atwood, a junior from Blue Mound, IL. Caitlyn is majoring in marketing and minoring in Asian studies with a concentration in Chinese studies. She has been a part of the Honors College, Phi Eta Sigma, Asian American Association, and Esperanza. Caitlyn has worked for the department as a Desk Assistant, Night Assistant, and Marketing Assistant. This summer she will also work for the department as a Conference Assistant!

Caitlyn has lived in Thomas Hall and University Court Apartments. Thomas Hall is where Caitlyn met her best friends, and loves that University Court gives her a more independent experience while still allowing her to be close to campus and her friends. Caitlyn has a fun move in day memory to share:

"My most memorable memory would have to be when my father walked into one of my floormates’ room to see how her room was set up on move-in day of my freshman year. My dad did not even knock just waltz right in, which is so like him. I was so nervous about how she and her family would react to this, but they were completely fine with it. They actually found it funny and gave me a box of cookies! This was the day that I meet one of my best friends. Ever since that day we have been almost inseparable even with our opposite and busy schedule. Because of my outgoing and stubbornly committed father, he made it easier for both of us to break from the nervousness about transitioning to college for we were not alone. We had each other and all of our other friends that we made after that day. I believe her and I’s friendship will last a lifetime and it’s all thanks to my dad!"

Caitlyn recommends that #FuturePanthers take advantage of all the opportunities and services available to them as soon as possible. Caitlyn's oldest niece wants to grow up and be a EIU Panther just like Caitlyn. #FuturePantherInTheMaking