Michigan State University is a place for learning and growing. It's a place for meeting new people and building lifelong friendships. But for Kate Burdick, MSU is more than just a place.
"I call MSU home," said Burdick, community director of Wonders Hall. "I'm a Spartan at heart."
And she hopes students living in Wonders Hall feel the same.
"My hope is that MSU doesn't feel big, but it feels like a second home to people," Burdick said. "That's something that matters a great deal to me."
Burdick is very passionate about her work, but she's also very passionate about the students with whom she works.
"This is an amazing generation," she said. "I feel safe about the future being in their hands. I think they are going to be great leaders."
Getting the opportunity to work with these future leaders is the best part of her job, Burdick said.
Burdick smiled as she acknowledged the impact she hopes she has on students.
"I have met so many wonderful people who are undergraduates," she said "I think about what they are going to be doing in the future and it's really exciting to think that I had a small part in that."
On a daily basis, Burdick is able to interact with Wonders Hall residents. She gives them guidance and advice, she answers questions when they are unsure of themselves and she provides valuable resources so they can find their way in life.
"I really enjoy being a part of this part of their life, where they are making so many decisions and acquiring new skills," she said.