Have you met Caitlin Peterson, animal lover and Manager of Orientation and Transition Programs in the Office of the Dean of Students? Spend a few minutes getting to know her better.
What is your first U of A memory?
I remember feeling really overwhelmed and nervous moving into Lister Residence not knowing anyone else from my hometown in southern Alberta. I often reflect on this feeling in my current role, exploring how we can best support the transition of new students. Thankfully, residence turned out to be the perfect space for me to find my groove and make lifelong friends!
What’s something your coworkers don’t know about you?
I love spoilers. If I can Google how a movie or TV show ends instead of committing to watching it, I will.
What’s your favourite distraction?
Listening to music whenever I can. For concerts I can’t see live, I’m not above watching recordings of concerts on YouTube! The energy of an audience at a concert is very uplifting.
If you were enrolling in one course, program or degree right now, what would it be?
I think it would be really interesting to study a bachelor of science in animal health. In another life I would have loved to work with animals.
What’s a weird pet peeve you have?
Impatient drivers or drivers who do not use their turn signals.
You can invite anyone — alive or dead, real or fictional — to dinner. Who would it be?
Tippi Hedren. My spouse and I visited her big cat sanctuary in California and met her briefly. I’d love to hear more about her life — from acting to advocating for animal rights.
If you could see any live performance tomorrow, what would it be?
My spouse and I keep an ongoing list of concerts we want to see at some point in the future. Noah Kahan’s latest album “Stick Season” is at the top of the list right now!
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Don’t be in such a hurry to finish school. I was so focused on finishing my undergraduate degree within a certain timeframe. I wish I spent more time enjoying the experience and worrying less about the “next step”.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
My spouse and our pets.
What three words describe your U of A experience?
Welcoming, Learning and Engaging.
About Caitlin
As the Manager, Orientation and Transition Programs, Caitlin Peterson (she/her) connects with partners across campus to enhance the student experience by increasing access and engagement in orientation and transition programming. She is passionate about supporting student success through ongoing, proactive education and engaging students with the university community.