Kaitlyn Vasilko, a behavioral science graduate student at Purdue University Northwest (PNW), is turning her passions into purposeful action. From community-building initiatives to creative projects, Vasilko exemplifies how compassion and determination can make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
As the president of Students Helping Ignite Needed Esteem (SHINE) and through collaborations with organizations like the Independent Cat Society (ICS) and Sky High Reggae Foundation, Vasilko is leaving a lasting impact on her campus and community.
One of Vasilko’s most innovative efforts centers around the Come Sit a While program, supported by a $1,500 grant she secured. This initiative, in partnership with the Independent Cat Society, highlights the mental health benefits of interacting with animals.
“Research shows that petting a cat for just 10 minutes can significantly reduce stress levels,” Vasilko said. “This program helps build spaces at the ICS shelter where the community can interact with cats comfortably. It also educates people on other ways to support the shelter if they can’t adopt, like fostering.”
In addition to funding supplies for benches and cat towers, Vasilko and her SHINE team have been hands-on at the ICS shelter, volunteering to clean and improve spaces for both the animals and visitors.
Her advocacy extends into the arts as well. While serving as a teaching assistant for a photography class taught by Professor Frank Geiser, Vasilko photographed several shelter cats. These images were featured in the Women’s Art Exhibition at PNW, part of the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences (CHESS) Building Community Through the Arts initiative.
“I wanted to raise awareness about the importance of adopting and caring for shelter animals,” she said.
Vasilko also applied her skills to collaborate with the Sky High Reggae Foundation, writing a $900 grant to fund T-shirts and posters for their marketing efforts. This experience allowed her to delve into the cultural and societal impact of reggae music.
“We hosted a community event at PNW’s Westville campus to celebrate ska, reggae, Rastafarian culture, and Jamaica,” Vasilko said. “The poetry slam we organized during Black History Month was a beautiful way to honor Bob Marley’s legacy and themes like love, freedom, equality, and community.”
The event drew a strong turnout, with participants sharing original poems inspired by ska, reggae, and Marley’s lyrics.
“It was such a joyful and impactful event,” Vasilko said. “Bringing people together to celebrate these cultural themes was incredibly rewarding.”
Among her many initiatives, the annual Star Walk holds a special place in Vasilko’s heart. Started by her sister seven years ago to honor their grandfather, the event is designed as a space for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude.
“The Star Walk is an opportunity to reflect on those who have impacted us and helped shape who we are,” Vasilko explained. “It’s astronomy-themed because our grandfather loved stargazing.”
The event includes stargazing with telescopes provided by the Calumet Astronomical Society and PNW’s physics department. Participants also enjoy a light-painting presentation and activity led by Professor Geiser.
“It’s always a powerful community event,” Vasilko said. “The candlelit walk is especially meaningful. We get to take a moment to reflect on loved ones we’ve lost and those who are still with us.”
Vasilko shared the advice she would give to someone looking to make a difference in their own community.
“Find something you’re passionate about and go for it,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to take action. One of my favorite quotes by Dr. Seuss is, ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.’ That quote motivates so much of what I do.”
Vasilko’s work reflects a seamless blend of her interests in mental health, art, and community service. As a member of SHINE, she has spearheaded initiatives to promote kindness and self-esteem on campus, from distributing uplifting flyers to organizing events like the Support, Thanks, Appreciation, and Remembrance (STAR) Walk.
Her advocacy also extends into academic research. At PNW’s Days of Discovery event, Vasilko presented her project, Combating the Mental Health Crisis on University Campuses: Mental Health Rooms and Art Therapy. Her research explores the potential of dedicated mental health spaces on campuses and the therapeutic benefits of art.
“Art has always been a way for me to process emotions and connect with others,” Vasilko said. “I want to bring that experience to more people.”
From enhancing community engagement at a local animal shelter to celebrating cultural heritage through reggae, Vasilko demonstrates how one person’s efforts can ripple outward. Her dedication to kindness, creativity, and advocacy is not only making her community a better place but also inspiring others to find their own ways to contribute.
“Every project I’ve taken on has taught me something new and given me the chance to connect with people in meaningful ways,” she said. “That’s what motivates me to keep going – knowing that even small actions can make a big difference.”
Vasilko’s diverse initiatives reflect a commitment to blending creativity, advocacy, and community engagement. Whether through art, advocacy, or simply lending a helping hand, she embodies the idea that caring a “whole awful lot” can indeed make things better.
Vasilko’s diverse initiatives reflect a commitment to blending creativity, advocacy, and community engagement. Whether supporting mental health awareness, promoting cultural appreciation, or fostering connections through art and service, she has demonstrated the impact of thoughtful action. Her work serves as a testament to the power of combining passion with purpose to create meaningful change.