Kaytlin Vanderhorst and Owen Harwood both came to UW from small towns unsure of what path to take — but they found their place through psychology, education and community. Kaytlin, from Deming, WA, and Owen, from Othello, WA, are passionate about wellness and social-emotional learning (SEL). Together, they co-founded WANDR (Wellness and Resilience Club), a peer-led space where students practice SEL and DBT skills while building community. Learn more about Kaytlin and Owen!

Education Studies undergraduate, Johann Flores, moved from Mexico to Washington at sixteen, learning English, building community through soccer, and finding his passion for mentorship and education. Now pursuing a degree in Education Studies (Sports and Education), he’s committed to helping young people thrive. Read more about Johann’s journey.

For UW senior Felix Long, education is about more than academics — it’s about emotional growth, connection and impact. Majoring in Sociology and Education Studies (Wellness and Social Emotional Learning), Felix brings his passion for supporting youth into everything he does, from coaching an after-school pickleball program to studying the role of SEL in student wellbeing.

Growing up in Basin City, WA, Alejandro experienced the challenges of learning English as a Spanish-speaking student. Now a UW College of Education undergraduate, he’s turning those experiences into a mission to make education more equitable for multilingual learners. Read his inspiring story!