Our very own Kaitlyn Yeatts can be known as many things: features editor for the Eagle’s Eye, board member for the Enloe GSA, coder of robots, ardent LGBTQ+ advocate, esteemed dog haver—to all, a supportive presence; in other words, Real. Dealing in secrets and lies for so long has kept this process challenging, but we’ve learned a lot about our senior nonetheless, and we’re more than happy to present to you: Kaitlyn!

On Identity: Passionate, Outspoken, and Inspiring

“We do gay things, top secret gay stuff,” said GSA advisor Trudy Price-O’Neil. Such “top secret gay stuff” can be pretty significant, though—just last year, Enloe’s GSA led a walkout in protest to emerging anti-LGBTQ+ laws emerging around the country.

Kaitlyn’s board position in the club is indicative of their efforts to create a safe space and community for its members, and of their passion for advocating asexual and aromantic awareness, on which they have written several informative articles.

One of Kaitlyn’s many strengths comes in their ability to make others feel comfortable, and to share their own identity in an effort to educate others. Kaitlyn strives to educate and share, bringing a level of safety and comfort to GSA that gives everyone the space to learn. According to Price, they offer balance. They are a voice of reason, and a pinnacle of chill, never failing to make the club a better place. Really, that’s just who Kaitlyn is—no drama, willing to listen, eager to help—any friend of theirs would agree.

Robots! Robots! Robots!

Kaitlyn’s passion for learning and problem-solving ability manifest in their work in coding and robotics. Having worked in robotics and computer science for several years now, they credit one of their middle school teachers for fostering their love for their work. They take pride in one pet project in particular: a PS4 remote-controlled robot that operates as a mini teacher’s assistant! To Kaitlyn, one of the most exciting aspects of robotics is combining the digital and physical world. These ideas display themselves best in Kaitlyn’s love for creation; here, both digital and physical.The care that Kaitlyn places into the development and upkeep of their technological world proves, if anything, that they are who you want on your side when the AI apocalypse inevitably rolls around.

On the Pub: One of our Podcast Predecessors!

Anyone familiar with the Eagle’s Eye knows of Kaitlyn’s position as features editor, but as the “next generation” of Eagle’s Eye podcasters, it was delightful to learn about Kaitlyn’s role on Inside the Eye last year—the podcast that won an award for NC Scholastic Media’s best sports story, proudly displayed at the front of the room.

According to the podcast’s former host Praghna Hemadri, Kaitlyn managed most production aspects that didn’t involve talking to the mic, from social media, to facilitating interviews, and scheduling recording sessions. Logistics are everything in a production—as we’ve certainly come to learn—and what better role for such a patient and supportive person than one that makes the whole thing run?

Signing Off, Sending Off

Watching Kaitlyn grow this year alone, one thing is clear: “They were a shell and now they’re a full article,” as told quite aptly by Trudy Price-O’Neil herself. What’s next, an Instagram graphic? A podcast episode, even? 

Kaitlyn- 

When we were originally assigned to spotlight you, I’ll admit: I was worried. Worried in the sense of, how can I portray someone on the level that others are getting some of their closest friends to do? Truthfully, I can’t. But I should not have been worried about finding someone as genuine as you – really, I should not have expected anything less from this class of amazing individuals. At the scratch of the surface, I see the love and appreciation that pours out of others for you. All I can say is that I should have scratched that surface earlier myself. Regardless, I and everyone else know that you’re gonna do some great things in the future—give yourself some credit for the mark you’ve made on those around you. Take it from me, however much it means.

– Jadon

Dear Kaitlyn,

The first time this year I think I really got the chance to speak to you was while looking over your Aromanticism article. I didn’t say this then, but I’m taking the chance now. It was so inspiring to watch you work, and bring a voice to this community that we’re both a part of. You’re hugely talented, and you’ve left Jadon and I big shoes to fill, but I think I speak for us both when I say that I’m glad to have known you in this time, and to have learned about you from afar. As you grow, and as you leave, I want you to know that you have made an indelible mark on this community, and I am grateful to have seen a part of the life that you’ll lead. The support that you’ve offered me in the form of your writing and editing in this class alone is something that I will remember fondly. I hope to be privileged enough to watch your path after this year ends, and I know that you will continue to be super cool and super real.

-Elina :]